Box Walking

[Ladybird]

I have a rather stressy TB mare who has started box walking when left in, not necessarily for long periods of time.
She doesn't do it every time she's in, it depends on how fizzed up she's feeling, but I was wondering if anyone has any hints to minimise it?

It's not too big a problem as we have 24/7 turnout and she keeps her weight on well (a little too well!) so she only comes in when it snows generally, I've tried to usual things such as stable licks, and there's always another horse in view as from her stable she can see out to the paddocks.

Any ideas to distract her?

Thanks

 

[imafluffybunny]

I have a mare who is similar, box walks when she is worked up. I find that keeping a friend next door to her helps, I also have her on a supplement called cool, calm and collected by equifeast, it made a massive difference to her and stopped her stressing.
A mirror in the stable is also supposed to help.

 

[teddyt]

Box walking is a behaviour carried out because the horses desire to move is prevented. Theres not that much more you can do apart from minimise stabling, have a friend in sight and food at all times. Which you are doing aleady!

 

[Steeleydan]

One of my house sitting clients bought a mare that was a (declared) box walker and weaver, she put a mirror up the first day she got her home and it has never done it since. Hard to beleive I know but I have witnessed it.