Nervous mare keeps injuring her head on her stable door!

[FionaM12]

My mare's very jumpy. She's lived out mostly since I got her in June, but she comes in for a few hours at a time on most days.

She seems quite happy in her stable, but is very nosey and as soon as she hears anyone on the yard she puts her head out to have a look. Unfortunately, if anyone makes a slightly sharp move or something makes her jump, she rushes back and bangs her head on the doorway.

A couple of weeks ago, I was leading her out of the stable, when she saw a hen and jumped back, badly hitting her head on the top of the doorframe. It was days before I could get her in or out of the stable without a fight.

She lives at a farm and there's quite a bit going on, people coming and going and various children and animals running about. Soon my mare's going to be in most of the time. I'm worried she'll be badly hurt one of these days.

Any advice please?

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I'd look at padding the door frame with something like the foam that you can use for frost proofing pipes. It is readily available at DIY stores.

 

[Louby]

Maybe try a padded poll guard on one of those field safe headcollars??

 

[FionaM12]

I'd look at padding the door frame with something like the foam that you can use for frost proofing pipes. It is readily available at DIY stores.

What a great idea. I was thinking of polystyrene or foam, both of which I'd dismissed as unsuitable. But that pipe insulating stuff might be just the thing.

Thanks! I'm off to B&Q in the morning.

 

[Tnavas]

I'd be inclined to put a poll guard on her when she is in her stable. Poll injuries can become quite nasty if they become infected.

Just make sure that she can't catch her headcollar on the door catch though.

 

[Snowysadude]

I'd look at padding the door frame with something like the foam that you can use for frost proofing pipes. It is readily available at DIY stores.

I was going to say this too! My friend does this for her horse as it doesnt rot or break too easily

 

[FionaM12]

Yes, I'd thought of a poll guard. But I really don't want her to be wearing a headcollar when she's alone in her stable. I think if she catches it she could be even more injured. She's a terrible panicker.

Are there any poll guards which stay on without a headcollar?

 

[Louby]

Thats why I thought a field safe one so it will break if she does get caught on anything.

 

[FionaM12]

Thats why I thought a field safe one so it will break if she does get caught on anything.

I'll have a look at getting one. Thankyou.

 

[Trinity Fox]

I would pad the stable she is in maybe a poll guard to start with, when we get unhandled youngsters when handling nicely and doing stuff we sing or talk in a low voice all the time.

If you can get everyone to do this on their approach your horse will feel comfortable and know people are coming and wont be so shocked. They soon settle and recognise people are going to appear.
Talking on approach in a low tone voice reassures them.