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Yes, this is a coping behaviour for horses who find their life very difficult & stressful to cope with. Horses are social, herd animals, designed to eat & exercise almost constantly & who's first & main method of defence is to run. So it's not surprising when they develop 'stable vices'. This is an indication that their level of management is lacking & unhealthy in some way.

It sounds like he came to you with this problem. Once stereotypic compulsive behaviours such as this become a habit, they are nearly impossible to break. He would benefit from as natural a lifestyle as you can manage - constant access to grass or hay, not being locked in a stable, company are the main requirements. He will probably still do the behaviour, but less frequently then. I wouldn't bother about a collar, as they can be dangerous & shouldn't be left on if the horse isn't supervised.

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