My horse was attacked by her stable mate. Im now at loss

Not got time to read through the whole thread but RE the lump on Mollys jaw, moms OH's old horse had always had a growth but as it never grew, vet said not to worry (this was some years ago. He got to 24ish and suddenly went funny. balance went, went from being SO soft, to being a bit more of a handful... then his legs started to go from under him, proper bambi style...

He collapsed one day and had to be PTS as couldn't get up. The lump wasnt growing outwardly, but it was growing inside, MASSIVE tumor :(
 
Gelding with mares. Spring is coming and hormones getting into full swing. Yes I know everyone does it and never has issues. It's fine until it isn't. You now have 3 instead of 2 in the group. All of this can create drama too. I just don't do mixed herds unless one gelding and one mare. Never more. Also when things start to escalate and the warning signs are there you have to change things.

I am very sorry about your mare. Hope she heels quickly. Maybe the one does have a tumor but also it can be changes in herd dynamics. This is much more common than brain tumors. Sadly because we put our human emotions into play we don't like to think that could be it. Using words like they love each other ect. Nope we immediately go to brain tumor, feed, ulcers. Sometimes it's very simple. I have a herd of 4 mares. They work as 4. Two of them do not work if I split them. Those two would knock lumps out of each other. Sisters actually. As 4 there is harmony. Well when the lead mare is in with them. At any time it can all change in any herd. Just sayin.

Terri
 
I have gelding who can be very dominant to others. In fact now he is settled where he is he has promptly decided to take over the herd and is being naturally agressive to the others to let them know who is the boss. This is horses.

I witnessed him this week teaching my mare a lesson as she tried to take his hay. She learned the hard way that this wasnt on as she is no longer top horse in the field.

Herd dynamics can and will change. For those who say they would want it removed from your property where is the owner to put it? Considering that many of you find a horse on its own as cruel?? You cannot have it all ways Im afraid. Horses can and will kick each other, its their nature if one steps over the line. Yes they posture, they warn but if those are not taken them yes the legs and teeth come into play and they give each other hell.

OP I hope your horse is ok BUT I wouldnt be asking the livery for money, its a horse not a human and they dont see the world we do, there doesnt have to be a tumour or an underlying medical problem for the dynamics to change.

Sometimes I despair as to where we are going with horses now when i read some of the posts on forums. horses are horses not humans and they dont rationalise they just do.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top