Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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Dr. Getty
Hello-
I have two horses that crib. I have alway had collars on them because I have been told that this habit gets worse if not stopped and that it also causes damage to the teeth. I will look into the supplements that you recommend. Is it really better for them to let them crib? This seems to be a very controversial topic, which really, many people are very biased when it comes to horses that crib, won't even own one. Have you had cases where these supplements stopped the cribbing, or is it a lifelong habit that will do damage in the long run? or maybe not?
Where are you from? Lake Havasu City, Arizona
How did you locate this forum? searching for hoof supplement
Hello Ruth,
Cribbing can be caused by several factors such as genetics, stress, early weaning, going for hours without anything to graze on, and nutritional deficiencies.
So, while you cannot do anything about genetics or whether or not your horse was weaned too early, you can modify other areas in your horse's life.
First, be sure that he has hay and/or good pasture available at all times. Horses are trickle feeders -- designed to graze virtually 24/7. If they go for hours without anything to eat, they will experience extreme physical discomfort (because their stomachs produce acid continuously) and will often develop into cribbers.
Avoid the cribbing collars. They do not work and they add to stress, only exacerbating the problem.
Finally, give your horse two nutritional supplements: Quiessence (to provide magnesium) and BPlex (a B Complex preparation). Most horses do not get enough magnesium and a deficiency, even a borderline deficiency, can manifest itself in behavioral problems.
B Vitamins are also important for the nervous system, helping him calm down naturally.
But, these nutrients will not be helpful if your horse's basic needs are not met first -- that means the ability to graze 24/7. You didn't mention how you feed, so if you already do this, you're definitely on the right track. If you're not, for fear that he'll gain weight, don't worry -- after a week of feeding free choice hay, he will self-regulate his intake according to his body's need.
I hope this is helpful. Please keep me posted.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO
Hi Kristie,
Yes, I like Vicky's recommendation. The TC Low Starch has more fat than the TC Lite. TC Lite is more concentrated in added nutrients so you don't need to feed as much.
So, if your horse is working, go with the TC Low Starch. If you need to cut back on calories, go with the TC Lite.
Happy Holidays!
Dr. Getty
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO