Read About Horse Behavior-Training

Categories in Pet Library
Featured Article

Pawing Horse

Pawing is a normal and practical behavior in wild horses. This action allows a horse to inspect objects, dig for water or feed, soften ground, etc. In stabled horses, though, it is considered a bad habit that can damage not only the owner’s property and equipment, but also the horse’s hoofs, shoes or legs.

There are many reasons a horse may paw initially. 1. Your horse may paw when anxious or afraid. You will notice this if the horse only paws in unfamiliar surroundings or if something has been changed around him. 2. He may paw because he is in pain. Horses with colic will tend to paw. If this is the source, you will have to consult with a veterinarian to eliminate the cause. 3. He may paw around feeding time. Many horses paw when they want food or water. Unfortunately, feeding or watering a horse at this point reinforces the behavior. 4. Confinement may also be a cause. This may be your horse’s way of telling you they have pent up energy that needs to be expelled. 5. Trailering may cause pawing due to nervousness, impatience or anticipation.

No matter what the reason, your horse can cause sever damage to property and self with this habit. To break this habit, first you need to figure out what is causing the pawing. Then this needs to be addressed.

Ensure that your horse is not being inadvertently rewarded for this behavior and that he gets adequate exercise. If your horse is pawing out of boredom, get him a toy. While grooming, use a verbal warning if pawing occurs.

Do not yell at your horse or hit your horse for this behavior. The causes of this behavior are mainly emotional; taking this type of approach will make the behavior worse.

Do not let this behavior slide by. Overtime, this could seriously injure your horse and strain his joints. This behavior causes lost shoes and wears the hoofs. Not to mention, the expensive and possibly extensive damage to your property and equipment.

This habit may seem more annoying than anything else, but it signals another larger problem. Your horse uses these behaviors as communicators. If you solve the problem the habit will lessen or disappear. Just be aware of your horse’s habits and behaviors and this should be an easier habit to break.

Articles