[sadiescreek]

I have a 10 year old Appaloosa/ Thoroughbred cross. In his stall, (he is brought in every night and let out every morning.) he walks around and is destructive. There is a window and a ball in his stall but neither seem to make him less bored. He will tear boards off the side of his stall and also walk in circles. (easy to see because his manure is squished to the point you cant tell what is wet sawdust or poop)
I just was wondering if there was any possible way for me to help keep him entertained in the stall and prevent any bad habits that may arise from bordem.
Thanks to all that help

 

[RATHER BE RIDING]

If he is already to the point of tearing boards off of walls, his frustration level is very high and bad habits have already been learned. Is there a reason that he cannot stay out all night? It is just not natural to a horse to be cooped up for that many hours. Some horses tolerate it just fine, but your horse does not seem to be at all happy with the situation and he could end up really hurting himself. There are lots of stall "toys" that you could try, but none of them will override his natural tendency to want to move while awake. If you don't want him out in a large field at night, maybe a small paddock would work better then a stall.

 

[SlideStop]

Lock yourself in the box for 12 + hours, see how you like it! ;o)

If he was slightly bored, like chewing the walls or messing with his buckets, then I would say toys will totally help him. I also think this not a case of "boredom", its a case of anxiety. Horses are naturally not supposed to be confined in a little box. Pacing, weaving and cribbing are ways to relieve anxiety, not entertain themselves. Ideally I would leave him outside 24/7. If that can't be done maybe he can have a stall with a small attached turn out.
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[sadiescreek]

Both your suggestions where really great but unfortunatly he can not be left out all night. The weather here is far to cold at nights and even with his blanket, its just too cold. I know in the wild horse do this all the time but where he is demestic, going from a warm cozy barn during the night to -30+ might come as a shock. Also all the horses he are boarded with come in at night. I don't feel confortable leaving him out all night without the companionship of a fellow herd member which he is used to. In the summer time though this will defiantly been a great option for him. He has been boarded at places his whole life, all which have done different things. (My aunt had him before me since he was a baby. I just got him in Septemeber.) Do you think he may be bored because of his last place? They left him out most nights. Could it be possible that he is just having issues getting back into the rythem of being inside? Before his last place he was inside at nights thats why I'm asking.
Again thank you so much for the help.

 

[SlideStop]

He is not bored. He is anxious. If you keep him in that's your decision. BUT I think you should be informed that it will, without a doubt, lead to pacing, stall weaving, and cribbing.

Instead of stall toys you need to get him used to staying in for shorter increments. Feeding time only, leaving him in before and after, a few hours, etc. Make it a happy place filled with food and things he likes.
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[PaintHorseMares]

Does he have enough hay to keep him busy all night?
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[kenda]

Does he have enough hay to keep him busy all night?
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Was my first thought as well. Also, if he eats his hay quickly maybe try a small mesh hay net so that it'll last longer and its more of a challenge for him to get it out, may keep his interest longer.

Another thought, even if its not all night, your barn may be willing to leave him outside longer with a buddy if that helps with the issue of him tearing their stalls apart. Doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[Chevaux]

What happens with him during the day? If he's not getting enough space or activity during the day to blow off steam then he will be worse at night. If he's out in a big field and has a chance to romp with pasture mates during the day, he's likely going to be tired and relaxed thereby more likely to enjoy quiet time in his stall. Also, as other posters mentioned, having hay to keep him occupied longer is useful as well. Hope it works out for him.

 

[sadiescreek]

These suggestions are actually really helpful. He does get plenty of hay where it is winter so he doesn't get grass, but he does eat quickly. A hay net defiantly wouldn't hurt. I'd love to try it. Also I could also start leaving him out longer so he isn't in as long in the nights. He hasn't been ridden in a whole do to the weather but he is in a large pasture and has plenty of buddy's to play with You guys have been the most helpful and I really appreciate it. I want to help him as much as I can and you helping me do that
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[Thunderspark]

I live in Canada also, our horses are out 24/7, they have a run in shelter/bush they go in to get out of the wind. They do fine and are happy out there......myself personally I wouldn't keep a horse stalled unless it's for stall rest because of sickness/injury but that's just my opinion....

