I Think my Horse is Grieving

[kbsaff]

We lost the oldest horse on our yard on Tuesday. He was 40 years old and a great "mentor" to my five year old.
The problem now is that my horse seems to be grieveing or him and has turned quite aggressive in the field.
He and the old boy used to partner up in the field and now my pony is pretty much on his own.
The last 2 days, he has started walking up to the biggest horse in the field with the pure intention of starting a fight. Once he's had his say, they settle down again.
He's never been bulshy or nasty, he used to keep himself to himself and didn't cause any trouble. This morning I turned him out but twenty minutes later he was still stood at the gate waiting to come back in.
I can only think that he is grieving for his friend, but would that explain the aggression?
Is there anything that I can do to help him?
I should also mention that I have just turned him away from regular work to mature. Could this contribute?

 

[nic85]

Do you know if the horse that has passed away was high up in the pecking order? Im only guessing the aggreasion is the boys sorting out the new pecking order. He may also be grieving ...but im not sure what to suggestfor hat...im sorry and hope your boys picks up soon!

 

[pinkcatkin]

My suggestion would be a change in the pecking order too. I expect it will all settled down in a while, plus you have changed his routine. I would just ride the wave and be patient, unless some damage is going to be caused.

 

[Shilasdair]

Agree - the pecking order will change, plus he will need to find himself a new pair bond within the herd.
In time things will settle down. If you still see him on his own in a few weeks, maybe you will need to change the mix of horses in the field to allow him to make a friend.
S

 

[YorksG]

I am sure that horses grieve, in that they miss their close companions and feel unsettled and possibly vulnerable. Our Appy went through a stage of being quite miserable when the old Appy died and then six months later her pair bond died suddenly and she seemed almost depressed. She has picked up and is back to her old self, but it did take her a while. Horses are social animals and so do notice when a companion is no longer there.

 

[ladyt25]

I think he probably saw the old horse as higher up than him in the pecking order definitely and now he's gone he's thinking he'll give it a crack to see whether he can get himself further up in the 'herd' as at present it'll all be out of sync. He'll soon find out whether he can or not!

At 5 they are still growing up and will test the waters to see who they push about and who they can't. Let him get on with it, it won't take long for him to settle into his place again.

 

[kbsaff]

Update - My boy is still finding it very difficult to settle down.
He's only fighting with one horse in particular but i can get quite nasty.
Any Suggestions?