Stereotypes can however, have an effect on brain function and development in children and probably other species. Another important cause that has been suggested for the performance of stereotypes is dietary deficiency. Again this is possible in a small minority of cases, but with the care taken in providing balanced diets in modern horse husbandry, it is unlikely. It is often the animals that are apparently best fed and 'looked after' which develop them. The amount of fibre and time available for eating does have much effect however.
Many people believe that the performance of stereotypes is inherited.
Actually there is no direct evidence of this. A tendency to develop a stereotype may well be inherited though. Also, it is clear that horses learn to perform them by imitation. Thus foals with their mothers may well develop a stereotype by watching their mother performing it. Although it is disputable, the performance of stereotypes does seem to be related to temperament.