Doesdressage1
Active Member
I am looking for some advice. I have just bought a new 6 yr old mare. I have had her 5 weeks. She is the sweetest little thing and tries her very best. Not at all marey and loves my gelding. About a week after being out with a mixed herd of 6 (including her) she came in with a large kick to the stifle joint. There was no heat/swelling so treated topically. Unfortunately an infection formed an abcess below the wound and she ended up in horsepital for 8 days fighting cellulitis and a serious tissue infection.
She then spent 2 weeks in recovering before going out with just my gelding in a paddock next to the rest of the herd. She spent 10 days in there talking to the herd over the fence before joining them again. Weds eve was her first night out with the herd and on Thursday morning she came in with skin and muscle the size of my hand hanging between her back legs. Someone hack repeatedly kicked her between the back legs and then the sides of her stomach. Vet came and 13 stitches later she is in for another 2
weeks to heal.
I'm at my wits end. Why is she getting picked on? My only thought is that I got we from where she was bred and she has only ever been turned out with brothers/sisters so may never of had to defend herself. She is on full livery (not my choice) and yard owner is unhappy about long term seperation from the herd.
I would be greatful for any tips or ideas anyone has. My poor girl really doesn't deserve to be picked on every time she does out and I am fed up with a horse I can't ride and educate and lots of vet bills.
Thank you
She then spent 2 weeks in recovering before going out with just my gelding in a paddock next to the rest of the herd. She spent 10 days in there talking to the herd over the fence before joining them again. Weds eve was her first night out with the herd and on Thursday morning she came in with skin and muscle the size of my hand hanging between her back legs. Someone hack repeatedly kicked her between the back legs and then the sides of her stomach. Vet came and 13 stitches later she is in for another 2
weeks to heal.
I'm at my wits end. Why is she getting picked on? My only thought is that I got we from where she was bred and she has only ever been turned out with brothers/sisters so may never of had to defend herself. She is on full livery (not my choice) and yard owner is unhappy about long term seperation from the herd.
I would be greatful for any tips or ideas anyone has. My poor girl really doesn't deserve to be picked on every time she does out and I am fed up with a horse I can't ride and educate and lots of vet bills.
Thank you