Horse grumpy with visitor?

Paint Me Proud

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As most of you will know Chico has recently had colic surgery and is currently on box rest, been home since wednesday last week.

My mum decided to come with me today to see Chico as she hasnt seen him for a while.

However Chico wasnt very happy that she was in the stable with us, he kept putting his ears back at her and when she was grooming him he flicked a back leg at her (which isnt usual for him to lash out).

When my mum went out the stable and stood outside Chico went all cuddly with me again.

I have one of two theories and wondered which you all thought it may be.

Theory 1 - The only time there tends to be someone else in the stable at the same time as me it is usually a vet, and obviously recently for him vets = pain. Therefore he assumed my mum was there to do something not nice to him.

Theory 2 - He doesnt like sharing! Basically because he is used to me and only me being his main carer and having only me to interact with while on box rest he has got a bit protective. Is it possible he didnt like the fact my mum was there as well and was much happier when it was just me.

What do you recon?

ps. it is also possible he is just a grumpy arse......
 
I am pleased he is doing well:D

I would think he is still sore, confused and a bit p***y about recent events and felt that 2 people in his space was 1 too many, she should not take it personally he will be more happy once he feels better and has got over the whole experience.
 
I would guess at 1. I have a sensitive pony who is always happy to see me and my OH, but he always view any other visitor as a potential enemy ie vet :) He makes sure he checks out their hands to make sure they aren't carrying any needles....v v suspicious ponio :D
 
theory 1 is possible if your horse doesn't know your mum. However I suspect he is a little sore and possibly worried that someone who doesn't handle him every day may be going to hurt him/ make him feel uncomfortable so he is saying 'go away'
 
Whatever his reason, after what he's been through he's entitled to a bit of grumpiness! :p

I agree your Mum shouldn't take it personally. He no doubt still feels vulnerable, sore and maybe a bit poorly :( and will be his usual self once he's fully recovered.

Wonderful news that he's doing well. :)
 
Glad to hear he is doing well, I would say that when we are really unwell we do not want to speak or see other people apart from our close family and I know this one so would say he is still sore and does not want or feel like being that happy with other people who are around him. Hope all continues to go well for him sure he will be back to his normal self soon.
 
he is acting perfectly normal with me, you wouldnt know there is anything wrong with him at all.

I agree probably number 1, my mum didnt mind that Chico was grumpy but was just strange as he is never normally like that.

Yes he probably just felt a bit threatened by the 'newbie' who might be a vet!
 
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