I came across an article regarding cribbing on the Parelli website and found it very interesting. To read the full article visit www.parelli.com and search cribbing.
The article reflects that cribbing was thought to be a nasty habit in which a horse gulps in air. In actuality the horse is releasing air to relieve upper digestive discomfort. When the horse is unable to expel this air he is in gastric pain to varying degrees. The article goes onto say that cribbing does not cause colic, weight loss, etc. but it’s a sign of digestive distress and the lack of this release may induce these ailments. Cribbing is the result of things like mineral deficiencies, a weak digestive system, feeds that are hard to digest, and stress (which shuts down the digestive system). Nor is cribbing ‘contagious’. Horses don’t learn it from each other, they do it because they live in the same stressful circumstance and/or mineral deficient feeding regime. Once you understand that a horse is trying to relieve indigestion, it makes you think differently about putting on that cribbing collar.
What do you think? My horse that cribs does suffer from a minor ulcer ailment which supports their finding.
Have you ever experience a horse picking-up cribbing from watching another horse? I haven’t but have been told the story.
Curious to hear your thoughts.
