Maybe Too Strong A Bond

[Cobland]

I am starting to think that Mae and me has a bond that is a bit OTT. If someone is riding her and im standing at the arena fence she refuses to go past me, if OH is up doing the horses himself, he would put her in the arena while he cleans out, she then refuses to come near him when he tries to catch her. Yet if im at the yard she will go to him.

The other day i had an old friend up seeing her and she was in the arena, we went out to get her and friend wanted to bring her in for me. Well Mae literally walked over the girl to come to me, if im out seeing her in the field or in the stable, she puts her ears flat back and goes at other horses with her teeth. Ive had OH and friends work with her so its not always me, there has been times that ive been so sick that i couldnt get to the yard, and OH has arrived back saying he cant catch Mae and would i come get her lol, hes even tried to bribe her with food (anyone who knows mae knows that food is all mae thinks about)however mae was having none of it and would trot away from him.

When i got mae she was being neglected, was in full livery at a yard but the owners never came to see her, the guy who did the yard took advantage of this and never cleaned her out and she was rarely fed. I started going everyday to clean her out, feed her and groom her.

Friends laugh as she follows me like a puppy, she never stops watching me when im working with other horses. I cant find the photo atm, but there was a time that she was lying down in the arena, i went in and sat near her head and she put her head on my legs and lay while i petted her.

Now im being told our bond is too much and could end up being dangerous.

 

[Blizzard]

Is not that your bond is too much, she is insecure, hence the jealous behaviour and napping to you in the school.


She obviously trusts you, but I would try and get as many people as poss togive her a fuss and spend time with her, it wont do anyone any favours to have a horse that isnt confident enough to go past you in the school and feels the need to be near you.

I think we are all, me included, far too quick to attach human emotions to horses, her behaviour isnt one of unbridled love, she needs more confidence.

Beau is slightly similar in that I can do anything with him but he doesnt trust strangers, however he isnt dependant on my presence to give him confidence, anyone can ride him anywhere.

 

[Cobland]

OH has been working with her as much as me, at the last yard we left because our horses were being punched and soaked with a hose! She only seems to get on with the foalies and Mia, if shes in the arena/field with anyone else then she starts fights.

I know that its a bad habit and shouldnt have taught her, but i can open the arena gate and she will walk back into her stable. Ive been sending OH out to the arena to get her when im about and she does come to him. It seems to be when im not there.

She doesnt like YOs daughter or gf (shes got good taste lol), but she does love OH. For a few weeks now its been him that gives her food and grooms her, i love the mare to bits and i dont want to ruin her