advice needed on tempermental mare

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helenhmi

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my daughters horse is very moody does not like having rugs taken on and off and is narky in the stable so if we have to do anything too her we tie her up outside and she is a lot better.when you lead her to the field she can be very dominant some days she leaps in the air kicks out and runs off you have no chance of holding her likewise when you bring her in she will half way down the field leap in the air and run she may do this a couple more times which is really frustrating.she is absolutly fine to ride never realy misbehaves.her behaviour is puzzling us and i wander if anyone has had similar problems and if there are any remedies or supplements which will be useful.
 
Is she a youngster? Our 5 yo used to do this but grew out of it. There is a young horse on our yard at present who is just the same. Confident handling is important, they are quick to learn who they can p*ss about with!
 
If she is maily naughty when leading her to and from the field I would put her in a bridle for the time being as you will have alot more control with this, or even a chifney if bridle doesn't work. Keep doing this until you are confident she won't try to run off anymore, it sounds to me like she has realised she can get away with it and if you just lead her in a headcollar you haven't got much hope of holding her!

As for her grumpiness in the stable, some horses are just like this, they see the stable as their terriotory and don't like people invading it, whereas outside is no man's land so they're alot more relaxed there! (I used to have one who was the same). Have you only just got her or have you had her awhile? If she is new you may find that once she knows you better she will relax a lot more. It could be a hormonal thing, you could try putting her on a moody mare type supplement? What do you feed her on? Some horses are intolerant to certain foods, like barley or mollasses so this could make her grumpy.
 
she is 6 and we have had her 3 months.she is out during the day and fed triplecrown basefeed with ad lib haylage.I will try a chiffney an d i think your right that she needs to know she cant get away with it but its difficult when you know she does it and legs are flying everywhere!
 
Wear a hat and even a body protector when leading her, it will help your confidence. I feel for you having been in that position a few years ago. I think you will find it's a phase that she will grow out of with maturity and as you get to know each other better.
 
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