Bad Behavior in a Horse in a Stall

Horses are amazingly adaptable to a variety of living conditions; however, a horse kept in a stall can develop numerous behavioral problems if it does not get enough exercise or opportunities to interact with other equines.

  1. Kicking and Pawing

    • Horses kept in stalls often begin to kick or paw.

      Probably the most common behavior problems exhibited by a stalled horse are kicking and pawing. These behaviors are most often seen near feeding time. Not only can this behavior lead to stall damage, kicking can also lead to unsightly blemishes on the horse, especially on the hocks.

    Wood Chewing

    • Stalls made of brick or concrete blocks can discourage wood chewing.

      A horse will often begin to chew the wood in the stall if confined for any length of time, which can cause destruction. In addition, woodchewing can cause colic and tooth wear, and the sharp edges may injure the horse.

    Stall Weaving and Walking

    • Stall weaving and walking are not likely to cause injury to the horse, but they can stir up the bedding causing a lot of dust. In addition, they are symptoms of boredom. Often making sure another horse is visible or providing a stall toy will solve this problem.