The research article examines the causes behind equine stereotypies like crib-biting, wind-sucking, and weaving, arguing that the common explanation of “boredom” is too encompassing and simplistic. The study suggests significant factors such as changes in the nutritional and social environment of the horse, especially around weaning time, along with low forage provision and minimal social opportunities. The findings contest anecdotal claims of horses copying such behaviours from each other.

Unpacking the Stereotypies

• The article examines equine stereotypies, which are repetitive behaviours seen in horses such as crib-biting, wind-sucking, and weaving. The commonly held belief is that these behaviours arise from boredom. However, this research work challenges that generalisation, claiming it lacks precision and practicality when devising ways to mitigate these behavioural issues.

Linking Stereotypies to Weaning

• Significantly, the study places the onset of these stereotypies around the time of weaning, which bears drastic changes in both the nutritional and social environment of a foal. These changes imply that they may play a substantial role in the eliciting of stereotypies.

Nutrition and Socialization

• The provision of low forage quantities and minimal opportunities for social contact are found to be related to higher reported instances of stereotypic behaviour. This introduces a strong case for the role of diet and socialisation in initiating and perpetuating these behaviours.

Adaptive Oral Stereotypies

• Oral stereotypies, according to experimental data, seem to respond to a low-forage diet. However, this response may be a partially adaptive measure. It is suggested that oral stereotypies could lead to increased salivary flow which, in turn, could lessen gastric acidity and expedite the digestion of feed.

Equivocal Evidence on Mimicry

• The research finds no direct or circumstantial evidence to substantiate anecdotal observations that horses tend to mimic or adopt stereotypies from their peers. This opposes the popular narrative about the transmission of these behaviours among horses.

Intervention Suggestions

• The study advocates that surgical or pharmacological prevention methods must only be considered after addressing and eliminating the underlying causes responsible for eliciting these stereotypic behaviours. This reflects a proactive approach, emphasizing the removal of causes instead of merely treating symptoms.