Horse biting

ktj1891

ktj1891

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Okay this is probably a stupid post but worth a shot anyways. My boy keeps play fighting with another horse in my field and is constantly coming in with bites/cuts on his face everday, this cannot be pleasant.

I have seen them playing and he doesn't instigate it and does play pathetically hence him always coming off worse for wear and the other horse not having a hint of marks on him.

So my question is, is there anything I can do to prevent this? I have avoided hoods as paranoid about them, but would a hood, work or could it potentially go all wrong and this other horse pull it down over his eyes or rip it? Or some nasty sprays to try?

I know I will probably get most replies saying seperate him but its really not that easy. The livery only provides group turnout so my only option would be to fence of a tiny bit of field where I would have to lug hay and water to him everyday as there is virtually no grass.

Any ideas if there is any would be great!
 
Don't put a hood on him, it will just get pulled off or over his eyes if they are playing rough. How long have they been together, if not long they might settle down in a bit. They're probably bored at the moment and will settle down when the grass comes through and have better things to do than squabble.
 
Our boys always used to playfight all the time but unless he's being really badly beaten up, scared stiff, or you've a show coming up I'd let them get on with. I think it's important for them to get plenty of time with others and boys do like to test each other out at times. Hair will soon grow back on bald bits.
 
If you are that bothered then pen him off and lug hay, water etc. to him, if there is not other solution, splitting their turnout so they are not out together, or move.

You are not going to stop them playing, Ive had to watch in horror as my mare used to play with one of the other horses, rearing up, biting, down on knees, but I wouldnt have stopped her, she loved that horse, was a shame he moved.
 
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