130 THE COMPLETE HORSEMAN 



grunt when he has done so. That close observer 

 Capt. Hayes says that he has never known a 

 crib-biter or a wind-sucker indulge in his evil 

 practice when lying down and he also says 

 that when outside the horse is by no means 

 particular about Vx^hat he selects as a means of 

 support. 



There certainly seems to be some case made 

 out for imitation being one cause of cribbing 

 and its kindred vices. The horse is a very 

 imitative animal, as there is no necessity in 

 insisting, and it is not a very difficult matter 

 to move a horse that is a cribber where he 

 will have no evil influence. That idleness 

 and the consequent ennui are predisposing 

 causes I have no doubt, and especially if the 

 idleness and ennui are helped on by over- 

 feeding. 



In very bad cases, but only in very bad cases, 

 there is great flatulent distension of the abdomen. 

 Crib-biting is incurable but there are means of 

 preventing it unless it has become very bad 

 indeed. I have known good results from smearing 

 the fittings, mangers, chains and the sides of the 

 stall with a solution of aloes when the horse was 

 just beginning his evil habit. Some people 

 advocate removing all fittings and feeding off 

 the ground. Others again favour rock salt in 

 the manger. I cannot say that either of these 

 plans appeals to me as being likely to effect a 

 cure but I do think there may be a means of 

 prevention in the rock salt. Rock salt should 



