Why Horses Paw... and How to Stop It

[@Hey67Jude]

As a late-in-life, newcomer to horses, I wondered about the pawing. As a learning experience, I volunteer at a rescue where there are many horses in various stages of rehabilitation - almost all had suffered degrees of starvation. Almost all of them paw when feeding time begins. And when feeding is over and they are turned out of the barn, some refuse to leave and will paw quite aggressively at closed stalls where they think or know leftover food remains. I had asked why this behavior seemed so common but really didn't receive a satisfactory answer. So thank you for this video! It makes sense now :)

[@Frank-ke7em]

I just happened to run into this video because I was looking for a reason why my horse pawed at his food while eating. You solved a mystery as to why he pawed at his food and sure enough, he stopped pawing. We were feeding two horse in the same area and one always pawed at his food. After watching your video I separated them during feeding time and sure enough, the pawing stopped. Thanks again and your video was very informative.

[@sarahcassidy7620]

Can you do a video on how to keep your hands still in a rising trot? Thanks :)

[@judyweinmann8236]

The biggest plus about your question is that you are aware of this! I do a fun game with my students...hold a small sized cup of water between your 2 hands (and for safety...make sure your horse is used to water spilling on him before you go "all out" with this!). Also, remember to look ahead, breathe,stay centered and do not look down at your hands or the horse's head. Hope this fun exercise will help you! Judy Weinmann

[@jaceespann8721]

I think my horse has separation anxiety because when I’m there with him he’s fine but when I leave he paws rears and nickers. Is there something I could do for that?

[@Kathryn4488]

Sameeee

[@PeggyHogan]

Horses don't even have paws, so how did the word "Pawing" even get started. Maybe we should call it "Hoofing." ;-) Nice information in this video. Some good descriptions of the antecedent arrangements and the ongoing reinforcers.

[@andeefoster9568]

Peggy Hogan, yes, they have hooves, and not paws. They just call it that. And we shouldn't probably call it hoofing, because really, it makes NO sense. Anyway, have a good day/night/evening.

[@Cameoit]

My horse named Rusty loves working but doesn't like doing it much, usually I'm on his back and after doing a lap of trot and slowing him he will halt and as I reply my leg he starts pawing, i agree that this is out of frustration of possibly working him to hard. Yes I do reward him out of every lap of trot and over flat work/jumping lessons but he still paws, i really liked this video and will try the release of the leg method. Thank you heaps this really helped.

[@SunscreenSmoocher]

Then maybe he doesn’t want it…if he doesn’t want it and you reward him, it changes nothing

[@kayjpjessie]

I don't mind pawing, they're animals and I'm not going to try and 'fix' everything that doesn't fit my perfect little world, these things are what makes horses just that, horses! Allow them to live and be the animals that they are, Its like telling a cat not to meow, embrace their funny little habits unless it is damaging them... I think my horse enjoys it so I don't really care :p

[@WaysideArtist]

I feel the same way. It's a way for them to express their feelings, and rarely needs correction. I found I was correcting to please other people.

[@kayjpjessie]

Na d'onofrio Yeah, it hasn't caused me or my horse any problems so I am not going to correct it just because other people think it's bad manners or whatever for a horse to do that :)

[@jasmineherrera4392]

yeah I would won't to know the reason ? and no I don't always won't. them to paw ever time I ride

[@LittleGrey242]

My guy definitely does this is a natural instinct associated with food. If he can see us preparing his mix from the paddock, he'll start lightly pawing. I wouldn't call it learned, though, as he doesn't receive his food immediately after he starts this behaviour (by the time we finish mixing, walk to the paddock, and lead him over to his feeding spot). It's just his natural instinct when he spies the food bucket for the first time from the paddock.

[@ashlynhope2659]

I agree but my horse digs up the ground😂😂😂

[@terryhappy3337]

I really loved this video! This is intelligent training and very well presented. My stallions where all born at the same time and they ate grain at the same time for years in the same paddock and they all paw at feeding time at the sam time. This was not corrected and is hard to correct now. They spill things and wreck things basicly.

[@urmom-or8mc]

Is it possible that they can learn it from other horses? Because there is a horse at my barn who always does it, and my mare started to do it as well. I normally just tap her leg with a crop when she does it, but it hasn't been working, so i came here.

[@sarahdevincentis8483]

I have a problem with my horse where when he is standing in the cross ties after he is groomed he liked to paw at the ground to get attention and treats, I used to carry a crop around him and give him taps when he would do so, but realized that was just giving him a bad experience in the cross ties and now I am unsure of how to stop this behavior. I try to only give him treats in his stall or when he is not in the cross ties, but I want to also teach him how to stand in the cross ties with out striking. Thanks for the tips!

[@TaylorParnell]

I have two horses and everytime I take one out the other one freaks out do you have a video about what to do?

[@Notttttttttygggtggg]

is it pawing? or pawling? or does she have a accent? like Jersey girl? just curious if im saying it correctly

[@madisonjanatsch1637]

Archie Ray & Lisa Shue it’s awing she just says it diffrent

[@1horsedocs]

Thank you! It’s pawing. I could not watch this video because I couldn’t listen to the incorrect pronunciation. Too bad. Sounded interesting

[@lauramerritt8744]

My horse doesn't paw before the food comes but after - kicking the feed bucket as she does. It can be a bit annoying.

