Horse terrified of a deer

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Marigold4

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Having had to put off backing the 4 year old due to the CV crisis, we have been going for walks in hand in a bit and bridle along the bridleway next to my field. This horse has been out and about to shows etc and so takes most things in his stride now, walking along on a loose rein. Today he had to go past a blazing bonfire, had a yapping terrier round his feet, met a pushchair and a quad bike. No problem with any of that. Then a deer popped up. He was terrified! Spinning, sweating, heart pounding and wanting to march home at high speed. Do you think this will wear off? Or do some horses never get used to them? We have loads round here. My other horse couldn't care less and stood feet away from a group of 20 deer the other day with two fighting stags in the middle - not bothered at all. I'm hoping the shock will wear off for the young horse and we can safely venture out again?
 
Well if it was the first time he has ever seen one, no wonder he was alarmed. He should get over it gradually, especially if you are able to go out with an older horse that isn't bothered he will learn from example.

Mine was born and bred on a stud farm and couldn't believe his eyes the first time he saw sheep ...............................
 
Ideally you’d introduce your youngster to this when you have another calm horse with you so he learns from their reaction. I don’t think possible at the moment unfortunately. My more mature horse found that they moved away from him if he approached and so now he amuses himself by chasing them. They do also get a lot passing through their paddocks and he’s been known to chase them out. Do be careful at this time and stay safe.
 
I'll probably stop this now we've had this reaction and just long-rein in the field. He 's been so calm up to now it was like taking a dog for a walk! But this changes things. The deer was so bold! It stared at us from some bushes, then walked out towards us eyeballing us all the time!
 
My experience is that the problem is with the unexpected popping up. You may find that he would be fine in the same situation as your other horse ie able to stand and watch deer which presumably didn't pop up there being 20 of them. I've found the same thing with mini Shetlands unexpectedly popping up out of bracken and unseen but audible pigs. Horse otherwise fine if they are visible
 
Yes, he's out 24/7 unless weather is terrible. But the outer perimeter of his field is stock fenced so the deer won't be able to "traipse around". Poor chap was genuinely terrified and just wanted back to his mum and the others. Thinking about it, he was petrified of shetlands and minis when we first started showing and he isn't now, so hopefully he can get over this.
 
Mine are ok with deer but they freak when next doors peacocks pay us a visit I had 3 of them in my field this morning :D there ok with sheep and cattle it's just the peacocks lol
 
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