Is Your Horse A Cribber?
Cribbing: Vice or Pain??
Cribbing is the term we use to describe the behavior wherein horses grasp stationary objects with their upper teeth, arch their necks and swallow or suck in air.
Cribbing, although on occasion is habitual and/or behavioral, is almost always a sign of stomach distress.
Horses most often begin to crib in an effort to alleviate stomach discomfort from indigestion, nausea and/or burning. These symptoms are frequently caused by the overfeeding of starches and/or proteins which, over time, creates excess gastric (stomach) fermentation. This hampers both the digestive and buffering capabilities of the stomach and increases levels of unfriendly bacteria and acids damaging the interior of the stomach, resulting in ulcers, gastritis, gas, acid, nausea and feelings of premature fullness.
Not only do horses find the sucked in wind comforting and cooling, but the jaw movement of cribbing buffers and lubricates the upset stomach by inducing saliva production. These gastric cribbers are often observed cribbing during and after eating. Excessive tongue action and licking motions are also signs of stomach discomfort.
Remember that horses can be masters at hiding the true reason for their discomfort. Imagine if you will that you were suffering from heartburn, indigestion, nausea or pain and that you were not only unable to communicate your discomfort to anyone, but that you were also unable to find relief. Depending on your level of frustration, you might pace or paw; you might become restless, irritable, and/or tired; you might lick cool objects and/or inhale cool air deeply and frequently. You might even sink your teeth into a piece of wood to steady yourself in an attempt to seek relief through endorphin production. But then again, a well-meaning friend might cover the wood with metal so that all you can do is lick it. Or someone might wrap a tight collar around your neck to stop you from getting relief from the cool air and from the acid buffering effects of jaw movement. These inhumane practices originate from ignorance about the equine digestive process, and from human misinterpretation of equine behavior, as we fail to understand our horses’ efforts to communicate with us.
Many times I have seen cribbing abruptly stop when horse owners eliminate a particular kind of grain, commercial feed, or hay that is too rich in either protein (e.g. alfalfa) or sugars from the feeding program. These feeds can precipitate cribbing by overloading the capabilities of the equine digestive system. Positive feed changes combined with the appropriate digestive supplements restore digestive function and give a horse long-needed relief.
It is also true that horses can crib as a stress response to stall confinement, boredom, isolation, and/or emotional stress. However, since we know that stress is directly linked to digestive disorders, we must question whether behavioral cribbing is an attempt to alleviate mal-digestion and gastric pain as caused by stress, or if behavioral cribbing is an attempt to alleviate the stressitself, through endorphin production.
There has been no incidence of cribbing reported in wild horse bands. Amazing what a natural diet and a little freedom can do…
Nutritional Cribbing Program
a) Discontinue all grain, alfalfa and sugar-rich hay b) Feed frequently – horses have to chew all day! c) Use slow feeders – this aids the digestion and regulates intake. d) Reduce stress levels by avoiding confinement, isolation and over-training.
Engage your horse in relaxing activities. Instead of continual riding, training and competing give them a change in scenery and a break in routine by hand-walking, trail-riding, lawn grazing or just “hanging out” with them. Horses spend 80% of their time “hanging out” with other horses. It’s the best way for horses to accept us as non-threatening partners – and improving performance!
Riva’s Remedies:
Five Herb Digest – ¼ cup daily
Relieves reflux, ulcers, bloating, indigestion, stress and colic
Magnesium Citrate – 3,000 mg daily
Buffers excess acid; is a natural pain reliever; calm stress and nervous tension
Riva’s Pro-Colon (probiotics) – 50,000 – 60,000 billion CFU’s daily
Replenishes friendly bacteria; supports digestion and immunity; stimulates stomach digestion; helps to heal stomach membranes
Gastricol – One dose daily for 7 days; then as needed
Aids digestion; relieves bloating and distension; relieves colic; detoxifies liver
Calm & Cool herbal blend – add to the program for very nervous cribbers – ¼ cup daily
Calm and restores the nerves; is a natural relaxant
All products listed can be purchased in store or online from
Horse Cents Tack & Exchange.
“Riva’s Healing Spirit awakens the essence that resides within each one of us – animal or human – the heart of which connects and aligns us with the greater spirit that heals all.”
Original Article from Riva's Remedies.
Marijke van de Water, B.Sc., DHMS Equine Health & Nutrition Specialist Homeopathic Practitioner Medical Intuitive & Healer Author & Educator
