Devil in the field

[Pigeon]

My old horse turned into a beast when he was having a treat ball Might be worth a thought. I suppose it teaches them that if they batter something enough they get food. Also would re-consider feeding him in the field. (including fruit and treats)

 

[asommerville]

to echo HB i could do with a you here! i hope younget the outcome you want

 

[Brightbay]

Just a few points to add, as I think the poor horse's behaviour is being rather misinterpreted and this could lead to handling that will make the situation worse

Horses are herd animals, and need the presence of other horses to feel calm and unthreatened.
However, some handling (esp where it's inconsistent) can make the horse feel anxious and worried, and if he feels he can't respond to this, he may redirect it on to other horses. These horses are often described as "bullies" in the field - although the worst of this behaviour usually happens only when humans are present watching.
So, in a vicious circle, he needs horses to relax and deal with the handling, but because of the handling history, he can't be with other horses.
From his point of view, he's feeling anxious and unsettled on his own in the field, and equally, every time a human comes in the field, he gets chased off with a whip. So he goes from being unsettled to pre-emptive defensiveness. When a human comes, make yourself safe by keeping them at a safe distance to avoid the chasing...

Add to this inconsistencies around food... When a human approaches, they either chase you with a whip, or offer high value tasty feed. How would you feel about someone who appeared every day, but some days waved a gun at you and other days offered you sweeties?

The horse needs (a) a stable, calm companion or companions. (b) a situation where he can relax with the companions with minimal human interference until he settles, and (c) a gradual reintroduction to handling, with clear, consistent and non-punishing teaching from the humans involved.

I would suggest a behaviourist is the way to go (not a natural horsemanship trainer, some of whom call themselves behaviourists... what you need is someone trained in equine behaviour who can advise on the management that will reduce the problem and how to reintroduce handling so that everybody stays safe If you would like the name of a behaviourist local to you to chat to about it, I can probably link to someone, just send me a PM with approximate location.

 

[MotherOfChickens]

I would suggest a behaviourist is the way to go (not a natural horsemanship trainer, some of whom call themselves behaviourists... what you need is someone trained in equine behaviour who can advise on the management that will reduce the problem and how to reintroduce handling so that everybody stays safe If you would like the name of a behaviourist local to you to chat to about it, I can probably link to someone, just send me a PM with approximate location.

thanks for this post, some sense at last.