Cribbing, wood chewing, not standing still

Question
Hi! I have a 9 year old quarter horse. Before I owned him he was kept by himself and got so bored he started cribbing. After he developed that habbit, he now chews on the wood fences. I do keep a cribbing collar on him, but He and I both hate it. Also, when i bath, brush, groom, etc, he does not hold still work a tush. I was wondering if you had any suggestions for any of my problems. Anything natural or anything...I would love to hear any suggestions. Thanks so much!

Kailee Young
16 years old
Colorado

Answer
Hi Kailee;

Cribbing is a very hard habit to break.  Often starts when a horse is stressed.  Relieving all stress, lots of turnout, healthy diet, companionship etc... will sometimes help, but not always.  You can also try coating your wood fencing with something distasteful, but not toxic, and that might discourage him from chewing.

He might be very ticklish or have sore 'skin' and that's why he won't standstill.  With the fact he also cribs, I'm leaning toward the latter.  

I'd have your vet pull blood and make sure he's not deficient in any nutrients.

Then I'd have a massage therapist work with him.  If he's sore all over, which is what I suspect, then you need to re-examine his diet as he might be eating something he has a food allergy to.  You'll might also want to talk to a vet that deals in alternative therapies to examine him and give you some herbal or homeopathic suggestions.

Good luck with him!  He's so lucky to have such a caring owner.

Sincerely,

Lana Reinhardt