Biting and moody behaviour in stable

[Oliviabuttons98]

Hi I have only had this horse for 4 months and he is my first. When I first had he he was fine allowed me to rug up brush etc however always been girthy but not too bad . Last couple months he has become rather nasty in his stable even when I stroke him ears straight back and can try to nip but he is much worse when brushing, picking up feet, rugging and tacking up. Also he has recently started to try and bite others like the farrier and anyone who comes to stroke him however he is much better in the field still tries to nip but not as aggressive. I have wondered if it is the change from being out on grass livery to being stabled however I try to leave him out as long as possible. And ideas ?

 

[Pearlsasinger]

You could be right about the cause but this state of affairs can't be allowed to go on. What do you feed him on? Does he have enough hay to last the whole night with a small amount left in the morning?

 

[Oliviabuttons98]

He has Alfa chaff and ready mash for the winter also with some supplements and oil. He has his hay soaked as used to have a cough due to dust allergies also he has dust extracted bedding and yes two large haynets usually always with some hay left in them.

 

[Prince33Sp4rkle]

ulcers? always first on my list when horses dont want to be touched.

 

[Surreydeb]

My mare cannot tolerate alfalfa in any form, feeding it results in her not wanting to be touched or brushed and she tries to kick of bite if I persevere. Without it she is a cuddle monkey! Maybe try changing what you are feeding?

 

[Oliviabuttons98]

Hi thanks I have the vet coming next Wednesday I will get him to check for ulcers and if that is not the reason then I will look into changing. His feed although he has always had Alfa a chaff since before I had him

 

[vanrim]

Second ulcer diagnosis. Grumpy / aggressive when touched or groomed is a classic sign.

 

[Equi]

Since it is recent i would third ulcers. New home can be stressful so could make ulcers play up. Keep feeding as you are until vet sees him cause alfalfa actually helps ulcers, so if he was fine before on it i can't see it making him sensitive suddenly (however there is always the possibility)