6 Best Anti Chew Strips For Wooden Stalls That Horsemen Swear By
Stop costly stall damage. This guide details the 6 best anti-chew strips horsemen rely on, comparing materials and durability for a lasting solution.
You walk into the barn and hear that familiar, grating sound—the scrape of teeth on wood. A quick glance at your horse’s stall door reveals fresh damage, another inch of lumber turned into expensive shavings. Protecting your investment isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about your horse’s safety and your own peace of mind.
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Why Horses Chew Stalls and How to Protect Wood
Horses chew wood for a handful of reasons, and it’s rarely just to annoy you. Boredom is the number one culprit, especially for stalled horses with limited turnout. A lack of constant access to forage can also lead them to seek out something, anything, to gnaw on.
Sometimes, it points to a nutritional gap, though that’s less common with modern balanced feeds. More often, it’s simply a habit, much like a person biting their nails. It’s crucial to distinguish between simple chewing and cribbing, where a horse grabs the surface with its teeth and sucks in air—a more compulsive and harder-to-manage behavior.
Before you start lining every surface with metal, address the root cause. More turnout time, slow-feed hay nets to extend eating, and durable stall toys can significantly reduce the urge to chew. But for a determined horse or for protecting a new barn, these management changes often aren’t enough. That’s where physical barriers come in; anti-chew strips make the wood inaccessible or unappealing, providing a permanent solution.
Behlen Country Galvanized Steel Chew Guard
If you’re looking for the classic, no-frills solution, this is it. Galvanized steel guards are the workhorses of the anti-chew world. They are typically formed into an "L" shape to cap the top edge of stall walls and doors, presenting a hard, metallic surface that a horse simply can’t get its teeth into.
Their biggest advantage is brute-force durability and cost-effectiveness. Steel is incredibly tough, and a horse isn’t going to wear it down. You see these in old, well-maintained barns for a reason—they last for decades. For a straightforward, functional fix on a budget, you can’t go wrong.
The tradeoff is primarily in aesthetics and long-term maintenance. The galvanized coating can get scratched over time, eventually leading to rust spots. Installation also requires care to ensure no sharp edges or corners are left exposed, as a cut from a metal burr is a serious risk.
HorseGuard Bipolar Fencing as a Chew Strip
Here’s an unconventional approach that is shockingly effective for the most persistent offenders. Instead of a physical barrier, you install a strip of HorseGuard’s bipolar electric fence tape along the chewable edges. This tape has both hot and ground wires woven in, so the horse gets a short, memorable zap just by touching the tape itself.
The beauty of this system is that it creates a powerful psychological deterrent. It doesn’t just block the behavior; it teaches the horse that chewing that surface is a bad idea. It is arguably the most effective solution for chronic cribbers, as the instant feedback interrupts the compulsive behavior before it even starts.
Of course, this isn’t a simple bolt-on solution. It requires a low-impedance fence charger and proper installation, which adds cost and complexity. Some owners are understandably hesitant to put an electric element inside a stall, but modern, low-joule chargers deliver a safe, unpleasant pop, not a dangerous shock. If the power goes out, however, your protection is gone.
RAMM Heavy-Duty PVC for Persistent Chewers
For those who want the toughness of metal without the risk of rust or sharp edges, heavy-duty PVC is the answer. Products from companies like RAMM are made from a thick, high-impact polymer designed to withstand incredible abuse. They often feature a rounded top profile, which makes it difficult for a horse to get a good grip.
The primary benefit here is safety and longevity combined with a clean look. PVC won’t rust, corrode, or create sharp splinters if damaged. It’s a fantastic option for high-end barns or for owners who are particularly concerned about the potential for injury from metal strips.
This durability comes at a higher price point than basic galvanized steel. While incredibly tough, it’s not indestructible; a truly powerful and obsessive chewer might eventually gouge the surface, though they won’t chew through it. Proper installation is key, as you need robust fasteners to prevent a horse from prying it off the wall.
Weaver Leather Pre-Drilled Aluminum Strips
If you’re handling a stall renovation yourself, convenience matters. Weaver’s aluminum chew strips are a DIY-friendly favorite because they are lightweight, easy to cut, and often come pre-drilled. This saves you the significant hassle of measuring and drilling holes through metal every few inches.
The main advantages are ease of installation and the fact that aluminum is completely rust-proof. It provides a clean, silvery finish that holds up well in damp barn environments. For a quick, effective fix against a moderate chewer, this is an excellent and accessible choice.
The tradeoff for that convenience is strength. Aluminum is a softer metal than steel. While it’s more than enough to deter most horses, a very aggressive chewer could potentially dent, bend, or warp the strip over a long period. Think of it as a solid middle-ground option, but not the heavy-duty choice for a known wood-destroyer.
Stall-Armor Powder-Coated Steel Guards
This is the premium option for those who want uncompromising strength and a professional aesthetic. Stall-Armor takes a heavy-gauge steel base and applies a thick, durable powder-coated finish, usually in black. This gives you the best of both worlds: the raw power of steel and a finish that resists rust and looks fantastic.
The key benefit is that you get maximum durability without sacrificing appearance. The powder coating is far tougher than paint and creates a smooth, safe edge that integrates beautifully into modern or traditional barn designs. This is the kind of product you install once and never think about again.
The only real downside is the cost. Powder-coated steel is typically the most expensive option per linear foot. It’s an investment best suited for a new barn build, a major renovation, or for the horse owner who simply wants the best and is willing to pay for it.
Chew-Stop Flexible PVC for Tricky Corners
Not every surface a horse can chew is a perfect, straight line. Window sills, round support posts, and the corners of feed bins present a challenge for rigid metal or PVC strips. This is where flexible PVC or vinyl chew-stop products shine.
Their purpose is singular: to protect the awkward spots. This material is pliable enough to be bent around curves and cut to fit odd shapes, ensuring there are no gaps in your defense. It’s the essential gap-filler in a comprehensive anti-chew strategy.
Don’t mistake this for a heavy-duty solution, however. This flexible material is much thinner and softer than the rigid strips. It will stop a casual nibbler but won’t hold up to a determined, powerful chewer. Use it to supplement your primary protection, not as a replacement for it on high-traffic areas like stall doors.
Installation Tips for Long-Lasting Protection
Your anti-chew strips are only as good as their installation. Start by measuring your boards carefully and cutting the strips to fit snugly from end to end. A small, unprotected gap at the corner is an open invitation for a horse to start prying.
Use the right fasteners. Always opt for screws over nails, as nails can be worked loose over time. Match your screw type to the strip material—use galvanized or stainless steel screws to prevent corrosion and ugly rust streaks. Space them about 6-8 inches apart to ensure the strip is held securely against the wood, leaving no room for a horse to get its teeth behind it.
Finally, prioritize safety. After installation, run your hand along the entire length of the strip. File down any sharp metal burrs from cutting and ensure every screw head is driven down flush with the surface. A poorly installed chew guard can cause a worse injury than splintered wood ever could.
Ultimately, the best anti-chew strip is the one that fits your horse’s behavior, your budget, and your barn’s design. By addressing the root causes of chewing and installing a durable physical barrier, you can protect your property and create a safer environment for your horse. A sound stall makes for a sound mind—for both of you.
