lillie07
Well-Known Member
For all of you who know Bailey you will know how out of character and strange this behavior is...
We moved yards just over a month a go, Bailey settled well and is happier than he has ever been. He is going really well under saddle and we are starting to get somewhere.
He has always been a bit "funny" with mares, he will call, tense up and if turned out next to them will pace the fence line and prance about. It can be difficult to keep his attention in the school if there are mares about. Nothing major, and not really a problem... He has always been a big softy with other horses and loved company (a complete wuss if anything!!)
A fortnight ago he was turned out with a mare... They were fine out together. Next day he was bought in through the field of another mare- he lost the plot, took off with the mare and they wouldnt be caught. Again, he did'nt try and hurt her or mount her. This is when all the problems began.
He now has an issue with other horses- especially geldings. He is spiteful to the mare next door to him (unlike him as he is normally really friendly!), nearly kicked the groom when she approached him in the field with another gelding in her hand, and if turned out with anything just chases it round and round. He also kicked another horse (we think). He goes nuts if I go near the mare next door (although I think its me he is protecting rather than her as its her he goes for)
He is now out alone (when there is nothing nearby he can terrorise) which is fine, but if this behavior gets any worse it is going to end up with him not being able to go out incase he hurts somebody or something.
I just put this behaviour down to him being cut late but it was at least 3 years ago and surely by now hormones would have settled, and if it was learnt behavior he would have always been like it?!
It has been suggested I have him tested to see if he is a rig. Is it worth it? Knowing would'nt change anything other than his turnout arrangement which are suited now anyway. Is there any supplements you can give geldings? He does'nt need a calmer as he is already mister chilled in every other way
Sorry this has turned into such a ramble...
We moved yards just over a month a go, Bailey settled well and is happier than he has ever been. He is going really well under saddle and we are starting to get somewhere.
He has always been a bit "funny" with mares, he will call, tense up and if turned out next to them will pace the fence line and prance about. It can be difficult to keep his attention in the school if there are mares about. Nothing major, and not really a problem... He has always been a big softy with other horses and loved company (a complete wuss if anything!!)
A fortnight ago he was turned out with a mare... They were fine out together. Next day he was bought in through the field of another mare- he lost the plot, took off with the mare and they wouldnt be caught. Again, he did'nt try and hurt her or mount her. This is when all the problems began.
He now has an issue with other horses- especially geldings. He is spiteful to the mare next door to him (unlike him as he is normally really friendly!), nearly kicked the groom when she approached him in the field with another gelding in her hand, and if turned out with anything just chases it round and round. He also kicked another horse (we think). He goes nuts if I go near the mare next door (although I think its me he is protecting rather than her as its her he goes for)
He is now out alone (when there is nothing nearby he can terrorise) which is fine, but if this behavior gets any worse it is going to end up with him not being able to go out incase he hurts somebody or something.
I just put this behaviour down to him being cut late but it was at least 3 years ago and surely by now hormones would have settled, and if it was learnt behavior he would have always been like it?!
It has been suggested I have him tested to see if he is a rig. Is it worth it? Knowing would'nt change anything other than his turnout arrangement which are suited now anyway. Is there any supplements you can give geldings? He does'nt need a calmer as he is already mister chilled in every other way
Sorry this has turned into such a ramble...
