Doesn’t want to be caught

[Amyxbleu]

Hi All

im new to this so hope it’s in the right place!
I have a 7 year old cob gelding who is in a herd with 2 others. He has always been fine to catch either he’ll come to me or if I go to him he’ll stand still and come in fine.
As I have to do what the other owners do he comes in overnight which he has always been fine with.
Last Sunday I went to bring him in to ride and I got halfway across the field with him and he bucked and took off back to the other 2. Tried again and he was just an idiot rearing and circling me eventually I got him in. Monday he was fine. Tuesday he was supposed to have his hoof trim, we had one person at the yard who was dealing with it all they went to get him and he just took off whenever they got here him. He did the same when I went to get him that afternoon so he stayed out overnight on his own which is something he’s never done before. Wednesday he did the same. Thursday I approached him slowly just talking to him got close enough to give him a scratch, went to put the headcollar on and it slipped off before I had chance to do it up and he was off again. Eventually we took one of the other horses that isn’t in his herd up to the gate and he came down and came in for the night. Friday he was fine.
Yesterday I walked up the field to him got 3/4 and he walked straight past me and took off down to the gate where one of the others was being led in. Today he did the same only instead of stopping at the gate he went off in the other direction, it’s a big field so he’s got plenty of room to go! So I’ve now left him there and I’m not quite how I’m going to get him over it. I’ve had him for 6 years and he’s the only horse I’ve ever owned so I’ve not come across this issue before and it’s the first time that he’s ever been like it. At the moment I’m thinking I’ll go back later and try again.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated!

 

[CrimsonDivine]

Hmm, first question; How long have you had him? Second; How long has he been with this herd? or even at this place? Third; Has anyone else handled him whilst you've not been around do you know? And lastly; Are there any mares?

 

[Pinkvboots]

Spring grass

 

[Amyxbleu]

Hmm, first question; How long have you had him? Second; How long has he been with this herd? or even at this place? Third; Has anyone else handled him whilst you've not been around do you know? And lastly; Are there any mares?

I’ve had him for 6 years. He was born in the field at this yard. Been in the herd 5 years.
There’s a lady that turns out for me in the mornings but that’s it. There are 7 mares in a separate field behind where he is, separated by a big hedge. We did think the mares had something to do with it as the first couple days he was staying closer to the hedge that separates them and but then he started staying down the opposite end.
I went back at 6 last night and he came in quite happily! I’m going to do the same tonight and see what happens it may just be he wants be out as the spring grass is coming through.

 

[CrimsonDivine]

Spring grass

Quite possible, horses love it and it can send some of em a bit fizzy and loopy xD

I’ve had him for 6 years. He was born in the field at this yard. Been in the herd 5 years.
There’s a lady that turns out for me in the mornings but that’s it. There are 7 mares in a separate field behind where he is, separated by a big hedge. We did think the mares had something to do with it as the first couple days he was staying closer to the hedge that separates them and but then he started staying down the opposite end.
I went back at 6 last night and he came in quite happily! I’m going to do the same tonight and see what happens it may just be he wants be out as the spring grass is coming through.

Ok, sorry for more questions but how long has he been led out of the field? Every year? every Winter? only this year? btw yes these are relevant and important to understand the horse's way of thinking when he is behaving like this. However, yes it is quite possible that the spring grass could be the ultimate cause and perhaps longer turnout is all he really needs That or persuasion via offering something more of interest for when he comes in, perhaps some alfalfa (can be acquired via Dengie), hay or chaff. Any forage really but of course horses seem to care about what's more tasty, can't say I blame em lol.

 

[tiahatti]

Spring grass possibly as others have suggested. You mentioned the mares in another field. I wonder if something happened before you got there? A problem in the other field or some other thing that he was frightened of?

 

[Amyxbleu]

Quite possible, horses love it and it can send some of em a bit fizzy and loopy xD



Ok, sorry for more questions but how long has he been led out of the field? Every year? every Winter? only this year? btw yes these are relevant and important to understand the horse's way of thinking when he is behaving like this. However, yes it is quite possible that the spring grass could be the ultimate cause and perhaps longer turnout is all he really needs That or persuasion via offering something more of interest for when he comes in, perhaps some alfalfa (can be acquired via Dengie), hay or chaff. Any forage really but of course horses seem to care about what's more tasty, can't say I blame em lol.

Since last summer when some of the other geldings left he’s come in every day. The 2 he’s left with come in by day this time of year and when the clocks change in by night. We haven’t changed yet as we change when we move fields but reluctant to move while he’s like this.
Before last summer he came in most days for a pamper, a break or to ride he would only be left out probably once or twice a week.
The mares moved up to that field almost 2 weeks ago now

 

[Amyxbleu]

Just got back from there now. Came in fine so I’m definitely thinking he just wants to be out longer. It seems like as soon as the sun starts to get low he’s happy to come in!

It’s just been baffling us all as he’s never been like it before!

 

[CrimsonDivine]

Just got back from there now. Came in fine so I’m definitely thinking he just wants to be out longer. It seems like as soon as the sun starts to get low he’s happy to come in!

It’s just been baffling us all as he’s never been like it before!

Good to know, hope things continue well for you. Good that you analysed the situation rather than blaming the horse as some people seem to do.

 

[Amyxbleu]

Good to know, hope things continue well for you. Good that you analysed the situation rather than blaming the horse as some people seem to do.

He’s still young and also incredibly stubborn ? but it’s just a case of working through it. I’m sure this is just one of his many phases!

 

[CrimsonDivine]

He’s still young and also incredibly stubborn ? but it’s just a case of working through it. I’m sure this is just one of his many phases!

Yes exactly. Good that you understand this, wish others would try to understand horses a bit better than they seem to think they do tbh. I wish you the best of luck but honestly? I think you'll do fine since you clearly seem to have a good way of thinking regarding horse behaviour, kudos to you!