Kicking

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RunToEarth

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I ride two 5yos for a lady nearby sometimes who struggles to school them both. They are turned into a field- a decent size, four geldings in total.
Today when I went to fetch Class in one of the geldings turned his back to me and really let wang with his back feet. Luckily my reaction times are very quick and he only managed to clip me on the shoulder, but this wasn't a kick out at the horse I was leading, I am almost certain it was aimed at me. What would you do?
 
I'd catch it over the gate!

Not much help Rosie i know sorry but thats the only way I've learned to manage with one of ours. Its just not safe otherwise.
Maybe someone else will have better advice, I'd be interested too but I would find it very hard to trust them again.


Oh edited to say you probably best tell the owner incase he gets her next time!
 
If it were one of mine it would have had a bollocking! If a horse kicks out like that it could so easily clip your head instead of your shoulderand you could be killed. That beaviour is not acceptable.
 
Well yes I did give it a good clout when I was the other side of the fence, dont really dare to hit it whilst I was next to it, but on a long term basis it needs sorting.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I ride two 5yos for a lady nearby sometimes who struggles to school them both. They are turned into a field- a decent size, four geldings in total.
Today when I went to fetch Class in one of the geldings turned his back to me and really let wang with his back feet. Luckily my reaction times are very quick and he only managed to clip me on the shoulder, but this wasn't a kick out at the horse I was leading, I am almost certain it was aimed at me. What would you do?

[/ QUOTE ]

Throw something at it - rocks work well!
 
If I had rocks to hand I would have done, I didnt really want to hit it whilst I was in the field, but leaving it too long would have made it pointless, so I smacked it from the safety of the otherside of the wall.
 
Carry a water pistol with a strong jet and squirt him with it if he comes near you when you don't want him too, if he has a rug on aim for his head!! Havn't tried this but know someone who did and they said it worked!! Would also wear a skull cap and body protector next time and maybe a gum shield or those helmets the american football players wear!! Seriously though I'd definitely wear a hat going into the field, it's just not worth the risk to get a kick in the head.
 
I would speak to the other owners and decide an acceptable plan of action. Some horses do lash out and it is life threatening for people and other horses. This needs to be dealt with, a near miss has served as a timeley warning that needs addressing.

If it were acceptable, could you not carry a long stick to warn off this horse, perhaps waving it about to make the horse keep its distance and respect people?

I know the owners of kickers do not like this action and stick up for their horses, but it is such a dire situation that you cant carry on doing nothing.
 
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