Why Is My Horse Eating Fence Posts?

Wood chewing in horses occurs when horses chew various types of wood in their surroundings. Horses may chew on wood in their stable, fencing, or trees. Hay and pasture may vary in the content of fiber and it is shown that if horses are not getting enough fiber in your diet they may choose to chew wood.

How do I stop my horse from chewing on posts?

You can nail metal caps over fence rails and posts, protectively wrap trees, and use plastic mesh as well. A string of electric fencing along the top rail of a fence usually keeps determined chewers back, and you can try setting up little pens around trees to prevent your horse from getting close enough to chew.

How do you stop horses from eating fences?

Anti-chewing strips
Anti-chew strips or bars can be applied to stable doors, gates, fencing, and more. If horse toys or any of the other steps are ineffective, installing these will help protect your timber building.

Do horses with ulcers chew wood?

Equine Ulcers: Behavioural changes
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common behavioural change seen in horses with ulcers. Chewing wood helps the horse produce more saliva, which can help neutralize stomach acid so this is also a behaviour associated with equine ulcers especially if it is a new behaviour to that horse.

What can I spray on wood to stop horses from chewing?

SU-PER Red Hot Spray is a liquid pepper spray used to deter horses from chewing or cribbing. It is non-toxic and non-staining, and can be applied to almost anything the horse may want to chew on, such as wood, bandages, lead ropes, the outside edge of feed buckets, etc.

Why do horses bite posts?

Chewing on objects is typically self-medication for the horse. Chewing, or self-medicating, is most likely due to discomfort – stemming from physical and/or mental stress from lack of forage.

Is it normal for horses to chew wood?

In their natural state, wild horses will incorporate a small amount of woody fiber into their diet in the winter months. Therefore, some wood chewing may be considered normal behavior.

What fencing is not recommended for horses?

In many parts of the country, barbed wire is still used for horse containment but, of all fencing, it is the least suitable for horses since it places them at high risk of injury. Barbed wire can cause deep and jagged wounds and a panicking horse with a foot caught in barbed wire can do fatal damage to itself.

Why does my horse keep breaking the fence?

Answer from April Reeves: Your horse does not see the fence as a barrier, and it’s likely because it’s not strung tight enough. Once a horse feels any give, it’s in their nature to resist it. Remember, horses are nomadic, and have an instinct to walk.

How can I add fiber to my horses diet?

The type of fiber your horse consumes in the pasture or from his hay allowance is the most important part of his daily diet. Significant fiber intake from good quality fresh and dried grasses (hay or hay cubes) is the cornerstone of a healthy horse.

What are the signs of a horse with ulcers?

A: Horses suffering from stomach ulcers may display signs of pain and discomfort such as:

• Sour disposition.
• Still eating but losing condition or weight.
• Avoiding hard feed and preferring hay.
• Poor appetite.
• Unsettled in training or unwilling to work.
• Grinding teeth.
• Crib-biting, wind-sucking.
• Bad coat.

What can I give my horse to prevent ulcers?

Alfalfa-hay is a good choice for reducing ulcer risk in horses that require an energy-dense diet. It has a buffering effect in the stomach due to its higher protein and calcium content. Horses fed alfalfa-hay had a healthy stomach pH and lower number and severity of gastric ulcers compared to bromegrass hay.

Can ulcers in horses go away on their own?

As an owner or rider, it’s crucial to know the signs of horse ulcers because they cause intense discomfort and seldom heal on their own. In fact, only four to 10 percent of equine ulcers heal without treatment.

Why do horses nibble wood?

Instead, horses are attracted to wood chewing because of boredom, stress, frustration or even a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Even happy horses without these issues sometimes still chew wood – it’s just a widespread horsey trait.

How do I stop my horse from biting studs?

When the horse reaches to bite you, look straight ahead and tap him lightly on the shin of his leg with your foot. Do NOT create pain, just surprise. You want him to associate his effort to bite with a distracting tap on his shin. No fights.

How do you protect wood from horses?

Use a spray or liquid that is approved for horse areas. A better, safer way to protect wood fences is to cover the posts, poles or boards with small-mesh chicken wire. Horses can’t chew through it, and it’s unpleasant on their teeth so they quit trying to chew the wood beneath it.

What is it called when a horse chews on wood?

Lignophagia is the abnormal behaviour of chewing and eating wood. It has been recorded in several species, but perhaps most commonly in horses where it is usually called, simply, “wood chewing”. Lignophagia is a form of the pica disorder, in which normally non-nutritive substances are chewed or eaten.

Do horses chew when stressed?

The author suggests that horses lick and chew when they are coming down out of a sympathetic nervous system (SNS) or stress response back into parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) relaxation range.

Should a horse chew on the bit?

In horses of any age, bit chewing can signify anxiety. Different horses mature at different rates. Even if your horse seems physically prepared to perform at his current level, he may not be ready mentally. Try reducing the pressure: shorten your schooling sessions, take him on trail rides and so on.

What color fence do horses see best?

White fencing is easier for the horses to see
It is a common belief among ranchers and horse owners that horses can see white fences over one of other colors. This may or may not be accurate, however the contrast between the green grass and white fence does make a difference.

Why do horse farms have double fence rows?

The double fences serve multiple purposes. It allows groups of horses to see each other while keeping them separate. This prevents fighting or sparring. It also provides an extra barrier along roads to protect against thrown-out garbage, vehicles, or run-away horses.