Learn About Horse Cribbers
How to Control Cribbing?
There is no absolute method to stop cribbing in certain horses, but there are ways to cope. Here are some suggestions that have been tried by those who have cribbers.
A cribbing collar or a cribbing strap makes it uncomfortable for the horse to do the cribbing behavior by preventing the horse from flexing his neck muscles as he pulls back to gulp air. The strap makes it uncomfortable for the horse to flex his neck but the strap doesn't harm the horse.
A toy has been shown to reduce cribbing rates, as has more outdoor activity and socialization.
You can eliminate cribbing surfaces or electrify cribbing surfaces such as fence posts.
A surgical option is available that involves removing small pieces of certain muscles and nerves in the neck. However, this surgery requires general anesthesia and still in some horses may not completely solve the behavior. Many horse owners consider the surgery cost prohibitive.
Buying a Cribber?
"Does the horse have any vices?" should be on your list of questions for the owner of any horse you are considering buying. If you want less of a hassle starting out, you will probably want to avoid buying a cribber.
If you do buy a cribber, be prepared to deal with the habit the entire time you own the horse. Usually without drastic measures, such a surgery, a cribber will continue being a cribber for its entire life. If you are persistent and try enough methods of control, however, you may be able to manage the habit so that it’s not destructive to the horse or its home. But, it might be a long, uphill battle to get there.
