Crib biting

[Charlie4519]

I'm thinking of (full) loaning a horse but I'm told he is a 'mild' crib biter. And I wondered if this is going to be a major problem for me as this is my first full loan and I want things to go smoothly

 

[Mrs B]

I'm thinking of (full) loaning a horse but I'm told he is a 'mild' crib biter. And I wondered if this is going to be a major problem for me as this is my first full loan and I want things to go smoothly

Honestly? I wouldn't. People do tell porkies about the extent of such problems as they know it'll discourage others. This is your first 'own' horse and to my mind (others may disagree) I'd go for something with no recorded problems of any sort. Being in sole charge of a horse is a steep learning curve on its own, never mind trying to deal with a stereotypical behaviour (which will have occurred for a reason). Horses in the wild don't crib - and domestic horses that do often have associated medical problems. I thought carefully about taking on a cribber last year: I did and although I've had horses for about 40 years, it challenged me hugely to find ways to change his environment, keep and outlook to lessen the behaviour.

Don't mean to put a 'downer' on your plans and I hope you find a horse to give you joy

 

[Charlie4519]

Thanks for the advice

 

[JillA]

There is an established link between crib biting and gastric ulcers. If he has been treated for ulcers it could be a residual habit, and depends on how severe. I wouldn't refuse outright one that just cribs, the ones that take in air at the same time (windsucking with cribbing) are difficult to get condition on, maybe because of the ulcers, maybe because their stomachs are full of air. If you need to treat for ulcers that could be expensive.