Stereotypical behavior in horses

Stereotypies in horses are repetitive, unchanging and seemingly purposeless behaviors frequently exhibited by horses raised in captivity. In horses, their social, curious and active nature requires a high degree of adaptability, but also increased sensitivity to deprivation of stimulation. In modern captivity conditions with closed stalls, artificial diets and a restricted activity schedule, domestic horses often end up in a state of behavioral imbalance. One of the most obvious manifestations of this imbalance is the appearance of stereotypies.