GET EXPERT HELP UNDERSTANDING & SOLVING YOUR HORSE’S PROBLEM BEHAVIOURS

Padfoot’s Principal Animal Behaviourist, James Davis, specialises in equine behaviour. He applies the science of behaviour and learning and the art of horsemanship to help you understand and solve horse behaviour problems.

Horses in all disciplines may have problems from time to time. These could be handling issues such as leading or trailer loading; ridden problems such as napping, bucking and rearing or other issues such as weaving, headshaking and separation anxiety. These unwanted behaviours can develop for a number of reasons and each case should be treated individually. 

We will help you understand your horse’s behaviour and will work with you to tailor a safe, effective programme for both you and your horse's individual circumstances. 

All aspects of your horse's management, environment and training will be taken into consideration. Using common sense, practical and kind methods we can provide effective, long-term solutions.

As a result you will benefit from a better understanding of your horse's behaviour, empowering you to make informed choices and giving you increased confidence with riding, handling, training and competing.

Please note. We are professional animal behaviourists specialising in problem behaviour assessment and modification. We are not horse breakers or trainers for particular disciplines.

SCHEDULE AN INITIAL EQUINE BEHAVIOUR CONSULTATION USING OUR ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM BELOW

EQUINE BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS

Many horses perform unwanted or ‘problem’ behaviours. Often these behaviours are symptoms of specific underlying issues. When addressing any of these difficulties we need to understand the root cause, so we can choose the best method to solve them. 

Some issues can be resolved by small changes in management, others need time and retraining. Every case is individual. 

Typical problems include: 

Anxieties and Phobias

Separation anxiety, nervousness, fear of people, objects, vehicles, places or other animals, needle phobia, fear of veterinary procedures, the farrier or dentist.

Handling

Leading, catching, pulling back when tied up, difficulty picking up feet, head shyness, rugging up, bathing, grooming, tacking up, biting when girthed, difficulties with the vet, farrier or being clipped. 

Management

Door kicking, barging out of the stable, refusing to enter or leave the stable, jumping out of the field.

Stereotypies

Crib-biting, weaving, box-walking, tongue-lolling, head bobbing, headshaking, windsucking, pawing, digging, fence walking, wall kicking, self mutilation.

Aggression

Towards humans, other horses or animals – nipping, biting, charging, striking out and kicking, aggressive behaviour around food.

Riding

Refusal to stand for mounting, non-acceptance of tack, napping, bucking, rearing, bolting, spooking, failure to go forward, non-responsive to aids, rushing fences or refusing to jump. 

Competing

Loading problems, anxiety when travelling or at the showground, difficulty handling or tacking up, ridden problems, refusing to enter the arena. 

Maladaptive Behaviour

Getting cast in the stable, lying down at unusual times (eg. when ridden or travelling), shut down or depressed behaviour. 

Oral Abnormalities

Wood chewing, mane and tail chewing, soil, sand, droppings and bed eating. 

Rather than addressing the symptom, the Padfoot team will help you address the root cause of the problem using kind, compassionate methods. This ensures not only that the problem is fixed long term, but also that you will have a better understanding of your horse. 

Book an initial consultation today.