How to Stop a Horse From Urinating in His Stall

As much as you love your horse, it must be frustrating when she urinates in her stall, especially after you recently cleaned it. It is possible, however, to help her break this habit. Professional horse trainer Missy Wryn used positive thinking and encouraging body language to stop her horse Benny from urinating in his home. Another trainer adopted a more scientific method, based on Pavlovian exposure technique. Within a month, all of her horses were only going to the bathroom outside.

Things You'll Need

Bell or clicker
Extra bedding
Extra stall or space

Instructions

- 1
  Set up a vacant stall with the same bedding as your horse's. The closer this stall the better. If you do not have an extra stall, pick an area that will most closely emulate the conditions of your horse's stall.
- 2
  Lead your horse to the extra stall when he comes in from pasture. Wait until he urinates. As soon as he does, ring the bell or sound the clicker, enthusiastically compliment him and give him a treat. Then, lead him to his own stall. Continue this practice every day for about a week.
- 3
  Ring the bell 5 to 10 feet away from the barn when your horse is coming in from pasture. Wait to see if he urinates. If he does not, ring the bell and wait again. If he does urinate, that signifies progress. If he does not, just lead him back to the extra stall and ring the bell to prompt him to urinate. The next day, try prompting him to urinate once again outside of the barn. Make sure you praise him and give him a treat each time.
- 4
  Ring the bell each day a little farther away from the barn as the previous day. Continue this practice until your horse is urinating in the pasture before coming in for the night. Because he will be conditioned to respond to the sound of the bell, you will need to continue ringing it in the pasture each night.
- 5
  Think optimistically and be encouraging throughout the whole process. Your horse will sense your affirmation and will respond positively.