How to Stop Wood Chewing in Horses

Horses that are kept indoors are more likely to develop habits to try to alleviate their boredom and frustration. Outdoors, some horses may get bored because there may be little to do once they eat all their hay. Horses in the wild spend the majority of their time grazing.

Allowing horses to live as naturally with other horses as possible, outdoors with plenty of grass or hay to nibble on, can help prevent wood chewing. But there are times when outdoor turnout isn't possible, such as when a horse has an injury requiring stall rest, if there isn't space or resources for all-day turnout, or conditions such as icy pastures make it dangerous for horses to be out.

Treat or Protect Wood Surfaces

Applying sprays, pastes, or washes that have a bitter taste painted onto the wood surfaces may be an option. The downside of such products is that they get washed off in the rain, and some horses don't seem to notice the taste. Additionally, make sure what you are applying to the wood is non-toxic.

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.

Socialize Your Horse

Along with more outdoor activity, socializing your horse with other horses may help alleviate some of its boredom. But don't pair up two horses that both chew on wood, and take care that the wood chewer doesn't end up being a bad influence on its nonchewing stablemate