Dealing with the chew monster

[Dovorian]

Not a baby - in fact 13 years old BUT driving me nuts chewing everything possible. Whilst it is easy to keep tack out of the way whilst tacking up he manages to chew his reins at the slightest oportunity (opening a gate as an example). Tie rope has been replaced by a chain with safety clip so this isn't a problem.
Silly problem but it is baffling and as he chomped some Passier reins at a show, it is need to get tough time.
I've only had him for a few weeks, and he has apparently always tried to eat tack/untie himself.

 

[minmax]

Oh dear, I have a homebred 4 yr old that chews, I'm hoping he will grow out of it!! Would like to hear others views as Telling him off doesn't help nor taking things off him. He will chew my coat while I'm picking feet out etc! He also has a rubber tie up as he eats ropes!

 

[helen75]

I have a 12 yr old that does the same with the reins (and other things!).

I'm in a catch 22 situation cos he must have been hit in his past (ex racer) so can be quite head shy - many people have told me I should smack his nose but don't want to make him more head shy

 

[HazellB]

This morning I tried something new on my mare who chews (mainly) bits of stable. She's an ex-windsucker, so it is different, but may help you out.

Shaws Repel All. It's a hand spray that I sell in my pet food shop to keep cats, etc. off furnature. It stinks but isn't too offensive once you get used to it. With it being a clear liquid, I think it might work on reins and so on quite well. The company also do a deterant spray to stop puppies chewing, Chew Stop I think it's called. Might not work on horses though, as it's probably citronella based.

You should be paying about four quid and it's available from any small pet retailer who uses a Batley's supplier (most do) but you may need to order it especially.

 

[helen75]

[ QUOTE ]
This morning I tried something new on my mare who chews (mainly) bits of stable. She's an ex-windsucker, so it is different, but may help you out.

Shaws Repel All. It's a hand spray that I sell in my pet food shop to keep cats, etc. off furnature. It stinks but isn't too offensive once you get used to it. With it being a clear liquid, I think it might work on reins and so on quite well. The company also do a deterant spray to stop puppies chewing, Chew Stop I think it's called. Might not work on horses though, as it's probably citronella based.

You should be paying about four quid and it's available from any small pet retailer who uses a Batley's supplier (most do) but you may need to order it especially.

[/ QUOTE ]

THANKKS!!!! I'll be giving that a go