Hobbles aren't a bad thing at all. I had a horse that pawed the crap out of my trailer and in cross ties. Yelling and whacking doesnt' work either, just turns into a game for them. He drove me nuts. Nothing got him over that, maybe more training and time with him, which I didn't have, so I sold him. Looking back, I would have tried hobbles. I know some have suggested them for using in the trailer but be sure he is used to them BEFORE attempting in a trailer. Many trailriders use them.

Then there is always the shock collar method. Don't say NO WAY for a horse, we use them on dogs too.

I would sure try hobbles before resorting to a shock collar. But you might also try clicker training as well.

My youngest mule pawed quite a bit when she was 2-4 years old then it gradually dissapated.. My personal belief is that hot (rich) feed and  forced inactivity inactivity compounds this "vice".

I will offer one bit of advice from personal experience: if you use hobbles when tied...tie them SHORT! I had a young mule that reared up with hobbles on and came down the lead rope...

But try working on rewarding them for standing still, by whatever methods your animal is motivated by...(treats, turning loose for a bit, click and treat, etc.)

Here are some articles to read about hobbles, their uses, types and
training. I particularly liked the ring rope rope method in the second link, although I would use a larger diameter (soft cotton) myself.

http://www.usipp.com/gatefarm/hobbles_and_their_proper_uses.htm

http://www.gaitedhorses.net/Articles/Hobble/hobble.shtml

If he's a true butt-head about not getting his way, try the hobbles in an arena/large pen first.  That way when he throws his hissy fit he can fall on the ground and not into something.

Once he learns not to fight the hobble in the arena you can lead then ride another horse around the ring.  He'll get excited and throw another hissy but he'll learn to stand and hopefully you can break him of some of his herding behaviors.

Chances are when he's standing near lots of other horses he's fine.  Alone he's thinking they've left me for dead!

Hate to say if he's TB it might take longer to break the bad habit.

Repeat these steps until he stands tied like a perfect gentleman inside an arena where other horses are being worked.

Good luck and be consistant!

"Hate to say if he's TB it might take longer to break the bad habit."

Ain't that the truth!! LOL

I had one that would kick the trailer and if you just lightly tap the brakes...they have to put all four feet down.  Be VERY careful to just barely tap the brakes...barely.  He started figuring out that the ride was much more comfortable if he would just stand with his feet planted.

I am not too keen about riding with a horse in the trailer. he has to learn to behave himself by himself. By making the wrong thing uncomfortable ( like tapping breaks) he'll learn when he isn't pawing, he'll be ok.

Treats are another issue- again, he has to learn to be good ,not for a treat, but because life is better. After any training session, when the horse does what is being asked, stopping the session ,or relief from pressure, is the reward. So if you're working on the pawing thing, when he stops pawing, letting him is the reward. Let him paw all he wants but to go back to the stall or paddock, you must stop.( for example)

I second Wild Bill.  Old shoe on the ankle.

Or just put one hobble on while tied at the rail.  Put it on the foot he paws most with. When he paws the hobble will flop around and annoy him.  I just went through that with my 2 year old this spring.

I'm glad to know people actually use them and that they work.  I have seen the ones made for horses but never listened to a report of them working.  Now can I fit my students with them, or will their parents complain?

I've also wondered about those dog collars that shock when the animal leaves within a set radius of the "central device."  Would that work for children in public?  Mom just places the "central device" in her purse and when the kids start to roam and they get too far, WHAMMO!  I would think it would be far superior to the "kiddy leash" type of thing you see out today.

I don't have a cure, but sure know what you're going through. Daughter has a 17 year old mare that we've had 15 years. This horse has never stopped  pawing and kicking in the trailer. Two weeks ago she went nuts in our new American Spirit trailer. Now I get to spend some time and money to repair the damage. If it was up to me the mare would never look at another trailer.

With all these good ideas, maybe she can learn.

some horses freak at being tied in a trailer because they've been tied too short and the ride was hell.  Make sure they can move their head comfortably without getting turned around.  Also a shock collar activated by sound seems like a very bad idea in a trailer.  If someone should honk their horn or a big truck pass by ect... it would only teach the horse to associate bad things with the trailer or with sound.  The kind you hand operate would be the better choice.  I had pretty good luck with working a horse every time he pawed.  It exhausted me though.  A cowboy pal of mine tried hobbles on him and tried tying up one foot.  They both worked but were a pain and of course wouldn't work in a trailer.  I devoted an entire day to working him on ground manners every time he pawed.  It seemed like he couldn't stop himself-- like cribbing-- but eventually the light bulb went on and he stopped.  If you go this route, get some help and take turns! 

This one used to paw.

Made for short trailers.

  How bizarre!! Sure wish I could get Siseley to kick on command, I would kick the living daylites out of a couple of Dirt bikers in my neighborhood!!  Also those folks that leave their dogs loose at nite and they tip over trashcans. Or the inconsiderate people who let their kids just run screaming up to any horse and expect the horse not to react!

Kick um again girl!!

Steve