 

[KeroKero]

I live in Canada also, our horses are out 24/7, they have a run in shelter/bush they go in to get out of the wind. They do fine and are happy out there......myself personally I wouldn't keep a horse stalled unless it's for stall rest because of sickness/injury but that's just my opinion....

This. The pasture where I board my horse has a wind break shelter, and a small forest they can run into if they want, but right now it is -28C (-18F?) WITHOUT wind chill, and there are all breeds out there. Also, not a horsie blanket in sight. They really don't even use the shelter, or huddle together, they act like it's normal, they roll in snow and even eat it (well... mine does).

I know you said you don't want him outside at night by himself and that is a very good point, but I just wanted to say don't be concerned about the cold unless you've clipped his winter hair off - they're tough as nails, these things.

 

[Thunderspark]

This. The pasture where I board my horse has a wind break shelter, and a small forest they can run into if they want, but right now it is -28C (-18F?) WITHOUT wind chill, and there are all breeds out there. Also, not a horsie blanket in sight. They really don't even use the shelter, or huddle together, they act like it's normal, they roll in snow and even eat it (well... mine does).

I know you said you don't want him outside at night by himself and that is a very good point, but I just wanted to say don't be concerned about the cold unless you've clipped his winter hair off - they're tough as nails, these things.

I have four of my own horses and one boarded here (he's been here for over 4yrs. since he was weaned) and like your's they roll in the snow, eat it........winter I watch them alot play/chase each other through our training arena, they will run over the wooden bridge, they will stand on each side of the pedastal with their front feet and play nipping each other......our's like your's seem quite happy and warm out in the cold!

 

[usandpets]

I live in Canada also, our horses are out 24/7, they have a run in shelter/bush they go in to get out of the wind. They do fine and are happy out there......myself personally I wouldn't keep a horse stalled unless it's for stall rest because of sickness/injury but that's just my opinion....

Not all barns/stables have the option of keeping a horse or horses outside at night. One that my wife worked at wouldn't because of liability. No one is there on the property at night. Something could happen and they wouldn't know until morning. Also, it was close to a big city and you never know what someone would do if they happened to drive by and see horses outside.
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[Thunderspark]

Not all barns/stables have the option of keeping a horse or horses outside at night. One that my wife worked at wouldn't because of liability. No one is there on the property at night. Something could happen and they wouldn't know until morning. Also, it was close to a big city and you never know what someone would do if they happened to drive by and see horses outside.
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True! We have electric fence up and at least once a year, usually around Xmas they break through think they are playing and not watching) and go for a little walk around the neighborhood LOL I usually find them at my close neighbor's with horses. There's have also gotten out.....we live in a subdivision about 10 miles out of the city, seems everyone's horses like to break out once in awhile but everyone is used to it around here...

 

[usandpets]

True! We have electric fence up and at least once a year, usually around Xmas they break through think they are playing and not watching) and go for a little walk around the neighborhood LOL I usually find them at my close neighbor's with horses. There's have also gotten out.....we live in a subdivision about 10 miles out of the city, seems everyone's horses like to break out once in awhile but everyone is used to it around here...

Haha! Ours have escaped about 4 times in the last year and a half. No one knew our horses in the area the first time they got out. Now we're known as the ones with the horses that got out. Seems like nobody else here has that problem.
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[ArretelaBWs]

This. The pasture where I board my horse has a wind break shelter, and a small forest they can run into if they want, but right now it is -28C (-18F?) WITHOUT wind chill, and there are all breeds out there. Also, not a horsie blanket in sight. They really don't even use the shelter, or huddle together, they act like it's normal, they roll in snow and even eat it (well... mine does).

I know you said you don't want him outside at night by himself and that is a very good point, but I just wanted to say don't be concerned about the cold unless you've clipped his winter hair off - they're tough as nails, these things.

I agree. I would maybe try and leave him out 24/7 as long as shelter's available. Healthy horses are pretty adaptable, its amazing how quick they can grow fur and adjust to their environment. They're made to survive and can be pretty tough animals. And if you decide to leave him out, I'd try to find him a buddy and make sure to supply plenty of hay for them to eat free choice. Eating hay helps keep them warm.
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