Pawing!

[Amy567]

So, some of you may think this issue is easily resolvable and it's silly that I'm asking etc. However, my new horse has a habit of pawing when he's bored or looking for attention. Obviously, when it's due to boredom I smack his leg every time he lifts it. However, when it's for attention, he obviously stops whenever you go near him (it's also showing him he gets what he wants when he does it!) but he gets his leg stuck on the fence, we don't tie him to the gate for fear he'll break something. I don't want him to hurt himself, so he needs to stop, but if I tell him off, it's giving him what he wants. Dilemma!

So, any suggestions? Apart from leave him to it, because we have chicken wire to keep the chickens in and he's already pulled most of it off. Luckily he's come out unscathed. (chicken wire is being taken off and put on other side of the fence soon)

Thanks in advance

 

[AmyMay]

Just ignore it, and put up some electric fencing.

 

[Amy567]

Just ignore it, and put up some electric fencing.

We have electric fencing... he eats it! Sorry to put your suggestion down! It's a good idea

 

[mandwhy]

Not really much you can do, I think they often do it for attention so perhaps you could try going over and praising him when he is not doing it. Mine did it all the time then once she brought down some post and rail which coincided with her being generally more settled and she doesn't do if often now.

He won't eat electric fencing if it has a decent charge!

 

[GlamourPuss86]

Id be tempted to have a water gun ready and give him a squirt! Mind you if he's like my lad was he'll either begger off, or nearly fall over himself in surprise!