Would you buy a crib biter?

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Just that really! Wondered how many problems this can cause or if its worth it if the horse is right in all other respects.

We have looked at one who I wasn’t aware did this until we viewed but there were other issues anyway. I have now seen another potential advertised. Both were in their teens so not likely to get over it although I think its quite rare to get rid of the habit anyway.

Yes I would - we bought a crib biter for my daughter a few years ago and he was (and still is - she outgrew him and we sold him within a day to another PC family) a lovely pony in all other respects. We did try a collar on him but it didn't make a difference (he would even crib on trees when turned out) so we let him get on with it. I know some yards aren't keen on them but I would buy another crib biter if that was the only thing that was wrong with them.

I personally wouldn’t unless it was absolutely exceptional in every other way.

Also i know some livery yard owners don’t like having cribbers on them full stop.

It would be far from ideal but if horse was perfect in every other way and/or a bargain I might, if I could keep on my own yard or a small private yard as I don't think it's a habit which causes the horse much harm, the main damage is to your fences/stables, so long as you can afford the repairs/replacements regularly then it's not a huge huge issue (and some less determined/habitual cribbers can be deterred with collars or barriers or nasty tasting paint).

But as I need to keep mine on livery, any stable vices are a deal breaker really, current YO won't allow any cribbers at all, and box walkers or weavers allowed for grass livery only, as what is a relatively minor problem in one horse becomes a bigger thing if the whole yard learns to do it or starts copying, and more than one cribber on a yard would be prohibitively expensive to fix all the ruined doors, posts etc!

Interesting mixture, thanks!

No I wouldn't because many livery yards won't take you as they damage wooden stable doors and fencing.

I wouldn't take one as a livery, because they make an awful mess.

However, I might take one for myself if it were 100% in every other way and could live out 24/7.

I asked my vet’s advice he said it could mean ulcers. To check for ulcers horse need to be scoped, fairly expensive, then medication which is very expensive.

Can also cause colic, expensive operation or PTS if really bad

No, I certainly wouldn't, for all the reasons mentioned above. If you are still tempted, consult with a reputable equine vet. I suggest you request a full veterinary examination with bloods taken before purchasing any horse. Whilst there are truthful, caring people who are selling horses, it is well-known that there a lot who are not! Best wishes, and I hope you find the right horse for you.

My old mare once damaged a car cribbing on it. It didn’t make me or her popular. They can be hard to keep weight on and get lots of digestive issues from gulping air unless out all the time and even then will find something to crib on in the field. Plus everyone else on your yard will moan about your horse teaching it to theirs.

So, if I had my own yard and the horse was super talented then it wouldn’t bother me. If on a standard livery yard, I’d really think twice.

I asked my vet’s advice he said it could mean ulcers. To check for ulcers horse need to be scoped, fairly expensive, then medication which is very expensive.

If there are enough clinical signs pointing to ulcers you can treat for ulcers and see if things improve, thus avoiding the need to scope.

Lucy Rees is really interesting on stereotypic behaviours They can be addictive in a way for the horse.

I got a very nice horse very cheaply at a sale because it cribbed. I had my own yard so I wasn't worried about a livery yard rejecting it. The cribbing never did the horse any harm but it occasionally did minor damage to fencing. If you're not using a livery yard then I'd go for it.

I bought one (unwittingly!). Tried a collar which worked while it was on but felt cruel. He's had a few minor episodes of colic and has accounted for several trees but he's also taught countless children to ride and is a great character so I don't regret it.

We have a lovely mare who is a terrible crib biter, we bought her fully aware of it with a corresponding price reduction .
We have had her about 8 years, she is fabulous at her job and never had a sick day. She is now in her 20s
I never try and stop her , just let her get on with it , think of it as like her biting her nails .
I suspect she came from a very institutionalised background as she prefers her stable to the field , especially if raining and can get quite stress, which ties in with the cribbing .
I would buy again if perfect otherwise