Horse Problems
Information and Videos

Horse Problems: Horses that are poorly trained or that have little training, are handled incompetently, abused, neglected and so on can develop various bad habits or behaviors including; bucking, kicking, biting, rearing, and others, that can become dangerous to their handlers.

Below are several links to various video demonstrations that discuss horse problem behaviors and suggestions on how to overcome them.

It is highly recommended that you enlist your veterinarian for assistance if you are having any behavior issues with your horse to rule out any physical illness.

Domesticated horses can also develop behaviors or "vices" including; wood chewing, cribbing, weaving, wall kicking, feed bolting, circling, and pawing or digging.

These behaviors are usually a result of boredom, lack of exercise, confinement, hunger, and isolation.

Visit the Bucking Horse Video Page to Watch Video Demonstrations on this Behavior and Possible Corrections

Visit the Rearing Horse Video Page to Watch Video Demonstrations on this Behavior and Possible Corrections

Visit the Biting Horse Video Page to Watch Video Demonstrations on this Behavior and Possible Corrections

Visit the Kicking Horse Video Page to Watch Video Demonstrations on this Behavior and Possible Corrections

Wood chewing is when the horse chews on the wood within his/her stall-cribbing is a more severe form of wood chewing where the horse sucks in air while chewing and can cause the horse to develop colic. Horse's can also develop wind-sucking which involves sucking in air without an object present.

These conditions can be treated with cribbing collars or muzzles, but this does not treat the underlying cause of the problem. Ultimately the goal is to alleviate the overall cause of the behavior; such as, more turn-out time, a companion in the next stall, and so on.

Stall weaving is a repetitive motion where the horse rocks from side to side within their stall. This can be caused by boredom and often seen in nervous type horses. Stall weaving can cause hoof problems, leg stress, lameness, and weight loss. Circling or stall walking is similar to stall weaving except that the horse walks in circles in his/her stall repetitively.

Wall kicking is when the horse kicks the stall with back or front legs which can cause damage to your horse and the barn. Wall kicking can be caused by boredom and lack of exercise.

Bolting feed is when a horse eats his/her food too fast and are at risk for choking and or colic.

Pawing or digging with the front feet can cause lameness and worn hooves.

Increasing turn out time, providing less grain (high concentrates) and more hay at more frequent intervals, adding a toy, or a stablemate in the next stall may alleviate these types of behaviors.

To reduce or eliminate these types of behaviors you should first consult your veterinarian for advice. In addition the following may assist you with these horse problems:

Reduce the amount of time your horse spends in their stall

Don't let your horse be alone-horses are herd animals and need companionship

Increase the amount of grazing or free hay for your horse if in a stall and reduce the amount of concentrates (ask your vet for appropriate feeding schedule per your horse)

Use positive reinforcement training with your horse

Visit the Stable Vices Information and Videos Page to Watch Video Demonstrations on Several Stall Vices


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