Equine Weaving Behavior Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Weaving is a locomotor stereotypy characterized by repetitive lateral swaying of the head, neck, and forequarters while the horse remains stationary, typically shifting weight rhythmically between the forelimbs. This stereotypic behavior is one of the most commonly recognized equine behavioral abnormalities, affecting approximately 3-10% of stabled horses, with higher prevalence (up to 9.5%) reported in competition horses such as dressage and eventing horses.

Weaving is classified as a locomotor stereotypy and is distinguished from oral stereotypies such as crib-biting and wind-sucking. Unlike oral stereotypies, locomotor stereotypies like weaving are generally considered more responsive to management changes and environmental modifications. Understanding the etiology, clinical significance, and management of weaving is essential for veterinarians, as these behaviors serve as important welfare indicators and can have secondary physical consequences.

Definition and Classification

What is Weaving?

Weaving is defined as a repetitive, relatively invariant locomotor behavior pattern in which the horse shifts its weight from one forelimb to the other in a rhythmic, side-to-side swaying motion. The behavior typically involves lateral movement of the head and neck synchronized with the weight shift. In severe cases, the hindquarters may also be involved. Horses typically perform weaving 30 to 90 cycles per minute, and episodes may last from a few minutes to several hours daily.