[@carolineleiden]

Laura Merritt Well, they're not machines. Just like any pet or child, they will be annoying at times. If you can't stand it, don't have animals or kids.

[@robdavis7189]

Interesting video. I never knew these different reasons why horses pawed the ground. I can understood why they would want to paw a surface if they were not sure of or going somewhere they were not formula with or maybe they just wanted some attention. It's always a pleasure to watch your video's. Thanks for sharing this video with everyone.

[@elliteequine3785]

Sometimes the horse I ride will paw very hard on the ground when we are standing still, when I am riding him. My trainer says to kick him hard when he does that, as he could roll on you? He does it wot everyone, though, not just me. He also sometimes when I squeeze him to move, sometimes he backs up, waking backwards, even if it is into another horse. They say to give him lots I rein, and I don't want to kick him, because maybe he'll just back up faster?!?! Idk!!! He doesn't do it all the time, just quite often.

[@jayplynnuno6838]

so how do we stop them from pawing now that you told us why? my horse loads and unloads a trailer like a dream but once we stop for lights or traffic he starts pawing and and kicking the trailer hard with his front feet..

[@lauramerritt8744]

Do you think the bucket on the wall as opposed to the floor make the pawing behavior worse?

[@jandunn3075]

there is no link to the ball training

[@equineguru08]

Where’s the video link on training them from pawning to using a ball?

[@leaha4375]

My horse does it when she finishes her food and I leave her bucket there in front of her like she saying I want more

[@jaclynsbeach1307]

Could we please have the link to the ball diversion video?

[@jagannathk3037]

Hii callie my stallion 6 year old recently became side walker before he takes to trotting. Please guide how to correct.

[@mariannestuart6335]

How do you address pawing when camping for instance and they can't see another horse even though the horses are close but they are anxious because they are alone? With other campers I am not able to control where there horses are and maybe they won't let me tie close to them on I can't park where my horse can see them .

[@cheyenneutah1569]

What to do when m horse is in a medium large stall and I open the door to take him out and he is behind the door and wants to get out fast and if i m not letting him out soon ....he starts stomping his feet as a temper tantrum...

[@sunee333w3]

My horse only paws when in the horse trailer. It is difficult to stop, unload him and make him work. Do you have any suggestions?

[@terryhappy3337]

When people are critcal of you speaking and your inforation, it is not because you are not amazing! It is because they are not amazing and are not able to recognize you. Sad for them. Good for you!

[@jasonfrost5025]

Terry Galloway Not really. Like it or not, the way you speak has an adverse effect on your audience. Look at anything anywhere in social interaction. If you want to be taken seriously, you have to speak properly. Just the way humans are. Great info in the video, just cringe-worthy speech pattern.

[@josebarajas542]

Why does a Horse hit He's front Hoofs with rear Hoofs while walking, is there a solution to this?

[@anglane7466]

My horse starts to paw when I get her feed but will stop. BUT when I get her in the trailer and we take off and drive I can hear her pawing. I don't know how to stop that.

[@laurahartsell5938]

Hi Callie, my horse paws when crossing streams or in water. Possibly the emotion of enjoying the water, or investigating the water. I allow it briefly and then ask him to get a move on.... any comments regarding this?

[@katieschwarzhoff3007]

thats normally to investagate.... some horses will even roll in the water after that, so be careful :-)

[@JordyanBWolf]

Is there a reason why I saw a horse bring their neck down low and swing their neck and head back and forth? It was years ago when I saw this but I did find it weird as a kid. I just assumed it was bored and was trying to entertain itself.

[@mariewyche416]

My horse paws & kicks her stall when she sees me at feeding time and if she hears my voice before she sees me she starts to paw & kick her stall knowing it's time to eat. Why does my horse only associate me with food only? How can I get my horse to let me love on her and show her attention besides just at feeding time to get her to stop kicking & pawing until she gets her food?

[@crystaldaigle9480]

I have a question. I just got a gelding, I had to separate my mare from my gelding. the problem I am having is Everytime I move him away from my mare he goes crazy, pawing, running hitting the gate ext, how do I break my gelding.

[@speed150mph]

