Horse pawing in crossties

[chestnutmarebeware]

@PNWSunnyDay

have thrown pebbles at the hindquarter of a cheeky pony who tries to paw and smash her groom kit. She’s not spooky so it confused her enough to distract her from the behavior. Perhaps I’m part caveman, but it worked. I obviously wouldn’t try this with the hummingbird-type OTTBs.

That’s how I have broken several puppies of the habit of gnawing on furniture legs—hiding out of sight and either tossing a beanbag to land right next to them, or squirting them with a water pistol. Works like a charm, and not just on naughty dogs. The evil spray of water coming down from the gods tends to discourage cats from scratching upholstery, too.

And (don’t judge me ) it’s also incredibly satisfying for me to occasionally make them think they’ve brought divine justice crashing down on their furry little butts!

[modifiedequitation]

@Momateur

Thanks, all. I had a feeling this would be the answer, but guess I needed a little validation that leaving him on the crossties for a while isn’t isn’t horse abuse :).

Of course not!
Good crosstie manners/not pawing are also very important when waiting at shows. You don’t want your horse digging a hole while you’re waiting to go into the ring.