Tri-Tronics^®, Inc.

P. O. Box 17660

Tucson, AZ  85731

support@tthorse.com

1-800-808-8423

ARTICLES & EDUCATION

Weaving, Stall Walking, and Fence Pacing

The above three behaviors are similar in that in each case the horse repeats a movement over and over until it seems like they are in a trance-like state. Weavers will rhythmically shift their weight back and forth from one front foot to another while simultaneously bobbing their head and neck from side to side. With every step they twist and push off with one front foot, often leaving a deep perfect cylindrical hole in the floor or ground. In fence pacing they will actually take a certain number of steps, usually the same distance every time and then change direction. They will repeat this process over and over until they have worn a path or in some cases a trench. Stall pacers may pace back and forth along one wall or they may continuously pace a circle around and around the stall without stopping. In any of these behaviors, the horses can continue for hours at a time without stopping to eat or drink. Often they will continue long after they are drenched in sweat. These horses may be tired from constant exertion or thin from not eating. In severe cases they can become dehydrated from not drinking properly which can lead to colic. Any of these behaviors can lead to strain or injury of the joints, tendons, ligaments or hooves over time. All of the above have negative effects on the horse's performance and may prevent a talented individual from reaching his full potential or it may even keep them sidelined with injuries so they do not perform at all.

This is also an easy problem for the ViceBreaker^® to solve. While performing these habits, many of the horses seem to be in a cycle or trance and once you break that cycle it is almost as if they were awakened from being hypnotized. Most will stand quietly or go back to eating. Usually only the lower levels of the ViceBreaker^® are needed for this, just enough to interrupt the cycle.

Horses weave or pace for a variety of reasons. They may be unhappy with prolonged confinement. They may be stressed by activities going on around them or they may be frustrated at being separated from other horses. Please read our Factors page to better understand why horses perform bad habits. Unfortunately for many of these horses their careers (racing, showing or even breeding) may require them to be confined or separated for varying lengths of time. Please read our Tips page for suggestions on how to improve your horse's lifestyle, which will help to eliminate bad habits.