SubscribeGift a Sub
Enable cache 100
Check Out Our Coverage of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event!
Horse Behavior

April SmartTip of the Month Presented by SmartPak: Horse Behavior

Thumbs Up: Checking off the common causes of “bad” behavior

An excitable, spooky horse can totally take the fun out of your barn time, so it’s an important problem to solve. But where do you begin? Start by working with your trainer and veterinarian to get the root of the problem, whether it’s medical, physical, or behavioral. To get one step closer to calm, check out some of the common root causes of equine “bad” behavior, such as the examples listed here:

  • Lameness/soreness
  • Too much grain
  • Too little turnout
  • Ill-fitting tack
  • Dental problems
  • Nutritional deficiencies
Photo by Coen Dijkman via flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0

Thumbs down: Assuming your horse’s attitude is just the way he is



Some people may say that a horse’s bad attitude is “just the way he is,” but he might be trying to tell you something! Instead of assuming that your horse is anxious or excitable because he’s “just a hot horse,” consider that there are several management practices and health problems that could be causing his behavior.



Check out a few of the common causes of equine “bad” behavior above, and then click the link here to learn more about why they could be the root of your horse’s behavioral problem.

Read more tips from SmartPak.

Horse Illustrated Advertorial

Horse Illustrated’s trusted partners bring readers important information about cool new products, research, and ways to better care for your horse and your horse’s home.

Recent Posts

All Three Equestrian Sports Receive Final Confirmation for the LA 2028 Olympic Games

After a nail-biting two years of speculation about the inclusion of equestrian sports in the next Olympic Games, it was…

11 hours ago

ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Xanthus

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…

16 hours ago

Be Your Horse’s Joint Health Champion

Equine arthritis can affect horses of all disciplines and ages, and early intervention is crucial for maintaining comfort and performance.…

1 day ago

Tamie Smith: Taking It To The Next Level

Mother, grandmother, and winning 5* eventing rider—these three titles don’t typically go together. However, Tamie Smith, 49, is all of…

2 days ago

Organize & Customize Your Horse Trailer Storage

Organize and customizer your new horse trailer by adding a few simple storage items. I’ve been on the search for…

3 days ago

Breed Portrait: Gypsy Vanner

Learn about the Gypsy Vanner, a versatile and gentle small draft horse breed for equestrians of all types. After World…

4 days ago