cribbing mare

Question
We've tried everything including hot sauce, cribbing collars and commercial products to arrest our 10yr old mare's habit of trying to eat our barns and fences. Black Magic is a Registered Paint Quarter mare about 10 years old who resides with another mare just like her.  She lives on our small farm with her own stall and spends the days in pasture with her "sister" mare.  We have had her for just a year now.  I don't need to tell you how much she is loved.
Unfortunately, we were informed she had been badly abused by a previous owner.  Someone had beaten her on the head with a two-by-four.  It took us several months to win over Magic's trust, but now we have an understanding of love and friendship between us.
There are other issues with Magic, but the cribbing has got to be stopped for her benefit and the barn's.  I hope you can help us with this.  

Answer
Hi Cheryl!

This actually sounds more like wood chewing than cribbing....but, hey, who cares what's it's called!!  You just want some help!  LOL!!

I have had several levels of cribbers/wood chewers/wind suckers in my barn.  Only once have I 99% eliminated it.  I think it was because he only did it out of boredom and frustration.  The others still do it and one does it all day whether he's in or out, hungry or fed...I think he even does it in his sleep!

I hate cribbing collars and find them cruel.  Have you tried the top off supplement that helps to stop wood chewing?  I cannot recall the name but, a quick Internet search should help you find it.

I also like to keep them busy.  I love the pasture pals that roll around and dispense treats at odd intervals.  Horses love to push them around and get a goodie.  Also, make sure there is enough forage....spread some hay in different spots and hide a little feed too so she can look for it.

Lastly, a tired horse is a sleepy, sedate horse.  Make sure she gets plenty of exercise.  I mean real exercise, not just ambling around her pasture.  Longe her at all 3 gaits at least 10 or 15 minutes a day, as well as ride her.  I know this is hard in Feb. but, you get the idea.  She is young and healthy, right?  Well, she needs to get a runnin'!!!

Sometimes you can never get rid of these behaviors.  Some vets say it is hereditary and who can fight that?

Try to vary her routine so that she is not stressed (which could make things worse) but, she is excited and curious to see you because something fun will happen  :-)

Good Luck and remember to always wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet!

Solange