Annagain
Well-Known Member
After 5 years of harmonious living in a stable geldings only herd, my horse has suddenly started being bullied (probably by my share horse, but there are other suspects) For the last three days Archie has come in with bleeding wounds from being bitten. They're not deep, but they're more than just bite marks and for good measure, the zip of his brand new snuggy hood and the fastening on his neck cover were also broken last night. They look like one of the horses has grabbed hold of them and given a good pull.
He's always been bottom of the pile but usually has a bit of a play with a few of the other lowly ones and then keeps himself to himself. But for some reason things have turned nasty. I think there could be few reasons but as there aren't many people around in the day time when they're out to watch them I don't know.
Archie's had trouble with his feet ever since I had him. It was normally intermittent, mild, short lived and on different legs so we put it down to clumsiness and easily bruised soles, but last year he had prolonged lameness in one front foot which then switched to the other. The upshot of all this is he had both front feet x-rayed and the bone conformation in both feet is rubbish. There's no other evidence of damage and with remedial shoeing and 5 months field rest he is now sound. The difference in him is most notable in the field where he's been interacting more and generally less of a wimp. I think he's maybe tried his luck with a few of the higher ranked horses and they're coming down on him like a ton of bricks.
I have the option of moving him to a different, smaller group (4 others instead of 7). The problem there is they are very settled and have been for a long time so as the new boy I'm worried he'll be picked on more in that situation or be isolated as they are very much two pairs. Also, I have a share horse in Archie's field so would then have two horses in different fields at opposite ends of the farm. My friend puts the boys out mon-weds and I do the rest of the week and bring in every night so it's not just me it's inconveniencing - she has two young kids and simply doesn't have much more time to spare. They are usually the last two out as well so instead of keeping each other company they would be alone in different fields. Although the share horse is prime suspect he is usually ok when it's just the two of them.
Any ideas please people? Should I move him or not? I woke up at 3.30 this morning, started thinking about it and couldn't get back to sleep - this is the first time this has ever happened to me and I want it to be the last!
Whatever treat you fancy for reading this far.
He's always been bottom of the pile but usually has a bit of a play with a few of the other lowly ones and then keeps himself to himself. But for some reason things have turned nasty. I think there could be few reasons but as there aren't many people around in the day time when they're out to watch them I don't know.
Archie's had trouble with his feet ever since I had him. It was normally intermittent, mild, short lived and on different legs so we put it down to clumsiness and easily bruised soles, but last year he had prolonged lameness in one front foot which then switched to the other. The upshot of all this is he had both front feet x-rayed and the bone conformation in both feet is rubbish. There's no other evidence of damage and with remedial shoeing and 5 months field rest he is now sound. The difference in him is most notable in the field where he's been interacting more and generally less of a wimp. I think he's maybe tried his luck with a few of the higher ranked horses and they're coming down on him like a ton of bricks.
I have the option of moving him to a different, smaller group (4 others instead of 7). The problem there is they are very settled and have been for a long time so as the new boy I'm worried he'll be picked on more in that situation or be isolated as they are very much two pairs. Also, I have a share horse in Archie's field so would then have two horses in different fields at opposite ends of the farm. My friend puts the boys out mon-weds and I do the rest of the week and bring in every night so it's not just me it's inconveniencing - she has two young kids and simply doesn't have much more time to spare. They are usually the last two out as well so instead of keeping each other company they would be alone in different fields. Although the share horse is prime suspect he is usually ok when it's just the two of them.
Any ideas please people? Should I move him or not? I woke up at 3.30 this morning, started thinking about it and couldn't get back to sleep - this is the first time this has ever happened to me and I want it to be the last!
Whatever treat you fancy for reading this far.