Anyone have experience with a horse that wind sucks? My mare does not crib to the extent she chews things up but will frequently spend time stretching her neck to wind suck.
Posted 2010-02-27 10:22 PM (#117082 - in reply to #117080) Subject: RE: Wind Sucking
Veteran
Posts: 186
Only time I've ever been around them was when they were kept in stalls to long. How long have you owned the horse? How old is the horse? How long has it been doing it?
Posted 2010-02-28 7:20 AM (#117089 - in reply to #117082) Subject: RE: Wind Sucking
Regular
Posts: 80 Location: Central WI
She will be eight next month and I have owned her for 3 1/2 years. The vice was not disclosed at purchase (but later admitted) and not noticed immediately because she was initially on pasture with electric fencing. We only stall her during extreme winter weather and for limited amounts of time becasue she tends to pace. She does it now while being held in a small paddock. Once our pastures come out of winter hibernation and we turn the horses out to graze she's fine. I have used Weaver's Miracle Collar with limited success in the past.
Posted 2010-02-28 1:40 PM (#117099 - in reply to #117080) Subject: RE: Wind Sucking
Veteran
Posts: 186
When she is out does she get along with others? Any way to share a stall? That sometimes works for cribbers a big foaling stall is big enough for two horses-if they get along. Have you tried toys? It can be a PIA but change them up couple times a week, if the horse is't a chewer there is lots of "safe" stuff you can get at Good Will anything to keep them occupied. Has she had any ill health effects from it? I hate stalls we live in Upper Michigan - the only time I put my horses in stalls is in the summer when the bugs are bad. Don't fret spring is coming.
Posted 2010-02-28 1:44 PM (#117100 - in reply to #117080) Subject: RE: Wind Sucking
Expert
Posts: 1723 Location: michigan
I have read in the past that wind sucking can be related to ulcers. Its something to consider and maybe worth talking to the vet about. Now I have known people with successful show horses that had this habit. Its mostly annoying and to some degree embarrassing for the owner. Unless your horse is eating,losing weight and having other health complications, then its isn't much more than a PIA.
Posted 2010-02-28 7:36 PM (#117109 - in reply to #117100) Subject: RE: Wind Sucking
Regular
Posts: 80 Location: Central WI
We did some herd management this winter putting her in with two other mares and no geldings. She is still low horse on the totem pole which doesn't help her stress level as she prefers to keep to herself. She has kept her weight on and shows no obvious signs of health issues. I will talk with our vet about ulcers. Her teeth will be checked later this month so I am curious to see what that shows. It is embarrassing to take her places and have her start pulling on her pen. I am just hoping it is not something that is terribly detrimental to her longevity.
Posted 2010-03-01 11:25 AM (#117141 - in reply to #117080) Subject: RE: Wind Sucking
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 376 Location: Missouri
quote:"I am just hoping it is not something that is terribly detrimental to her longevity"
Sorry, but it is in most cases. Very few of these live to be very old. They may be more prone to ulcers, but there is no evidence to suggest ulcers causes the cribbing. Most of them are more prone to digestive and respiratory problems.
We have had several, and they are a real pain to handle. They are almost impossible to sell.
Wind Sucking
