Of all the negative behavior a horse can engage in, striking is one of the most dangerous. A striking horse lifts one or both legs and strikes out with the hoof, hitting whatever might be within reaching distance.
When a rider encounters a striking horse, it doesn't necessarily mean that the animal is trying to cause injury. It could be a way for the horse to get attention or it could be a sign of boredom or anxiety. Whatever his intentions, this behavior is extremely dangerous.
Working with a Striking Horse
If a rider knows that he or she is dealing with a striking horse, it is essential to stay away from both the front and hind legs. Working with the animal should be limited to his sides, from grooming to tacking up to medicating.
Additionally, it is the horse owner's responsibility to inform any equestrian professionals, such as farriers or veterinarians, that he or she has a horse that strikes at humans or animals. If no notification is attempted, the rider could potentially be liable for any injuries sustained.
Correcting the Behavior
Horses that strike, as mentioned above, might have one of several motivations. It could be a learned behavior from a previous owner or it could be a response to anger. Whatever the case, immediate and consistent correction is imperative.
One effective method of correcting a striking horse is to carry a lead rope or bat at all times. When one of the forelegs comes up the rider should strike the horse across the knees to send a clear signal that the behavior is unacceptable.
This does not mean that riders should beat horses that strike; it simply means that corporal punishment is sometimes the most effective. Remember that a striking horse is a danger to everyone around him.
If the rider is not comfortable with using a lead rope or bat on horses that strike, another method is to back the horse up every time he attempts the behavior. This also sends a clear message of wrongdoing, and forces the horse in the opposite direction of where he wants to go.
Looking for Pain
In some cases, horses that strike are trying to communicate pain. The horse might be suffering from a bruised frog, a torn ligament or any number of myriad problems that can affect the legs and hoof. If a rider thinks that his horse is striking because of pain, it is important to locate the source.
A veterinarian can conduct a full work-up on a striking horse to determine if a problem exists. However, it is important to remember that this issue is usually behavior with no underlying pathology, especially when it is combined with other negative behaviors, such as bucking or rearing.
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