Pawing...

[Hunt~Jump21]

I have a problem... One of my horses who usually has impeccable manners has started pawing at the door of his stall or whenever he is left tied. I know this is a pretty minor stable vice compared to wind sucking or cribbing, but it is incredibly irritating - not only has he been wearing down his front shoes before they are due, but he also forms these small trenches wherever he goes (in his stall, next to the trailer or when tied outside)! Also, before he is fed, whenever he is bored, if I take my other horse out and leave him in his stall, or if he's tied alone for a while, all he does is paw non-stop. I've tried reprimanding him for this whenever I'm around but as soon as I turn my back he's at it again.

Any ideas on how to correct this behavior? A friend of mine mentioned something about using a kicking chain around his pastern which, in theory, would snap him back in the leg whenever he paws, but I don't know if this is a good idea. I would appreciate any advice!

[myEllie]

My mare paws while she is on the cross ties if it is feeding time and the others are already eating. The aisles have mats down, so she's not doing any damage,either to her shoes or the walk ways, but it is annoying. Normally, if I yell at her, she stops and stands like an angel until I have to walk away then she starts again. Then I yell again. It isn't an ideal solution, but I don't think it is a big problem and she doesn't do it often, so it works well enough for us. Also, if I am standing near her when she starts to paw, I smack her on the shoulder and that seems to work a lot better, but normally she won't do it when I am standing right there.

[Piaffe]

I would suggest tying the horse up with a haynet. This will solve the problem.

Horses 'paw' the ground because they are bored/frustrated. Horses are supposed to be free to roam around, so us tying them up or confining them to a small space is unnatural. As with all vices, we need to find a solution to the problem (make the situation as natural as possible), so by giving your horse a bit of hay while standing still for a period of time will alleviate the boredom or frustration.

It always works for my horse - I never leave him tied up without a small haynet.

[Cathy Reynolds]

Me too, Piaffe. Benny has a small net to play with whenever tied up (which is rare, mainly because he undoes himself quite easily), and we ALWAYS feed Benny and his stable mate at the same time.

[larri]

Safi does it if all three have been brought into the yard and she's not getting attention ( proper little madam) I just totally ignore her until she stops for a minute and then go to her when she's calm, give her a scratch and leave her, only takes a couple of goes till she cottons on and packs it in then I'll groom her.

[Lucy J]

In many cases it is an attention seeking thing so shouting at them only makes them worse...a bit like kids, best bet is to ignore them. You could use old carpet instead of rubber matting to deaden the sound I suppose.