How to deal with grumpy horse in field

[alcraw]

Just been up to the field with the intention of having a bit of a girly pampering session with Tars - proper groom, ears and eyes cleaned, and feet picked and oiled (we're still in the early trying to bond stage, and she likes having a fuss made of her!). There's no yard, so everything needs to be done in the field, but that's usually fine.

Go up to Tara, stick her headcollar on, feed her carrot and have a chat (is that just me?!) while I get to work. 4 other horses in field not bothering with us, then youngster wanders over - I thought to say hello, but she bites Tars on the back then, as I'm trying to turn Tara out the way, she turns round and tried to double barrel her! Missed (it was a bit of a half hearted attempt), then mooches off to eat more grass!

Abrupt end to our pamper sesh, as no way am I starting on feet and turning my back on the youngster, but not sure what prompted this. Jealously of the attention maybe? Is this normal for a youngster, trying it on a bit (she's normally 3rd in the field hierarchy, with Tara below her). Normally they're all okay, but I don't have much experience handling horses, and wasn't sure of the best way to deal with it.

 

[spider]

Not experienced with behaviour of youngsters but I wouldn't feed my horse anything in a field with other horses watching. When my horse's dominant field mate comes up I just try to make myself big and scary and growl at him and wave leadrope if necessary.

 

[spike123]

is there any way you can pen off an area safely away from the other horses while you are working with one? It really isn't safe having a youngster that will act like that around a horse you are dealing with. You could just as easily been kicked as your horse was.It just isn't worth the risk.I would perhaps run an electric fence along say 10ft away from where you want to tie up so you have room to work safely with your horse.

 

[Boxers]

ditto spike 123 - fence off an area to tie up in and groom so that you're away from the others.

or could you take you horse out and tie up the other side of the gate?