Mixing Ponies?

FizzyFanta

FizzyFanta

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We have a young NF gelding that is to young to be ridden and so decided to get a second pony for the kids to learn on. We have gone for an welsh section A MARE. At first when we introduced them they both ran around the field sussing each other out but then the little mare started to kick and bite him. We thought this could be her stamping her authority on him but after 2 weeks or so she is still kicking him every time he tries to come near us. At the moment we have to tie her up if we want to groom him, pick his feet, feed him or walk him, but as soon as we un tie her she rushes over to him and kicks him then follows him trying to bite the backs of his legs. I have spoke to the others at the yard and they say it will settle but I am more worried that it will have a bad effect on our youngster.

Is this normal behavier or is she a bully, I need to know as we need to decide if we wish to keep her as we have her on a trial to buy and we need to know by this sat,

Thanks
 
It will just teach your youngster about being part of a herd.
Nothing time won't cure. If you are really worried seperate them with electric fencing.
 
I'm going to disagree with Joeanne here, and say if the mare is still behaving like this towards him after two weeks - then they are destined not to be good field companions.
 
we bought a 3 year old NF gelding. He started to get too big for his boots so our shetland cross gave him what for . Hehad hoof marks all over him but thankfully nothing serious. His behaviour improved dramatically and he treats her with great respect and moves sharp when she says move.:D
Is the youngster learning to move out of the bosses way ?
 
Are they stabled at night? She may feel she needs to assert her dominance over him after each separation. Does the behaviour calm down after a reasonable amount of time? Is the youngster being disrespectful to her? Her behaviour does sound rather overzealous if it hasn't relented at all over 2 weeks. How is her behaviour towards your children? If she is the perfect pony for your kids I'd work through the difficulties, it will settle eventually.

Keep a close eye on your gelding, has his temperament been compromised at all?
I know one gelding who got severely bullied by the colt he was turned out with, it did affect his temperament he became a bit of a thug and a nightmare to ride for his owner.
 
Thanks for the replies,

He can be minding his own and she will just walk up to him be nice they groom each other then she will just turn and kick out with both back feet.... If we are in poo picking she will keep him away from coming near us and if she gets attention from one of my kids and she see's him getting attention from any one else she will just run straight at him in attack mode. Ihave thought about stipping the paddock and seperating them but the odea of a second pony was both for a comapanion for him whilst he is still young and so that the kids can learn to ride until he is ready.
 
They both sleep in the field and from what the yard owner and others say they get on when they are on there own, walking grazing and sleeping next to each other, but as soon as any attention is given she gets in a strop with him. she is great with kids and adults but stomps when she is not the centre of all attention...I have spoken to her breeders privious and owners selling her and they all seem shocked to this as she has allways had good maners and never kicked ar nipped another horse/pony before.
 
It sound like a severe case of jealousy. All I can suggest is doing things with them both to help her get over it, take them for walk, groom them together etc.

It doesn't sound a safe situation for a young child if she is charging at the youngster regardless of there being people in the vicinity. Section A's can be difficult little so and sos I have found that B's are more reliable children's ponies as in my opinion they are less stroppy and not half a sharp.

I am not saying that her old carers aren't being honest with you but past owners/breeders don't always tell the whole truth.
 
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