Why do some horses want to climb walls/fences?

Answer 1

Why would it want to?... First off, it's probably not used to being in a smaller space and doesn't feel secure. Yes, ironic, but it's instinct. So it's trying to get out.
To fix the problem... You need to make it safe first. Make sure the fencing is strong and will not splinter when the horse tryes to climb it. Line the fencing with no-climb wire so that he will not get out.
Then you need to make him happy. Make sure he has a large bucket of clean/fresh water. Do not use a automatic waterer (the sounds they make will make some horses wary). If possible, bring him the same water it's been drinking (even if it's stream water, just keep it as fresh as possible). Offer free choice hay scattered all over the ground so it's natural and good for his digestion. You won't want to do this for more than a few days or you'll be fattening him up excessively. If he's used to being in a herd, put as many horses/ponies or even other animals around him. Do not put the horse in the pen with him, they may beat him up and make everything worse! Be careful with this though, do not lead a horse over to meet the "wild" one. They could become distracted with each other and hurt you.
Now you need to be observant! Watch the horse. It will be pacing the fence line. Does he seem to be particularly perturbed with something in his pen. If he is screaming and wanting to be with other horses DO NOT fulfil his requests. He will become very herdbound to the horse you give him as a companion and whenever they're apart in the future this will all happen again.
Now this is all perfectly expected of a horse that has been moved from one situation to another. He will try to climb out for a few days. Keep him fed and watered and he will soon find out that the situation ain't that bad! It may take a week for him to fully settle and another month before he's his regular self. If this frantic behavior continues or escalates for more than a week you need to have a professional trainer come out and help your horse, there may be a serious behavioral issue.
Otherwise, once he's settles, resume his regular feeding and watering schedule (if you've been free feeding, this may cause more theatrics but that's just something he needs to learn to get over or you can wean him off by slowly increasing the amount of time he's WITHOUT food).
Once everythings back to normal... you need to teach your horse to have respect for the fencing so that he will not do this next time his situation changes (which could be a wind storm and new neighbor, etc.). Install a good safe electric fencing system. It's best to include a knowledgable helper in this. It needs to be safely and durably constructed. Your horse will hit the wire and run away very unhappy. It may indeed spark another nervous breakdown. Anyway, start it on it's lowest power. Increase the power if there is minimal reaction or if he continues to test it day after day. And the fencing must remain on and in good order at all times. You never know when he may be encouraged to climb out and your electrice fencing is there to discourage that! Good luck!!!

Answer 2

I cant say why all horses would want to behave that way ---just why any of my own have ever done this--its always been out of fear--and they are trying to get away from what ever it is they are afraid of--but thinking of just another reason is IF you have a stallion on your property and they are trying to get to a mare in season--frankly that sort of behavior is bad manners BUT some stallions are just that way--hence the reason stallions are usually in places with really strong high walled structures..
Then looking back at weening foals--either the mother or foal will try to go thru or over a fence to get to one another---so I suppose there are a few different reasons why --Kind of liked to have known why you asked--do you have a problem horse??

Answer 3

Is the horse young? High-strung? I have a 2 year old Tennesee Walker mare, and she is very energetic. She climbs the fences, and tried to get over to the geldings. (They're seperated by gender) She also likes to paw at gates.

Answer 4

well i agree with all of these answers, but maybe the horse is just bored, and thinks it is entertaining to climb on the fences/ walls. All horses have thier quirks. lol. Have you paid attention to how the horse is feeling (angery, upset, content). We could prolly tell u more then.

Answer 5

My horse used to do this,and so many times he hurt himself in the float but before i brought him his owner was driving drunk and the car and float went down a table drain, he had to be removed by cutting the float open and lifting out with a tractor and harness, BUT that was when he was 6, hes 14 now and just walks in the float,he was really bad and would not go near a float let alone in it, it took me a good 2-3 years to get him sound again, i used to lunge him in a circle closer and closer (only walking and trotting) so he would eventually have to walk over the float draw board, i also used to feed him morning and night take the divider out of the float, and hang the horses hay up in the centre of the float, if he gets hungry enough he'll go in, most the time i used molassas and steam flaked barley, he couldn't resist that! i also used to take him for trips like starting of at 5mins and getting longer each time. eventually with much patience and hard work, it might just pay off like in my situation, try it at least, some horses just don't like floating after just one bad experience, once he knows there is no reason to spaz out he should settle down. Good Luck with your horse! =]

Answer 6

some horses do it out of boredom. people say turn them out so they're not bord but when they get out in the pasture they crib on the fence. i think it sort of addicting to them. like smoking for humans. it's hard to break the horse of it but you can buy cribbing collars and special paint for painting on the doors or fences. horses can die from cribbing because they can colic easier then normal. it cause other bad thing to happen to the horse but i don't remember them right now. : ).

Answer 7

First of all horses cant "climb". THey jump. Maybe hes just bored. Exercise him more.

Answer 8

sometimes horse that are brought in from pasture and put in a stall will do this. esp if they can't see another horse. stallions will do this cuz they want the mares. horses that have been in their stall too long and have alot of energy. horses that are scared will do this. hope this helps.

Answer 9

If he use to be a wild horse it'll be instinct to escape from an enclosed area, if he has never been a wild horse I have no idea why he would do that.

Answer 10

I think this horse just needs to be taught some ground manners...