Can a horse take an instant dislike to someone?!

misskk88 said:
Yes I believe they can, for many reasons, including past memories and experience, body language, mood at the time etc. We had one horse on the yard, that use to shake with fear if you went near it even slightly angry at something else going on in your life (abused in previous home), and another that if you tried to demand being boss, it would have you- and it showed up many people who didn't earn its respect! Another horse loves most people, but begrudingly puts up with kids fussing near it- it is written all over its face, no matter who they are and whether they are new or regulars around the yard.

One of two things here IMO (others may have other ideas). Horse has had past bad experiences with men and has taken a defensive survival approach ie 'I am boss and in charge' or 'I will get you before you get me'. Second is (and not saying your OH is/is not experienced), horse knows what boundaries he can push with your OH, and so does. He may also be testing the waters of his new home (he already knows you, so knows rules), and needs a chance to settle. As horse is new, I would be inclined to take a softly approach first, and build on small steps with horse and OH. Ground work is an excellent way of introducing boundaries and building a relationships in both scenarios.

I think it is safe to say too that some of the best relationships are ones where they take time to build- so who knows- their relationship could end up blossoming one day!
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Totally agree! I once looked after a horse of whom the owners told me 'you won't do anything with him if he doesn't like you. As I found him to be a sweetheart I didn't believe it until I saw him with someone he took an instant dislike to - completely different horse, and he didn't give this person a chance, instant dislike and that was that!

My old horse was the same with children as one you describe above, he was a lovely boy for me and he tolerated the children but you could see in his face that he didn't like them at all! All the ponies I have now adore the children, with most of them watching their manners more with them than they do when handled by adults!
 
Now my pony is the exact opposite... he has always been the non-horsey OHs best friend to the point where they cuddle in the stable, he steps back nicely for OH to give him his tea, and throws (yesm throws!) brushes at the OH for him to groom him...

With me i get the theatrical sigh, the 'if i have to', and the ears back as if he is doing me a favour by letting me be in his presence...

And as for the high on rugs... got visions of people in seedy dens sniffing rugs for the horsey smell fix :D
 
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