My horse recently has started nibbling on tree bark and eating grass. Is this normal? Is she missing a mineral?
Boredom or dietary deficiency.
It is normal for horses to eat grass, but boredom, a bad habit, or a salt/mineral deficiency could cause the tree bark nibbling. Be sure that your horse has a fortified salt and mineral block in the pasture, and that it has good quality hay and grain (if necessary) to eat. Be sure that your horse has been properly dewormed and is in good health. A veterinarian could evaluate the horse to be sure that it is healthy, and if not, what treatment is needed. A veterinarian can also check the horse's teeth to ensure that they are wearing properly and to determine if they require floating.
