[ghost horse]

What is his problem?? I watched him today and he was eating away. Is this a lack of minerals? I have had them eat dirt and once I added the mineral salt block they stopped. Do you guys think this would him?

[AllAroundRdr]

How old is the horse? Usually horses eat fecal matter because they're trying to replace lost microbes in the gut. Very common in youngsters who need the microorganisms for digestion. I'm a firm beliver that all horses receive adequate vitamins/minerals with their diet. Adding a Probiotic isn't a bad idea either.

Another reason could be simple hunger -- are you feeding adequate?

Boredom could also trigger this behavior.

[ghost horse]

My horse is a 16yr old tb gelding. He is turned out 24/7 and has friends. He gets plenty to eat. So maybe he is bored.would the probiotic help him? I was also thinking of deworming more often?

[AllAroundRdr]

What's your worming schedule like as of now? When was the last time he was derwormed and with what type of A Probiotic keeps the benificial gut bacteria reproducing -- that reproduction of good bacterial is essential. I'd certainly suggest a Vitamin/Mineral Supplement as well as a Probio.

When you say "New" How long have you had him? -- Wondering if new environment/stress could be playing a role.

[livelovelife693]

one of our new boarders was eating her poop when she came. She was also underweight, as soon as we put some more weight on her she stopped that habit. Other horses however may never stop eating their poop, even if they are getting enough food. Could be something in her history, maybe she was underfed at sometime?

[ghost horse]

I got him last fall.I deworm every 8 weeks. I keep him we I got him. This i just a thought could he just be bored. He likes to work ,be groomed and just hang out with me.I live in the cooooold northeast. So riding is on the shelf right now.It is just I have never had one like this.

[AllAroundRdr]

Not to get sidetracked from the OP, but is it possible she stopped eating fecal matter because the added feed she was given/new feed was of better quality and had the vitamins and mineras she was lacking from what she was previously eating where she was located?

Originally Posted by livelovelife693

one of our new boarders was eating her poop when she came. She was also underweight, as soon as we put some more weight on her she stopped that habit.

[PNHPlatinum]

Okay not to hi-jakc the thread, but My friends horse where I ride indy does this, Hes about 7 years old(not sure when his b-day it), he's not skinny at, all once a week they get a round bale(lasts them about 4 days with all of them easting it), he gets a handful of Oats with a vitamin/mineral suppliment, and Apple cider vinegar, everyday. He gets about 1/2 a bale of Hay a day and can constant Water. What could cause this?? I haven't see any of the other do this and they roughly have the same feeding/worming plan!

[AllAroundRdr]

Like Livelovelife693 mentioned -- if food has been scarce for a horse (let alone vitamins and minerals) and they resort to eating fecal matter, even once they have ample food, quality diet, etc. it can still remain a habit. And just because a horse is provided a vitamin and mineral supplement doesn't mean the animal doesn't still have a specific vitamin or mineral deficiency. Ongoing behavior would be grounds for me calling my vet and having some tests done.

[Deb]

He's getting enough good hay?