How Can I Stop a Horse from Striking?
Sometimes what looks like striking is a form of pawing behavior. Pawing is a natural behavior associated with thwarted feeding and drinking behavior. | Photo: Erica Larson/The Horse
Q. I have three horses in a 1 1/2-acre pasture with a stall for each that I use at feeding time and for shade. About six weeks ago we took on one additional horse, which we board for a friend. This horse has some bad behavior that I’m afraid will impact my horses negatively.

First, this horse strikes the ground, stall, water tank, and fence. I’m concerned he will hurt himself, destroy property, and influence my horses. What can be done to correct such rude behavior?

Second, this horse constantly wants to bite the other horses for no apparent reason. He acts very jealous when attention is given to another even though I try to spend time equally with all. The others have bites that have broken the skin. I know that bites can become infected, and I am becoming very concerned. What can I do? I’m ready to section off the pasture to separate him, or ask my friend to find some place else to board

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