My horse is a 5 yr old gelding mustang. We moved him to a new boarding facility 1 month ago - from pipe corral to a temporary box stall. I've noticed that when I turn him out in one of the arenas, he is eating the dirt from a hard dirt bank which is on the outside of the arena pen.

What would cause this behavior?

Thanks, DSBART

Where are you from? southern california

How did you locate this forum? internet surfing

Hello DSBART,

Since you just moved him to a new environment, his dirt-eating is likely a stress and/or boredom response. Be cautious of this because he can develop colic from consuming dirt, especially if it is sandy.

Eating dirt is also an indication that he needs salt. Providing a salt lick or adding an ounce of plain, iodized salt to his feed each day, will likely help.

To reduce this behavior, if you feel it is stress related, see what you can do to relieve his situation. And, I would recommend adding a B-Complex vitamin supplement to his diet to calm his system, along with a product designed to prevent sand colic (such as Sand Relief).

Keep me posted on how he’s doing.

All the best,

Dr. Getty