Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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Dr. Getty
Hello Mary,
Chewing tree bark is a classic response to stress. You mentioned that she was recently moved from her old barn, and since she has not been able to bond with any other horses, she is experiencing both mental and physical discomfort.
Make sure that she has hay in front of her at all times. If she runs out, she will chew on anything she can to produce saliva, a natural antacid. You see, unlike our stomachs that secrete acid only when we eat, horses' stomachs release acid at all times -- every minute of the day and night. They are designed to chew and graze constantly and need to have hay free-choice. Remarkably, they do not gain weight and will actually lose weight if they are carrying too much because they will soon self-regulate their intake and only eat what they need.
I don't know if you are already doing this, but I suspected that she was running out of hay due to her chewing response.
A nutritional deficiency is always likely on a hay-only diet because grass starts to lose nutrients the minute it is cut and dried. So a comprehensive vitamin/mineral supplement that adds omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed meal is worth considering. I recommend Glanzen Complete.
But, see what you can also do about helping her have time with other horses. Turnout, as much as possible, will go a long way in making her a happy gal.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
My horse started eating the bark off of the trees in her paddock. She is alone and the horse in the adjoining paddock also started chewing bark first. Is she a copy cat or bored or is she missing something in her diet? She is 17 and has recently been moved to this new boarding place about 2 months ago.
Thanks for any help.
Mary
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO