Educational Overview

Equine Cribbing (Wind-Sucking)

What is cribbing?


Cribbing, also called wind-sucking, is a behavioral habit where a horse grasps a solid object (like a stall door or fence) with its teeth, arches its neck, and sucks in air. While not inherently dangerous, it can lead to dental wear, weight loss, digestive upset, and poor performance over time.

Common triggers


• Boredom or stress


• Limited turnout or social interaction


• Poor feeding routine (infrequent grazing)


• Anxiety or confinement


• Learned behavior from other horses

Signs you may notice


• Grasping objects with teeth and sucking in air


• Neck arching and head positioning changes


• Excessive chewing on fences, doors, or stall rails


• Increased saliva or slight odor from air intake


• Weight loss or digestive issues if prolonged

Why early management matters


Cribbing can cause tooth wear, colic risk, and behavioral reinforcement if left unmanaged. Supporting natural behaviors reduces stress and improves overall welfare.

Supportive care strategies


• Increase turnout and free grazing time


• Provide mental stimulation (toys, foraging opportunities)


• Optimize feeding schedules to allow frequent small meals


• Reduce stress and maintain consistent handling


• Monitor for dental wear or digestive issues

SET OF

Educational Purposes

Gentle Natural Balance for Horses

Cribbing (or windsucking) is a repetitive behavior in which a horse bites down on a solid surface and draws in air. It is often linked with stress, routine changes, or digestive discomfort.

Supportive Care Approaches

• Stable Management — Good ventilation, quality feed, and plenty of turnout time can help reduce stress triggers.
  
  

• Routine & Calm Handling — Horses thrive on consistency and gentle care.
  
  

• Natural Supports — Certain herbs and minerals are traditionally associated with calming the nervous system and supporting digestive balance, making them valuable companions for horses that show this behaviour.
  
  
  

Equine Cribbing Support Formula


A gentle blend, traditionally linked with:

• Calmness — symbolic support for relaxation and steadiness.
  
  

• Balance — associated with easing restlessness and nervous tension.
  
  

• Digestive Harmony — valued in traditional practice for supporting comfort in the gut.
  
  
  

Digestive Enzyme Support

Gentle Natural Care for Horses

Why It Matters

A healthy digestive system is essential for comfort, nutrient absorption, and overall vitality. Horses are natural grazers, designed to eat small amounts throughout the day. When their routine is restricted, digestive imbalances may arise, sometimes leading to habits such as cribbing (windsucking).

Traditional Support

• Organic Apple Cider Vinegar — Traditionally valued as a natural digestive tonic, believed to support enzymes and nutrient absorption. Many horse owners add small amounts to water troughs on occasion.
  
  

• Digestive Balance — Supporting enzyme function and maintaining gut harmony can play an important role in overall wellbeing.
  
  

• Grazing Awareness — Ensuring horses have regular access to forage helps maintain natural digestive rhythm and reduces stress linked with restricted feeding.