Horse attacking another sporadically

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LuckyMare

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Went out early hours to find one of my mares slightly lame and covered in swollen hoof prints and scrapes, there's at least 6 hoof marks. I've given her a dose of bute and put cream on the scrapes which aren't in any way deep, it's more just the hairs been taken off.

I know its my other big mare that has done it as I have seen her being aggressive to her months ago but not this bad, after the last incident I attempted to separate them (they both had other little field buddies that they usually live with) but they would not settle and it ended with the victim scaling the fence to be with her bully again.
This morning when I went out they were stood together, mutually grooming and were practically inseparable.

I'm on my own yard and they live out 24/7, have nothing to fight about at all and at other times get on really well.
Do other horses do this? I've known some horses that hate truly each other but not a love-hate relationship like this one.

Where do I go from here? I can't risk the health of my older girl, shes 21 and she doesn't bounce back the same :(
Any suggestions? Would calmers/ hormones supplements do anything to stop this level of dominating?
 
Might be linked to one of them being in season? Have you noticed? I think I would try separating them with electric fencing when the relevant one is in season, just to avoid any further injuries, or you coulod try a hormone supplement such as chasteberry, Moody Mare etc. But first you need to know what triggers it, which (if either) is in season.
 
ScottyJ said:
I would be tempted to try a hormone supplement. Does there seem to be any trigger? Is food tight in the field?
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Do you have good experiences with hormone supplements? If so any idea which ones are best?
There is no trigger I can think of, its not a massive field but there is plenty of good grass still and non of them appear hungry at all.
It only occurs every few months and at all other times they seem to enjoy each others company and don't bother one another :confused3:
 
JillA said:
Might be linked to one of them being in season? Have you noticed? I think I would try separating them with electric fencing when the relevant one is in season, just to avoid any further injuries, or you coulod try a hormone supplement such as chasteberry, Moody Mare etc. But first you need to know what triggers it, which (if either) is in season.
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I never thought about that! that might be it you know! This occurred last time when they were both heavily in season.
The electric fencing likely wouldn't work, the 'bullied one scaled a 4ft+ proper fence last time. I think I will look into hormonal supplements to feed over summer.
I feel dumb not having thought of this! :redface3:
 
I've not had experience with too many, where I was working we tried Oestress on a harder mare and that worked really well so we didn't try any others. I'm not sure how successful others have found that though.

We also had one on Regumate but that's a whole other kettle of fish and not very nice!

I was thinking of them being in season but didn't want to suggest and maybe look like an idiot! Woops!
 
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