Gelding protecting youngster in herd

Ginger Bear

Ginger Bear

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Went to turn my boy out with the horse that he goes out with every morning today (my boy is 12 & the other one is 4..) a new 2 yr old welsh sec a was in the field first.. The boys went up meet the young one, ran around a bit & played.. Then my boy (16'1 tb) who is usually a real woose in the field took on the role of protecting the youngster & not let his usual best mate anywhere near the baby.. He wasn't bring aggressive just telling him that he wanted to be between them.. Has any one had this? And how should I introduce my boy back into the herd as I took him in incase he injured either of the other horses..
 
Just put him back in the field. All natural equine behaviour. And as there wasn't any aggressive behaviour going on, no need to worry.

If you horse is low in the pecking order, he will gravitate naturally towards a younger, less dominant animal.
 
Ok.. Thanks.. If out with older horses or more dominant horses he would be woosy & keep himself out of trouble although always seems to get on happily with the herd leader of any herd he's been out with.. We currently have an 18yo who is most dominant, my boy who seems second, 2 little welshes that are 10, 14, & 3 4yr olds and now the baby.. My boy & the herd leader both put horses in there Place with ears back & lift a leg but never kick or injure.
 
My cob demonstrated his awesome leadership skills last week when my friend went to put her new filly yearling out in the newby paddock (have to go into main field to get to it) and 3 mares went charging at my friend and yearling (the alpha mare is a b*tch) causing drama and my boy calmly walked over and herded up the mares and stood in front of them and made them all watch, not letting anyone move. Cue a proud mum:D He has become protective of her, keeping guard along the fence line if anyone comes over and she LOVES him. They get 20 minutes together everyday so she has a good role model before she has to face the alpha mare.:eek:

Ironically, my other little pony who is the complete runt of the herd HATES her and upon meet and greet together in a big paddock chased her like a loony. However, we think this is just him snatching the opportunity not to be the runt anymore!:rolleyes:
 
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