Showjumper17
Well-Known Member
Need a little advice here! I've never had any problems with my gelding, he's generally a lovely laid back little horse. He's previously been turned out with both mares and geldings with no fuss. He never fights with others, and generally hes the bottom of the pecking order! Occasionally, on very rare occasions he's got a bit "frisky" shall we say but I think that's happened twice. Once about 3 years ago when he went near a specific mare in season, and the second time, when we moved to a new yard in Sept. The first week he'd get a bit fired up in his stable when mares came in. Obviously he couldn't do anything though. This passed and he hasn't done it since. I'm not 100% but I think he was cut a bit late.
Anyway, since moving yards, he's become obsessed with one mare in particular. Interestingly, he's not overly bothered at the yard, he neighs to her and looks happy when she's brought in but nothing more than that. On the other hard she nips at him all the time and he just takes it!
The problem has arisen as they both go hunting together. This is the only time they get this badly attached (probably more him though). He's not an ideal hunter as it is, and is pretty strong and gets excited. She is the same way.
Anyway he insists on being next to her. If she shuffles one step, he does the same. He also edges up so he's RIGHT next to her.
He also gets aggressive if another horse comes near her. I don't think he'd actually do anything (but not wanting to take the risk!) But he puts his ears flat back and shakes his head furiously at them.
If another horse walks between them he leaps in the air and gets arsey, and barges through so he's back next to her. I should add this is only when we're standing still, he's fine when we're galloping (otherwise I would have given up long ago).
He's usually just such a well mannered, chilled out little horse. If I manage to get him away from her he hunts really well and stands nicely. But our pack is rather small so that's often hard. I've got a feeling he stays around her to feel a bit more confident in a strange environment, although hes not bothered by the atmosphere or hounds. It's hard to judge.
They're stabled next to each other, and also in next door fields, and we can't change them. We've blocked the bars between stables with rugs, not sure if that will make much different though, and like I say they're not bad at the yard, it's just hunting.
Any advice appreciated!
Anyway, since moving yards, he's become obsessed with one mare in particular. Interestingly, he's not overly bothered at the yard, he neighs to her and looks happy when she's brought in but nothing more than that. On the other hard she nips at him all the time and he just takes it!
The problem has arisen as they both go hunting together. This is the only time they get this badly attached (probably more him though). He's not an ideal hunter as it is, and is pretty strong and gets excited. She is the same way.
Anyway he insists on being next to her. If she shuffles one step, he does the same. He also edges up so he's RIGHT next to her.
He also gets aggressive if another horse comes near her. I don't think he'd actually do anything (but not wanting to take the risk!) But he puts his ears flat back and shakes his head furiously at them.
If another horse walks between them he leaps in the air and gets arsey, and barges through so he's back next to her. I should add this is only when we're standing still, he's fine when we're galloping (otherwise I would have given up long ago).
He's usually just such a well mannered, chilled out little horse. If I manage to get him away from her he hunts really well and stands nicely. But our pack is rather small so that's often hard. I've got a feeling he stays around her to feel a bit more confident in a strange environment, although hes not bothered by the atmosphere or hounds. It's hard to judge.
They're stabled next to each other, and also in next door fields, and we can't change them. We've blocked the bars between stables with rugs, not sure if that will make much different though, and like I say they're not bad at the yard, it's just hunting.
Any advice appreciated!
