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Hi guys, thanks for all the replies, on and off line.  Got some requests to 
share any solutions as it seems I'm not the only one with this "little" 
problem!  Maybe start a support group? ;-))

I'm going to lump similar questions and reply that way, otherwise this will 
become another very long dissertation.

1.  Give him a pasture mate .... He has his 1.5 yo colt buddy with him.  Did it 
even when he was with the broodmare and his buddy.  He gets bored with their 
company and turns his attention to more "interesting" pursuits.

2.  Give him toys .... Poked holes in the 5L oil bottles and put alfalfa cubes 
in so that it was a "self reward" when he played with it.  He tried for about 5 
minutes to get to the cubes, threw a hissy fit and stomped the bottle to death, 
and turned his attention to the fence.  Threw empty feed bags in for him to 
play with, with a bit of feed as incentive, but he's figured out how to get to 
the "open" end then put his head right inside, ate the food and turned his 
attention to the fence.  (Actually, this was a very good self-desensitising 
exercise!)

3.  Hotwire .... installed that last night, so we'll see what happens now.

4.  Perhaps you could put a shed or a pen in his pasture and store just a bit 
of hay in there for him to break into and munch on? (This one from Teresa van 
Hove)  Excellent idea!  Together with the door with latches, I'll put this on 
the list of "Amusements To do"

5.  On using the collar .... In addition to the collar, I would do the 
underground wire thing as well.  When training with the collar, I would do so 
from a hidden spot, so that he doesn't associate the shock with me.  This would 
be my last resort, after all the other things.

I've spent hours watching him to try and figure out why he does it.  He has 
more than enough hay to eat (wastes a lot); has plenty to drink (doesn't finish 
what he has); he has company; he has (had before this cry for help) lots of 
space to run and play; has shade and sun to choose from.  When his big boy 
training starts, he'll definitely be taught to tie highline as I don't think I 
would trust him in future not to break out of the portable corral at a ride.

Thanks again for all the tips and words of support!

Kristene


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