You could stand her overnight in wet cement. She'd probably give that up by morning.

Some interesting replies have been made. Have you talked to the previous owner? She has probably had the habit a long time. To add a couple of things some try: 1. Every time she starts to paw, make her back up. 2. Tie her up and plan to have her tied most of the day. When she stops pawing, praise and turn her loose. 3. Unless she is underweight, take off grain and alfalfa (which I never feed anyway due to protein being too high and horses can only digest 12% protein) but feed free choice good or high quality grass hay-I prefer one of the bermudas or timothy. 4. There are many very good trainers than have great home videos that may help. There is always more to learn. I like Parelli and Clinton Anderson. 5. Don't expect to change it quickly. 6. Make sure the tack is not causing pressure or pain-find someone to double check the fitting of your saddle. 7. Enjoy the horse you have regardless of this fault.

Other people were yelling at her and throwing small things at her? Well I would do the same to them and see how THEY like it. THEN I would throw THEM! Sheesh, you can't fix stupid.

There's a new article in this month's issue of Horse & Rider in regards to hobbling (Stopped his colt from "pawing.")... Good read... Might help? I concur with the previous poster in regards to there being underlying issues. Might try to look there too.

Before trying to stop a horse from habitually pawing, it would be a good idea to sleuth out WHY the horse is pawing and address those issues. Because there IS a reason in your horses mind. Your horse is not enjoying needing to exhibit this action continuously and is trying to tell you and everyone else something. It might be something selfish and petty like ' hurry up, your moving too slow' (in which case you work on patience) or it could be something more worrisome to your horse like being tied too short, not enough exercise, fear, pain or any number of a thousand reasons. But the point is.... THERE IS A REASON TO YOUR HORSE. Figure out the reason, address that, and you won't have to worry about pawing.

Buffy... I have the same issue with my older mare. Not so much high energy as just a bad habit, She is the boss lady here and real buddied up with the other older mare. I have never appreciated this habit and nobody has been willing to offer a solve for it (in my little part of the world). Had resigned that it was just part of her until I tried Dans trick, with a twist.I laced a super short piece of wire around the links so it does more than just slap her. That wasn't effective on this girl. Once she figured it out, she stopped. She caught on quick and I am so glad. That habit has been such an embarrassment for ages. Kinda like having a tantrum prone child. Eeks. No thanks. I have had her for several years and just dreaded taking her to town. Maybe not anymore?? This tip helped almost instantly. I say try it. Will be an ongoing deal, am sure, but worth it to me. THANK YOU DAN!! D'na Oh and btw... I did try the chain alone before modifying, and my upgrade is not a danger to her. I hope nobody is inclined to rip me for it...it works... Just saying.

Buffy, This mare being 13..you prolly will not change this in her..She has some of the same behaviours as my TB X Appy gelding..I tried all the tricks when I first got him...He would stop for a short period..but start again..At 13 this is part of her personality now.. I did find that his diet does have an input. Alfalfa and grain makes it worse. Feeding him once a day made it worse.If I feed him 2 hours beofore I get him out it seems to be better... But mostly,I have just learned to enjoy his energy.When he gets tied he bounces around and we stand and laugh at him... and he is my favorite horse to ride..I use that energy to play with!! Just enjoy her!!!....MaryAnn

I have a 13 year old mare that I have had for about a month now. I board her at a stable with an indoor arena. She is very impatient and paws and paws when tied. I have tried different things and nothing seems to work. I have tried tying her to a post and ignoring her and left her for a couple of hours and she still pawed. When riding in the arena she has high energy and wants to keep moving her feet. She has a very fast walk. And....even when I stop her she wants to move off and keep moving. I have tried ignoring her when she is tied and she paws, but it is so annoying and it is very hard to simply ignore her. Other boarders have tried yelling and throwing little things but she will stop and then start again. I bought her at an auction and so don't know her history other than the seller said he bought her from a lady about a year ago and used her on his ranch moving cattle. She is in a large paddock with 3 other horses. She is quite dominant in the paddock but has buddied up with another alpha mare, but pins her ears and will bite the other submissive mares. I am considering putting her in a pasture with about another 10 horses (geldings) to see if this would make a difference. Any suggestions much appreciated.