A cross-sectional study on compulsive behaviour (stable vices) in horses.

The research studied compulsive behaviours in horses and the effects of individual and stable-level factors on these behaviours. It revealed that individual-level factors had significant effects on most behaviours, while some stable-level ones were significant too.

Research Design and Methodology

• The research employed a cross-sectional survey design to gain insights into compulsive behaviours among horses.
• It covered a vast population, including 769 horses from 32 Thoroughbred, Standardbred, and pleasure horse stables located in southwestern Ontario.
• The researchers gathered data both on the individual level (pertaining to breed, age, and sex of each horse) and at the stable level (factors related to the horses’ housing and management).
• A statistical approach involving unconditional analysis (Chi-square, t test) and conditional stepwise logistic regression were used to assess the effects of these factors on various compulsive behaviours such as cribbing, stall-walking, weaving, stall-kicking, tongue playing, and pawing.

Individual and Stable-level Factors

• The study found significant effects of individual-level factors on most compulsive behaviours.
• Conversely, only some stable-level factors showed a significant effect on the prevalence of compulsive behaviours when tested unconditionally.
• However, these factors became nonsignificant when incorporated into a logistic regression model after stable type. This indicates that stable level factors might play a secondary role in influencing compulsive behaviours.

Special Case: Stall-Kicking Behaviour

• The study identified a special case in the stall-kicking behaviour. It was found to be more common in horses which had physical contact with other horses.
• This factor stayed significant even in the logistic regression analysis, suggesting a strong correlation between inter-horse physical contact and this particular compulsive behaviour.

Implications of the Study

• The research posits that stable-level factors should be viewed more as modulating factors rather than as causes.
• In some instances, these factors may even reflect an attempt to treat the problem. For instance, increased turn-out of affected horses is possibly an ineffective attempt to treat problems, while reduced forced exercise of affected horses is more likely to represent a cause.
• This research can inform better management practices in stables, focusing on individual-level factors and the appropriate interaction and exercise of horses to mitigate compulsive behaviours.