Why Horses Stall Walk or Fence Walk and How to Make Them Stop

Some horses can cope with this, but some don’t and express their frustration in ways that may not be good for it. A horse who habitually stall walks may be difficult to keep in healthy condition. Nervous stall walking burns a lot of energy and while a horse is stall walking it is not eating. This can cause a decline in the horse’s condition if the habit is severe. Stall walking may also be damaging to flooring, especially dirt floors, and a fence walker will quickly wear ruts along fence lines. There is a chance the horse could hurt itself as it repeatedly paces, kicks or paws.

How Can Stall Walking Be Stopped or Prevented?

Stall walking may be difficult to stop if the horse must have stall rest due to illness or injury, must be kept separated (such as a stallion) or is on a restricted diet. To prevent stall walking you could try putting safe toys in the stall and hanging clean plastic bottles from the ceiling. The toys may be enough to distract the horse. Others may only see toys as obstacles to walk over or around. Learn to keep your horse healthy and happy in its stall and manage a stretch of stall rest.

A horse turned out with companions will be happier and less likely to stall walk or develop other vices. This is the best way to prevent stall walking. Lots of grazing, or eating at a round bale will naturally occupy your horse, and exercise in the form of riding or driving may help.