Sounds like your gelding is herd bound. It's a very common problem, and there are about a million and one different exercises you can try to break him of that. Every trainer it seems has his or her own method. I can't tell if he is herd bound in general, or if it's just to the one mare, but there are a couple ones that come to mind. First one I remember reading from a problem solving book was to have a partner ride the mare or have the mare tied up somewhere with some open area where you can ride, like an arena riding area. Ride your gelding away from her, and stop a ways away from the mare, and give your horse his head. If he walks back over to the mare, trot him or lope him in circles around her or in general put him to work, then ride away and stop him back where you were and give him his head again. The point of the exercise is to get him to associate the other horse with work, and that riding away means rest. It also allows the horse to make his choice, the key is to make him realize that his idea is hard and yours is easy. As your horse responds better to it, start pushing him further out. There was another similar one I remember seeing at a horsemanship clinic, where a herd bound horse was separated, and was brought into an arena. The clinician brought the horse in and got on, and once again, dropped the reins and gave the horse his head. When the horse moved towards the gate he would start to apply pressure, he started out with smacking his hand on his chaps as a audio pressure then moved up into leg pressure until the horse started to think about moving away, then he'd release the pressure to reward the thought. Then he'd do it again, and release. Then once the horse seemed responsive he'd step it up, releasing when the horse turned away, then when the horse moved away from the gate. The herd bound horse the woman brought him he had responding and the horse started thinking about moving away from the gate on his own. I like these because they are more natural horsemanship and really gives the horse a chance to make his own choice. Another one I heard about in a magazine article was used if your riding trails. It was pretty well just a leapfrogging exercise were you start to push your horse ahead, then fall back, and as your horse starts getting used to the separation, to keep opening the distance, working up gradually. But each horse is different and what works for one might not be effective with another. Look up correcting a herd bound horse on google and use your own judgment on what you think would be a good exercise for your horse.

[@vitthalgharpure9258]

Hi, you are requested to insert video clips showing pawing.

[@harrietroyle240]

hi my pony paws when she is at shows in the classes is there any way I can stop it?

[@harveyib114]

Yes my horses paws while feeding but not the whole time. Just at the beginning.

[@karenthornton7014]

Pawling??? is not a word

[@lindatilelli6388]

it's just probably her accent.

[@shayleake3546]

It could be her microphone too, pawing is a weird word to pronounce anyway. 😄

[@zebradun7407]

If you want to nitpick and be technically correct a Horse does NOT have a Paw. Hoofing, fingering might be more correct. But I know what she means.

[@onegoodturngetsmostofthebl7499]

The word is pawing.

[@sscliche]

why does my horse paw while he is eating?

[@juliestover5246]

Another reason could be buddy sour!! This is what I'm dealing with now

[@lindamoyer8935]

My horse paws when I am giving him his bath? He does not paw when we feed only at bath time, what is that associated with?

[@allygrech2194]

could be he wants to roll

[@KoriHarlan]

pawing shouldn't be a poblem, it's like being a hipocrit for example horses can't pay but we can annoy Peale on purpose, bully them (hopefully not)and horses can't paw that's basically like saying we can't tie our shoe lol

[@MelinaHollway]

pawling?

[@Macam2macam]

I love horse.

[@bimbim331]

My horse paws when he eats out of a tub and I think it's cute, not a problem at all for me

[@madisonscheidle1237]

My mare always paws when she is tied up to a fence or trailer side

[@KathyKinrade1959]

madison barnett I am a new horse owner and my girl paws evertime I tie her up . it is getting worse everyday.

[@HillBassplayer]

I thought horses 🐎paw when they want certain things...like food or water

[@harrietroyle240]

hi

[@mwamwa3488]

I don't mind my horse doing it tho

[@miakoopmans1083]

she is saying PAWL or PAWLING no no no no no

[@DafneLazou]

what is you email?

[@averyvoss5339]

My horse paws as he’s eating.

[@carolineleiden]

So pawing is a symptom of an underlying problem. Take away the cause of the problem, don't focus on the symptom. Cats do it too. If they want the door opened, they scratch it. So we got a cat flap. Problem solved.

[@jeanmattison3600]

My mare paws in the trailer.

[@anneishee6229]

my horse paws when i get thier food

[@ethanperez37]

Hahaha a Simpsons joke brought me here

[@davewilliams9578]

no thanks

[@christina-mz1lp]

My horse paws for water.

[@anncapriceowen-chapel5513]

She IS saying pawling--NOT 'pawing' !! Obviously she doesn't pay attention to correct pronunciation of words.

[@rebeccasander1252]

Can't watch this one...pet peeve..there is no "L" in pawing. Uuugh!!

[@brian.7966]

to much chat.

[@doebuus6127]

Pauling

[@connormcclelland2903]

Ya hi CRKtraining! i want to be your new friend!

[@jenniferbaker2942]

this video is boring make it intertaining :3 100%

[@danielthomas3333]

Just untie him and assertively move him around and tie him up again. Then ignore him. This girl is falling over herself trying to analyze a simple problem. Horses don’t mind being put in their place. This kind of analysis is, quite frankly, bull***t

[@truckdriverluffy]

first

[@Gabi-mv3jw]

lol I just slap my horse's shoulder

[@katieschwarzhoff3007]

so next time can take her advise,

[@Gabi-mv3jw]

Katie Schwarzhoff well I tried her "advice" and all my horse did was throw a kick, pin her ears and try to bite me

[@caballuscollecting]

Then you obviously have a shitty relationship with your horse and should rethink how to communicate with it.

[@Gabi-mv3jw]

TheAssassinsDen tried that when I tell her no she just paws harder and harder

[@marysleepysea8904]

then you should not have a horse if you have a shitty relationship and you continue to hit it

[@jenniferbaker2942]

btw is it just me o is she really saying pawling she is saying that instead of pawing lol haha stupid