Help, horse threatening to kick

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Pipistrelle

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Just wondering if anyone has experienced this. I've had my horse for 3 years, all of which have been spent at the same yard in the company of one other horse. They've always got on perfectly and have never so much as flicked an ear back at each other; until this morning's hack. My horse threatened to kick the other one 5 or 6 times at different stages of the ride and for no apparent reason. He didn't actually kick out, just lifted his bum in the air and into the other horse. I can't stress enough what a good natured boy my horse normally is and now I'm worried he's going to turn into a kicker. Can they just change like that? Anyone else come across this?

Pip
 
What u r describing is a horse that feels threatened in some way - it's a wArning not true intent... Has anything changed in the herd/ yard ?
 
My daughter's gelding has been like this for the last year, having been quite a laid back sort previously. It is mostly when he is in ridden company but he can be funny with other horses round food and can be funny guarding mares from other geldings. We had the vet do a full work up including bloods, he had some physical issues but nothing that could explain that, so I will be interested to read the responses to your question too
 
My mare will warn her field mate when hacking, the reason the normal subservient friend tries it on when out, she will give a crafty nip etc. so it may be your mares horse is doing something behind you can't see?
 
Thanks for your replies. Physically my horse is fine - over the past week he's had extensive tests due to not being very forward in the school. This has included vet, physio, dentist and saddler and everything has checked out fine so I know pretty much for sure it's nothing physical.

Nothing has changed at the yard, it's just the two of them and always has been. All the incidents today happened when the horses were walking side by side and as far as I was aware, the other horse was minding his own business, no face pulling/trying to get ahead etc.

I'm really hoping it was just an inexplicable 'off day' and that he isn't going to make a habit of it :/

Pip
 
Pipistrelle said:
Thanks for your replies. Physically my horse is fine - over the past week he's had extensive tests due to not being very forward in the school. This has included vet, physio, dentist and saddler and everything has checked out fine so I know pretty much for sure it's nothing physical.

Nothing has changed at the yard, it's just the two of them and always has been. All the incidents today happened when the horses were walking side by side and as far as I was aware, the other horse was minding his own business, no face pulling/trying to get ahead etc.

I'm really hoping it was just an inexplicable 'off day' and that he isn't going to make a habit of it :/

Pip
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You have had lots of checks done as you felt there was a problem before the threatening to kick incidents, I would think there is something amiss that is causing him to be less forward going and anxious about other horses near him and that the two things are linked, it may not be physical it could be that there is a new horse in the field that is not settled or bullying, it could be a field move, too much grass, not enough grass, you need to keep an eye on him just in case and trust your instincts that something is amiss and that is why he is not quite himself, hopefully he will get back to normal soon.
 
be positive said:
You have had lots of checks done as you felt there was a problem before the threatening to kick incidents, I would think there is something amiss that is causing him to be less forward going and anxious about other horses near him and that the two things are linked, it may not be physical it could be that there is a new horse in the field that is not settled or bullying, it could be a field move, too much grass, not enough grass, you need to keep an eye on him just in case and trust your instincts that something is amiss and that is why he is not quite himself, hopefully he will get back to normal soon.
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This exactly.

The horse is trying to tell you something, you have been trying to understand what he is telling you and you haven't quite got there yet. Start with whatever it is easiest for you to change, maybe feed or tack and see if anything makes a difference. Take it slowly enough for you to be able to note any changes and only change one thing at a time.
You say there are only the 2 of them - are there any new neighbours who might have upset the balance between the 2 friends? Or has anything changed for the companion?
 
I would also say there was something amiss, it seems too much of a co-incidence otherwise

Your horse should not be able to lift his bum in the air and in to the other horse though, they shouldn't be that close even if the horses are buddies and normally ok, make sure they give you enough space just in case he follows through with the threat
 
There have been changes, the weather, the grass, the fact it is mating time for mammals, the other horse may be giving off vibes which is making your horse react, it doesnt always have to be the one doing the nasties who is to blame and its all threatening but not happening. Agree get other rider to ride next to you or back off from behind you.
 
When they're in the field together they will respect each others space, without any interface from people.

When riding side by side we may be putting them on a position that they may not be comfortable with. Just ensure you give your horse enough space so that he doesn't feel uncomfortable.
 
Wow, just logged back on and seen all the replies. Thank you all so much, there are some really valid points here to consider. I'll start by seeing how the next ride together goes and making sure we have a decent gap between us when riding side by side. Yard/field wise nothing has changed, it's just the two of them and he's never once shown this behaviour to the other horse in the three years they've been together which is why I'd like to get to the bottom of it.

Thanks again for all the replies :)

Pip
 
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