Advice with a Mare that is quite nasty on the ground!

[jellyshark]

Anybody have any advice a lovely young horse - great to ride but a total nightmare on the ground, she will threaten to bite and will kick out if challenged then she just turns on you She is a big horse too!! However when in season she is much nicer!! Really frustrating as a lovely ride but scary on the ground. Anyone overcome this?

 

[Echo Bravo]

Get her blood tested, could be hormones as some mares are a handfull when not in season and complete pussycats when they are in season, where most of us have the reverse.

 

[Honey08]

My mare acts a bit like that, she too is sweet as sugar when in season. However she doesn't ever do anything, its just fierce looking threats. I find carrying on with your business without reacting to the faces/tail swishing is best. I've met a few mares like that over the years, again, ignoring them but being gentle and firm seems the best way forward. They see better with one person dealing with them. I would always tie up when in the stable if you're worried.

 

[fattylumpkin]

Agree with what Honey and Echo Bravi have said have a test done and lay some boundaries with her. If she hasn't actually connected her teeth with you by now it sounds like threats. She can make all the ugly faces she wants, kick empty air and snap at nothing. Just ignore it, calmly carry on grooming her (or whatever it is that she's objecting to) take it slow and gentle, and eventually she'll realise that behavior is getting her nowhere. Try not to let loud, dramatic or overly sensitive people handle her because they feed that type of behavior.

 

[JustMeThen]

I agree with the above about boundaries, but it could also be worth trying the Global Herbs moody mare supplement... can't remember its exact name but the GH one is great for this sort of thing, good luck

 

[Spring Feather]

I've had quite a few mares like this come here. I just go about my business and do what I do with them and in time they usually forget they're miserable beggars!

 

[mirage]

I agree with the other posters.Knobberpony can be an arse on the ground and retailating can escalate things.I have found that just ignoring her and carrying on with whatever I'm doing [whilst muttering 'don't even think about it'] works a treat.She'll threaten to bite and lift a leg but it won't go any further.

 

[mynutmeg]

my girl is sweet with me but can pull the most evil faces with other people or other horses - she does like her space and has learnt that putting her ears back and threatening gets them to back out her space even tho she's never, ever followed through. I find she's much worse with loud people who 'get in her face' so to speak and respinds much better to calm but firm handling

 

[jellyshark]

Thanks - she does a little more than threaten she will properly kick out - had a few near misses!! She is rarily handled without a head collar and often a bridle as she will kick and bite!! Even turning her out is a mission as she will try to kick as you let her go!! She is handled mainly by one very experienced quiet female who ignores a lot but is getting scared of her!!

 

[Honey08]

Hmm that sounds a bit more serious then, and may be worth discussing with the vet? When she is turned out make sure that the lady turns her towards the gate and actually goes behind the gate before headcollars are taken off (so there is a barrier between her and horse). I'd be inclined to feed a carrot at the gate after the headcollar is taken off so turning and kicking out is hopefully forgotten for a moment and handler can move away.

 

[Summer pudding]

What's her story...age etc.? I had a miserable mare, no fun at all.

 

[georgiegirl]

Ive had one a bit like this in the past. Regumate completely transformed her.

 

[mirage]

Could you groom her whilst she is wearing a grazing muzzle if she is really bitey? That was what was recommended to me when k was being very grumpy.

 

[Goldenstar]

Ive had one a bit like this in the past. Regumate completely transformed her.

OP, It's essential you explore Regumate with your vet .
It could completely transform your horse if hormones are the issue .
If she getting worse ATM there's a fair change it is .

 

[Exploding Chestnuts]

We had one was so moody she would not eat her herbs one day and next day licked the bowl!

 

[amandap]

I would take note of when she is pulling faces, threatening etc. I would also rule out physical causes first, especially stomach and gut issues. Discomfort can make horses (and us!) irritable, defensive, distracted and generally hyper/panicky.
Be consistent and take account of situations that may provoke aggressive reactions. Keep safe, don't put yourself in danger to prove a point, not suggesting you are, just a general comment.