Which item is used to curb or eliminate tail chewing in horses?

Using hot chili pepper powder is an effective method for curbing or eliminating tail chewing in horses due to its strong and unpleasant taste. Horses are naturally inclined to avoid anything that causes discomfort or irritation. When applied to the tail, the hot chili pepper powder creates an unpalatable experience for the horse if it attempts to chew on its tail, thereby acting as a deterrent. This approach is often used as a way to modify undesirable behaviors in horses, encouraging them to redirect their focus and energy away from the tail.

The other options mentioned do not directly address the behavior of tail chewing. For example, hobbling and leg chains are restraint methods that can potentially cause more stress or anxiety to the horse, which might exacerbate the tail chewing behavior rather than alleviate it. Mirrors may be used for visual stimulation or to reduce boredom but do not necessarily correlate with stopping a horse from chewing on its own tail. Consequently, these alternatives are not as effective as applying a taste deterrent like chili pepper powder.