17th October 2006 :
A horse that chews on posts and gates (or anything it can latch on to), sucking in wind giving the sensation of a full stomach, is called a "Windsucker". Often caused by boredom, similar to a human who smokes - the horse will usually not eat as well and from that will be less healthy for it. Remembering a healthy horse is a faster horse, it is a problem that we like to cure.
A "Wind Collar" is used that goes around the neck and when they stretch out to suck, the collar squeezes the wind pipe and causes enough discomfort that they will stop. Breaking the habit is very difficult, so the collar will often stay on indefinitley. It is removed obviously for trackworjk and racing, but otherwise is kept on.
"Windsuckers" usually have dull coat and struggle to put on weight due to the lack of eating associated. Overall a horse with this condition needs immediate attention to get them to be able to reach peak physical fitness. We have two horses in our stable that have the condition and with the use of the collars we are able to ensure it doesn't hamper the horses ability.
