Weaving (horse)

The weaving is a behavioral disorder of a horse in the stable posture. Like coping, it is a stereotype , i.e. a behavior pattern that is often shown when bored.

Symptoms

When weaving, the horse's head and neck swing back and forth, with the weight being constantly shifted from one front leg to the other. If the weaving is very strong, the hind quarters may swing in the opposite direction. The permanent strain can damage the forehand joints (bones and tendons). This stereotypical sequence of movements is also known from other animals in captivity such as elephants , camels and bears.

Weaving occurs less often than the more well-known symptom of " dangling ", for example in a ratio of 1: 3. Most horses with a higher percentage of whole blood are more likely to be affected by weaving.

Similar behavioral disorders in horses

The "maneuvering" means a permanent circular movement of the horse in its box. The already mentioned Koppen is also a stereotypical behavior disorder whereby a distinction is made here between Aufsetzkoppern and Freikoppern.

treatment

Treatment of weaving is mostly difficult and tedious. On the one hand, root cause research must be carried out in order to identify possible triggers for the psychological stress on the horse, such as B. To find out about overload in training situations, isolation from the conspecifics or even boredom. On the other hand, an accompanying optimization of the species-specific housing conditions of the horse, especially with regard to feed intake, species-appropriate movement and social behavior, should be aimed for. Primary measures here are above all keeping the stables open or regular paddocks .

There is no evidence that the weaving of a horse can be imitated by other horses. The separation of conspecifics to protect them, which was previously recommended for this reason, is now rejected as it can increase the tendency to weave.

Legal situation when buying a horse

Weaving is considered a defect that must be disclosed and documented before buying a horse . Failure to comply can later have legal consequences up to a price reduction and withdrawal of the weaving horse. However, until the end of 2001, weaving was not one of the so-called main warranty defects when buying a horse that was relevant under purchase law .

The Schleswig District Court ruled on June 18, 2010 (2 C 21/10) that weaving a horse is indeed a behavioral disorder, but not a defect that entitles a person to withdraw, because it does not result in either performance or health impairment.

literature

Peter Thein (Red.): Handbook horse. Breeding, husbandry, training, sports, medicine, law. 5th edition, special edition. BLV, Munich et al. 2000, ISBN 3-405-15099-X .