Gelding freaks at mare

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FeatheredFriend

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I am looking for some advice if possible. My gelding is almost 9 years old, he is a genuine safe boy, however earlier in the year he completely freaked at a mare (new to our yard) also being ridden in the school. It resulted in me being thrown twice within 10 mins and badly hurt. He has always been ok with mares, hacking, in fields next to him, even being worked with a mare in school, however this particular mare he seems to freak out when she is near. Again today he completely lost it and bolted in the school whilst on the lunge, resulting in him breaking his bridle. Do you think he associates the 'bad' experience (when I got thrown) with her? Any suggestions on overcoming this? Any/all advice welcome. I have thought whether to put them in the paddock next to each other, so they can graze, maybe once he associates her with something calm/nice it may be ok, I just don't want to make the problem any worse.
 
Mine will pick up on other horses threatening his space when ridden. For instance I tried hacking with a friend and her bolshy mare was slightly turning her bum to him, he felt it, and I saw it, but the other rider did not put a stop to it, so I have not hacked out with them again. On the day I just made us a safe distance, but it was not fun for either of us.

Some people have no idea on personal space in a collecting ring or school. Once one has gone into his personal space once he is aware, once it has happened two or three times, and if I have not taken control of the situation, he will leap, buck and spin to keep himself safe. He has never objected to a "normal" horse, and TBH has also managed with some quite naughty other horses in a collecting ring as long as the rider is basically in control and not invading his space. With a quiet horse with no fire in its belly he is absolutely fine, even to touch whilst trotting or canter alongsides.

I just think he is preserving himself, as it is not random, it is when he sees a danger. If I plan my warmup round whitchy horses or non aware riders he is fine, even leaving the collecting ring if a really mad horse or rude rider is there, especially if a horse is being whipped.

It is not perfect, but life is too short, and he is allowed an opinion.
 
I just think he doesn't like the mare, wondered whether to try and put them next to each other to graze?? He happened the first time because she was in season, I think, no other explanation, but he had never been like that with any other mare. Confused!
 
I would work with the mares owner, with both being bridled, let them meet and sniff each other,take them both for a walk, give him a treat if he stands quietly next to her, my TB gelding loves my WB mare, but she still scares him sometimes, usually when shes in season and he takes off,
 
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