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.