Aggression

[sandr]

Today is the final straw - he came at me ears back teeth baring I had to jump very quickly out of the way into the next field or i would be in A&E now

To handle on the ground, once caught, he is a 'dope on a rope', very easy to, we had a back leg kicking issue that was solved by whacking him with the spray bottle every time he done it, he soon learned LOL. Haven't had anything else apart from that.

But this i don't know what to do about. He isn't always aggressive, he can be sweet and nuzzle me when I'm poo picking or something, but its like he has tantrums.

I'm going to separate him from my mare tomorrow (assuming i can catch either one of them ) and bring him in, i have friend coming to fit my saddle and really needed him in tonight so he is clean & dry in the morning.

I have tried join up type things but he either again does ears back thing or just completely ignores me.

I am only a little person, i tried the wavy arms shouting thing, but that seems to make him worse and winds him up more. I have also taken a lunge whip into the field but again, just winds him up.

Help!!

 

[ladyt25]

Hmm, don't think have read any other of your posts but don't let this horse get the better of you, Is this the horse "Boss"? I note you bought him at a sales. We bought an old pony many years ago (not from a sale) but he was 12hh for my sister who was 7 at the time. Turns out he hated small kids and would run at her teeth bared it was nasty. When caught he was fine. We put it down to him being treated quite badly and maybe hauled about by kids. I think small children were the only things he could bully and be dominant over as he was the bottom of the horse pecking order.

Your horse may have had similar treatment and now is feeling he's landed on his feet and reeckons you are the bottom of the 'herd' so he can bully you and 'guard' his mare. I am not sure what to suggest probably best to talk to some sort of animal behaviourist who may help. You need to get yourself back up the pecking order though. I did wonder whether the same technique used with aggressive/defensive dogs may work - ie that rattle bottle thingy see on TV (Dog Borstal). Maybe just a noise like this when he comes at you could help along with a firm voice to back it up. Just may make him think a little. Yiou certain need to assert your authority over him before it gets out of hand.

 

[sandr]

Yes, i didnt buy him, some friends did last year and i brought him off them in January. They had no problams with him, but then again, he only came in once a week.

 

[calon]

when your friends had him was he alone or with geldings he may be acting a little stallion like maybe hormone in balance or riggy try keeping him alone for a while and see how he goes on and take it from there good luck with him