Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Cheryl,
You're wise to not put a muzzle on him since stress is a major factor in cribbing. The best advice I can give you is to keep hay in front of him at all times, or allow him to graze on pasture as much as he wants. I have seen cribbing situations stop time and time again when horses are allowed to self-regulate their intake. He will eat what he needs and his nervous system will calm down.
Having said that, I also recommend adding alfalfa because of the possiblity of an ulcer. Alfalfa buffers the digestive tract. It also boosts the overal quality of protein in the diet, making his body better able to withstand stress and promote healing.
This will help him gain weight. But in addition, there are two supplements that will make a significant difference. The first is Ration Plus. This prebiotic will boost the health of the bacterial flora making them better able to digest forage. It is not a probiotic (live microbes) but a prebiotic, which contains fermentation products ("food") for the existing microbes.
The second supplement is BPlex. Give him a double dose -- two scoops per day -- to protect his nervous system and keep his digestive tract healthy.
Please keep me posted.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO
You're most welcome, Cheryl. Cribbing is a difficult habit to break but by approaching treatment with the horse's natural biological needs in mind, significant improvements can be made.
Dr. Getty
Thank you so much for the advice, the Gut Guard from smart pak seems to be soothing his stomach a bit, he does not seen to crib as much after he has his senior feed- instead he goes straight for the orchard. I will add the alfalfa and try and keep food in front of him at all times (as he is boarded up the street from me). I will keep you posted on our progress.
Cheryl
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO
Hi Cheryl,
I highly recommend Actiflex as an excellent joint preparation. It comes in a liquid, a powder, or as a senior formula. They are all the same, except for the form and the senior formula has probiotics and a little extra fat.
If your older horse is not getting a commercially fortified feed, fed according to directions, then it is wise to fill in the gaps with a comprehensive vitamin/mineral supplement. I recommend Glanzen Complete unless he is grazing on good quality pasture for at least 8 hours a day, then go with Glanzen.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
I forgot to ask if there is joint supplement that you recommend, and if a multi-vitamin is necessary for the older horse.
Thanks again,
Cheryl
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO
Hi Cheryl,
Congratulations! I am delighted to hear how well he is doing. Keeping his digestive tract full is a major factor in maintaining a normal weight, as well as to prevent (and even cure) an ulcer which is a major cause of cribbing.
Cribbing is a stress response and becomes a bad habit. But with the right approach and lots of patience, it can be reduced and even eliminated.
If you need further help with that, please let me know.
Best regards,
Dr. Getty
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO