Story originally posted by Horsecity.com Staff

Dr. Lowder,

I have a 5 year old barrel gelding. He is a cribber. I use the Miracle Collar in the stall but he still continues.

I use the muzzle when we travel or he is tied for a while but I am afraid to leave the muzzle on him all the time due to safety of the halter getting caught on something. His stall is 12 x 12 with a run attached. I have heard from some horse people that cribbing could be caused by a deficiency, intestinal problems or stomach ulcers.

This could be something he is lacking or to much acid in the stomach. Does this have anything to do with cribbing? He seems to be irritable all the time. When you go in the stall to feed he backs his ears, when you put the saddle on him he backs his ears.

He is not a finished horse but seems to work a decent barrel pattern most of the time. At times we do have a few problems.

I feed Omelene 200 with field oats and coastal hay. We live in the heart of central Texas between Waco and Austin. Any suggestions of what to feed or any test that could be run to see if he is having problems?

THANKS

Denise,

If he is penning his ears he is not a happy horse. I would suggest that you try putting him on Gastroguard for a few weeks. Also, the biggest problem with cribbing is that once they start and it becomes habit then it is very hard to get them to quit. I would just make sure he has free access to hay all day while in the day and more turn out time if possible. In addition, make sure he has a trace mineral block.

Thank You,
Dr. Lowder