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Is there something I can do to stop one of my team of Belgians that wants to constantly paw or stomp the ground when tied or having to stand still when hitched?

Last Updated: June 21, 2010

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You might consider hobbling the horse to prevent pawing. We would recommend first putting the hobbles on when he is standing tied and not hitched. When he adjusts to standing hobbled when tied, then move to standing hobbled when wearing the harness but not hitched to other horses or a wagon. That way, if he panics or reacts poorly, there is less chance of him injuring the other horses or himself. Once he adjusts and stands quietly, then try him hitched to the wagon and other horses. It sounds as if he needs to learn a little patience. We hope this will help. Remember, be patient and progress only as fast as the horse adjusts to what you are doing.

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