Horse 'Pacing' Since Move

SaddleSore · 04-07-08, 10:13 PM

My horse was moved to my sister's small holding a while ago because I was no longer happy with the stable care and I was unable to do it myself. But she has started pacing in the last month and seems nervous.

Is this just something she has to get over? Is it just a matter of time? The vet found nothing wrong.

purplefdu · 04-07-08, 11:32 PM

Pacing can often be linked to boredom. Kind of like going stir crazy. I'm going to assume she's pacing in her stall or a small outside enclosure. She probably just needs more exercise or something to play with (stall toys were created for this reason). She will most likely not "get over" this boredom and it can cause abnormal wear on her hooves if she does it for long periods of time.

sallyanna · 04-09-08, 10:22 AM

I agree with purplefdu. It sounds like she's getting bored. Can she be let out to pasture more often? Or even be placed next to another animal to act as companion?

SaddleSore · 04-09-08, 06:29 PM

She has a companion, another horse that she is stabled with. Currently they spend most of the day pastured, and are ridden in the evening. I am very concerned about this behaviour and don't want harm to come to her.

I will look into toys as well.

Nan_Beth · 04-12-08, 01:49 AM

Aw, poor girl. It sounds like she misses her family to me. I don't have any great advice, but I hope she settles down soon!

04-07-08, 10:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
SaddleSore Member Join Date: 10-12-07 Posts: 233	Horse 'Pacing' Since Move My horse was moved to my sister's small holding a while ago because I was no longer happy with the stable care and I was unable to do it myself. But she has started pacing in the last month and seems nervous. Is this just something she has to get over? Is it just a matter of time? The vet found nothing wrong.

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04-07-08, 11:32 PM	#2 (permalink)
purplefdu Member Join Date: 08-12-07 Posts: 236	Pacing can often be linked to boredom. Kind of like going stir crazy. I'm going to assume she's pacing in her stall or a small outside enclosure. She probably just needs more exercise or something to play with (stall toys were created for this reason). She will most likely not "get over" this boredom and it can cause abnormal wear on her hooves if she does it for long periods of time.

04-09-08, 10:22 AM	#3 (permalink)
sallyanna Member Join Date: 12-01-07 Posts: 100	I agree with purplefdu. It sounds like she's getting bored. Can she be let out to pasture more often? Or even be placed next to another animal to act as companion?

04-09-08, 06:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
SaddleSore Member Join Date: 10-12-07 Posts: 233	She has a companion, another horse that she is stabled with. Currently they spend most of the day pastured, and are ridden in the evening. I am very concerned about this behaviour and don't want harm to come to her. I will look into toys as well.

04-12-08, 01:49 AM	#5 (permalink)
Nan_Beth Member Join Date: 04-05-08 Posts: 25	Aw, poor girl. It sounds like she misses her family to me. I don't have any great advice, but I hope she settles down soon!