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Horse Care and Comfort

biting flanks???

Please upload your photo 100 lessons completed

i couldnt find the answer to this
why do some horses bit their flanks
can any one help?
thanks

Miriam (Holland&Germany)
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed 350 lessons completed 400 lessons completed 450 lessons completed 500 lessons completed 550 lessons completed 600 lessons completed 650 lessons completed

Hi ebrahim,
Pretty sure there's a Q&A about biting flanks, but I couldn't find it either!
Very important is that many horses have ulcers, so pain could be reason nunber one.
When in danger of colic they often look at their flanks, but mostly don't bite them.
Is this horse showing the behavior under the saddle? Very sensitive nerves can be found in the cinch-area and the flanks.
May I suggest you have the horse checked for stomach-ulcers and speak about the behavior with the vet? Often ulcers build when the horse is not getting enough hay, too many concentrates and the time between portions is too long. Horses in nature graze for at least 16 hours a day. Their stomach and digestive tract is build for many, small portions with a high fiber content.
I hope this helps you on the way!
Miriam

vicci - UK (North Wales)
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed 350 lessons completed

Sound advice from Miriam Ebrahim, definately needs looking into with a vet to start with