pawing the ground

clairefeekerry1

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my horse has started doing this more and more, in fact he's actually started kicking the wall and scraping the paint off it when tied up. dont ever leave him for long, but its not alot to ask to stand quietly for 3 mins while i get my hat on/tie up haynet/put rug away. dont really feel he should have a haynet if he's to be tied up for a few mins. plenty of time to eat later! if i shout/poke/flick etc he waits till my back is turned then does it again, becomes a bit of a game. if i ignore it totally he does stop eventually but not after making a bit of a mess! what do you do?
 
My mare does this!! , i always put it down to her being impatient as she only does it when am not grooming her or anything - will be watching this closely
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How old is horse? How long have you had him? Has his situation changed at all? Could be he feels insecure when you're not close by, stressed, worried, lacks confidence or is excited knowing he's going out. There may be a reason for it other than impatience or naughtiness. I would calmly reassure him & be quick to praise him when he is standing quietly. My horse still has anxiety attics, pawing / rocking the box, when we go somewhere new & I am his security 'blanket' getting cross with him makes him worse.
 
try to do it as little and as often as possible, sounds like he's excited about going out and he knows the routine of you tack up, you go get your hat etc. mix it up a bit so he stands there but then does something boring

is very annoying though I agree. my beast does it just to get attention.
 
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