fence walking

Question
Hi,

I have an Appendix that is about 17 years old.  I have owned him for about 2&1/2 years and he has always been a fence walker.  He is stalled at night and has turn out each day for about 8 hours.  He also has a companion, my 6 year old QH.  No matter what type of situation he is in, he still does it!  My paddock is currently muddy and he is making it a nightmare with his pacing!  If he is kept in a stall without another horse close by, then he stall walks.  He is very herd-bound and somewhat insecure.  Can you please give me a suggestion.  My trainer asked about only giving him a half day turnout, but that would mean I would have to do the same for the QH who is an easy keeper and gets fat from the air!  Please help me find a solution for this once and for all.
Thanks!

Answer
Hi Edie!

While this habit is annoying at worst, at least it is not dangerous to you or (usually) the horse.

At his age I feel the habit is ingrained in him and therefore, may be hard to break or at least curtail.

Limiting his T/O time does not address the real problem and will onlymake his pasture partner unhappy too.

I always like misdirection and tricking in these cases.  I would only give him his hay and feed outside in the paddock to give him a more positive view of his situation.  Horses love, love, love anything associated with food!  Don't forget plenty of water.

I would hide or spread his hay and grain out around the area to encourage him to come away from the fenceline.

I also have had good results with a Pasture Pal....one of those oddly shaped rolling toys that dispenses treats as the horse nudges it around.  That can keep them busy for hours if they catch on to the positive re-enforcement aspect.

Lastly, do not commit the sin of over-feeding and under-exercising.  Even if you are not riding him consistently, he should be longed daily or every other day to keep him fit and tired mentally/physically.  His feed intake should match his output.  Too much high protein = too much nervous energy.  Talk to your vet about a proper diet for him as he is an aging horse.

Do not give him any attention while he is doing it, either positive or negative.  Just ignore it and try to turn his focus to a more advantageous activity  :-)

Good luck and remember to always wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet!

Solange