Any behaviour experts out there...

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MissMincePie&Brandy

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My tb was behaving weird today. Something spooked him in the field this morning, and then he wouldn't let me out, kept trying to 'round me up'. He was fine if I just stood with him and stroked him, or if i walked back to the middle of the field, where his hay is, but every time i walked towards the gate he'd spin round in front of me, hooves flying everywhere to cut me off. Probably the strangest thing was that he had a fresh pile of hay and carrots in the middle of his field, but was more interested in keeping me in there with him. He'd eat his carrots off the hay pile while i stood there, but not if i walked away, as he came after me. He's got individual t/o but all the others were out, so he was surrounded by all his mates. Nothing's changed in his routine.

Is he trying to dominate me?, wants me to play horsey games with him, or does he simply love me so much he doesn't want me to go? LOL. weirdo horse?

Unfortunately he can't have a companion, as he plays so much and the injuries became too frequent, with a new kick mark or cut nearly every day before we sectioned his own area off.

Any thoughts?
 
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Is he trying to dominate me?, wants me to play horsey games with him, or does he simply love me so much he doesn't want me to go? LOL. weirdo horse?

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i'd say none of the above.. and hazard a guess that he was probably trying to protect you ("his herd") from the danger by keeping you away from it.

Is he quite a boisturious typical boy? Does he tend to dominate the pecking order in the field?
 
He's quite boisterous yes, but not agressive. He is an ex-racehorse, he's 8, and I've had him nearly a year, and I suspect he's not had much turnout before in his life.
Before we split them up, he used to play with the others until they got fed up with it and then he'd end up being kicked. None of the others were getting any injuries. When he was out with others he didn't seem to fall into their pecking order. He'd happily share hay off their pile, even though they weren't impressed.
 
I would think he was trying to protect you too, from what you've said of his character. Thing is if his hooves are flying around you can't really have him doing that in case you or someone else in the field gets hurt. My mare is turned out on her own as well and when I go to clear the muck she gets very excited that I am in the field and wants me to play. She can be boisterous too and although doesn't mean to put me in danger, it does sometimes. I would be tempted to carry something to shoo him away with each time you go in, just so he knows to respect your space. Even if it is in good nature its not very safe for you.
 
was he rude (i.e. kicks aimed at you)?

if not - sounds like he might be trying to play to me. My horse likes to play in the field and cut me off etc - if so, it seems a shame to not give him any outlet for that - could he have a tiny shetland friend wiht no shoes maybe?! or is it a risk for the companion too?!
 
He wasn't aiming for me, but he's 17.2 and quite goofy, so I was a bit concerned! He's at livery, and there isn't really a suitable pony. I have my ancient 33 yr old horse also at the same yard, but I think it would probably finish the old boy off if he was chased all day.
I like the idea that he was protecting me from the scary spooky noise he'd heard
wink.gif

He hasn't done it before, so will be interesting to see if it happens again. If it does continue, I shall take action to stop him doing it.
 
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