*Big sigh*

Kenzo

Kenzo

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That bloody horse!

Ok as much as I love the bones of him, I was disappointed this evening to find another fresh nic on her side, I discovered (for the first time) the other evening two what looks to be bite marks on her side, so that's 3 in the space if a week, baring in mind she's always been on the ball and keeps her distance and has always been quick to kick out as mares do if needs be, apart from that other times they will interact and groom each other so there has never been an issue.

But lately she has seemed more distant.

Tonight he was flying at the fence at the other horses (as per usual) despite the fact that they don't come near enough anyway, but was really going for it, then he'd set chase on her even when she was not near him and I mean a good distance away.

Now I'm worried that she may not be content enough being in with him, I feel every horse deserves to feel happy with their field mates (even if its not obvious by the odd squabble) as they are social animals, don't get me wrong I'd of moved her before now if this was the case earlier or causing her harm/danger but he seemed to be better in with her than being in a mixed or gelding only heard, having said that he'd already got an asbo as the other liveries where quite rightly fed up of his behaviour.

Before she used to whinny if I took him out (as they do when their friends...even though he was a grump with her) but now she doesn't seem fussed and tends to follow the heard along the fence line in the next field as if she wants to be with them and no where near him.

Now as silly as this may sound but I'll ask anyway, can horses have tiffs? I don't mean lovers tiffs btw lol and I know some horses form closer bonds with some and some don't get on at all but could it be a bit off a fall out or is this a sign that she's had enough or am I over reacting a bit too soon?

I know most horses will have the odd squabblethey have the odd
 
TBH you are classically anthropomorphising horse behaviour. That means you think horses are like people. They are not, they do not have "tiffs".

It sounds to me like the two horses you describe need to be separated, and the bully needs to be kept by himself. There are various ways to do this. If you do not deal with this behaviour, forget the idea of a tiff, your mare will get injured.
Is the gelding possibly a rig?
Good luck!
 
horses do like some horses more than others, I had a little pony mare that one of our geldings did not like at all, although he adores the other two mares. On more than one occasion he has spent 20 minutes or so cutting her out from the herd and chasing her away, attempting to get a hold of her with his teeth, or land a kick with his heels.

who knows what goes through their minds, but I would say that they are certainly capable of having a "friendship" with other horses. My ISH had a really strong bond with his paddock mates, both geldings.
 
jaquelin said:
TBH you are classically anthropomorphising horse behaviour. That means you think horses are like people. They are not, they do not have "tiffs".

It sounds to me like the two horses you describe need to be separated, and the bully needs to be kept by himself. There are various ways to do this. If you do not deal with this behaviour, forget the idea of a tiff, your mare will get injured.
Is the gelding possibly a rig?
Good luck!
Click to expand...

Oh dear, any social animal can have a falling out, seen in many species, secondly suggesting that any horse should be kept in isolation is in my opinion cruel rubbish. How anthropomorphic is it to describe a horse as a bully? Surely that is a human interpretation of his behaviour.

With regard to the 'tiff' we had two mares who were mainly inseperable, but would fall out every now and again and wouldn't 'speak' for days! The only damage we ever had to the stable walls were holes caused by the two best friends kicking out at each other :D
 
Jaquelin - sorry I may of come across like I don't know how horses behave and interact, your probably not aware of his history, he was tested and was put on HRT drug because of this, long story but he can't be operated on, yes he is very riggy which is why he's not in with the other liveries, to date he's actually been better just kept with a mare and she's been fine too, which is why I'm wondering if its one off thing or if its the first sign that
 
Jaquelin - sorry I may of come across like I don't know how horses behave and interact, your probably not aware of his history, he was tested and was put on HRT drug because of this, long story but he can't be operated on, yes he is very riggy which is why he's not in with the other liveries, to date he's actually been better just kept with a mare and she's been fine too, which is why I'm wondering if its one off thing or if its the first sign that it could now be that its not working out, they have been together for year.
 
YorksG - Yes I think you have kinda suggested what I was wondering, obviously I'd never put any horse at risk, nor would any decent YO allow it, as strange as it may sound to some, the pairing worked and worked verywell
 
YorksG - Yes I think you have kinda suggested what I was wondering, obviously I'd never put any horse at risk, nor would any decent YO allow it, as strange as it may sound to some, the pairing worked and worked very well.

Im just going to have to keep a close eye on things, if she's still displaying this behaviour and he gets any worse, then she'll be moved asap.

Hopefully like you say, could be a one off.

Thanks to both for your thoughts.
 
Since I've had to separate my 2 (Old Mare in a bare small paddock, Barney in one of the bigger ones with grass) I've noticed how much happier and more relaxed Old Mare is!

Barney always low level bullied her, bites on the bum, chasing her a bit, low level stuff really. But she is so chilled out being on her own, she lies down and sleeps more and often has breakfast 'in bed' as she can't be arsed to get up. So I think she is happier being away from him. They still stand next to each other at the fence quite a bit, but having her own space seems to suit her. (Barney not so thrilled, but is also fine)

So, on balance, I'd say if it continues I'd be tempted to remove her
 
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