Pony chewing lead rope

[slimjim]

My old boy has suddenly taken to holding/chewing his lead rope in his front teeth when he is led in. It is a new habit and it seems a bit late in life for new habits. Any ideas why?

He does get plenty of roughage at night and is on good grazing during the day. He is seeing the dentist shortly anyway for his routine check up/treatment but I wondered if there could be any other reason.

All ideas welcome.

 

[Tnavas]

Don't let him do it! Remove it from his mouth. It may be salty from sweat - make sure he has salt available in his field or add some to his feed.

 

[slimjim]

I'll check his stable salt lick. He's always got one, unless he's licked it all away!

 

[noblesteed]

Mine will chew anything that's fabric that is withinn reach. Headcollars, leadropes, rug straps etc. I think he likes the texture. He has always enjoyed picking things up in his mouth. I keep things away from him.

 

[pip6]

spray rope with crib box to break habit.

 

[Chestnut mare]

My pony used to do that all the time I went through so many lead ropes! I brought a lead rope with a chain that stopped her and also used NAF crib stop on the rope!