Bullied horse

[Heather29]

Hello, looking for a bit of advice. My pony has been out in the similar herd and on same yard for around 7 years, he's low in the pecking order but never had too many problems other than him being a bit lonely. Recently when I've gone to get him out the field other horses have been barging past him to get to me, when I get him on a lead rope they've started to sneer and chase him out the field. My pony is getting stressed out and cantering off with me still holding the lead rope, the other horses are chasing after him (and be default me aswell). My pony is then spooky for the rest of the walk out the fields even once out of the herd. I'm worried either him or me is going to get hurt when bringing him in one day. What can I do? I don't have the option to move him to his own space and I wouldn't want to move yards as we are both settled. Why could this have started happening? Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you

 

[Tyssandi]

Hello, looking for a bit of advice. My pony has been out in the similar herd and on same yard for around 7 years, he's low in the pecking order but never had too many problems other than him being a bit lonely. Recently when I've gone to get him out the field other horses have been barging past him to get to me, when I get him on a lead rope they've started to sneer and chase him out the field. My pony is getting stressed out and cantering off with me still holding the lead rope, the other horses are chasing after him (and be default me aswell). My pony is then spooky for the rest of the walk out the fields even once out of the herd. I'm worried either him or me is going to get hurt when bringing him in one day. What can I do? I don't have the option to move him to his own space and I wouldn't want to move yards as we are both settled. Why could this have started happening? Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you

Been there and done it got the tee shirt, my first horse bullied so bad she ended up wedged and stuck ion the hawthorn hedge and could not get out. Only option moved yards as it did not stop and my mare was at risk I think you need to speak to yard owner for other turnout or move yards.

 

[Shay]

Horses don't think like humans. Although I absolutely recognize the scenario - it happens with one of my ponies too - the others are not doing it out of malice. Nor do horses "bully" each other in the way humans think of it. There is a herd pecking order of course - but none of it is borne out of the malice that human bullying is.

There are lots of options. It is a good idea to talk to the YO because they are likely to be involved. They won;t want you hurt either and they might have good suggestions because they know the other horses. First things first - always wear a hat, gloves and correct footwear. Never wrap the lead rope around your hand. Always lead correctly - that is the safest place to be. Nothing else is going to matter if you get hurt.

Don't take in treats. Don't catch with food. More dominant ponies may get the idea they can mug you for food. If you need treats to catch try rewarding your pony with his treat once you are safely the other side of the gate.

You might want to carry a crop or short lunge whip when you go to catch your pony. You can keep the others at a distance if you need to - as long as your pony is not also afraid of you. You can also create space with a spare lead rope; flicking the end out at anyone who comes too close.

Don't run, and as far as you are able don't let your pony run. Horses love to run in groups and once one starts the others will go too. If the herd is the type to charge off then let them all go - your pony will probably stay with you anyway. Especially if he learns that you can protect him from the others.

If the others crowd the gate and make it difficult to get through see if you can have a friend at the gate to help you. Or speak to the YO about taping off a pen just inside the gate for safety.

As best you can - don't be scared yourself. Your pony - and the others - will pick up on that. Good news though - they don't know what you are thinking. So deep breath. Walk tall. Act calm - even if your heart is pounding. Once your pony sees you can protect him from the others the chances are he will actually try to hide behind you. He is only spooky and flighty because he sees you are scared so he thinks there is something to be scared of.

For a while you can try taking someone else in with you? Helps to have a bigger physical presence so the other horses move away.

Finally - don't suffer in silence. Ask others on the yard for help.

 

[be positive]

Great advice from Shay, the YO does need to know as a YO I certainly would want to as there will be a reason behind this behaviour if all was settled previously, in my experience it usually means they are bored or hungry to start taking such an interest in you when you are not catching or feeding them, most will take little notice of anyone other than their owner.

As for not wanting to move because you are both settled, this has to be an option because things have changed and if the YO will not help or matters get worse rather than better your pony will be more and more unsettled, even if the place suits you, at the moment it obviously is not working for either of you.