Estereotipias em equinos estabulados

Abstract

Animal well-being is very important for equine breeding industry, because it is reated to how to improve the animal´s performance, without harm its health and life quality. Nowadays, equine industry has become more intensive, making the animals space smaller; thus bringing problems as stereotypes or stable vices. The aim of this work was to describe alternatives to prevent the development of behavioral anomalies, in horses intensively bred; to discuss aspects of equine behaviour when living free; to identify the most frequent vices observed in stabled horses, and to analyze correct use of housing and equipments, aiming to the animals well-being. To this, four horse training institutions were visited, and the observations were made through photographies, movies and talking to the horses´ trainers. The most frequent vices, as well as housing and equipment used were observed. The greater parto of the animals had inadequate behaviour. To prevent these stereotypes, is necessary to improve the knowledge about horses, and to maintain some of its free habits, to keep its wellbeing.