Nice to humans - possible kicks to other horses

Happy Hunter

Happy Hunter

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Hoping for a bit of advice, I wont clog you down with details, but if there are questions - please ask!

Newly backed Mare
Very sweet natured to people, and keen to learn, willing in her work.
5 yr old, lived in heard till Oct 2012 then in individual turnout/box.
Chiropractor and Vets visits as part of training show no pain reactions to general work and physical state.
Working well in school and out Hacking with horse and human (on foot) company.
Lovely to handle, lead around, farrier, tack up ect.

But seems to be 'Witchy' when others come close in school, ears back and shuffle of bottom suggesting a possible kick coming. Pulls 'faces' to one gelding in particular when in her box and he passes.

Has not yet kicked out - mainly because I dont let it come to that, I growl loudly and let her know its NOT ok, and turn head to avoid anything else.

How do I 'socialise' her.

The thought of a warm up ring at the moment isnt great!

Ideas and Suggestions welcome - I'm hoping this is a phase of nervousness?!
 
i find it common in youngsters to be a bit aprehensive around others when under saddle. they are likely to be at/near the bottom of the pecking order in the field so should move away at a look or other signal, they can no longer do that as you are not allowing it, they also have yet to learn that most horses do not act naturally under saddle so they can be closer than would be allowed when loose. they do not know that the others are unlikely to kick or chase when a rider is on board but it is something they will learn.

give her time and work her with horses that are not dominant and build up her trust that you are in control of the situation, i would also turn out in a group as she is not benefiting from social interaction and the learning it brings
 
I'm not a fan of individual turn out unless necessary, find it creates a lot of problems in my experience. If this was when the problem started I'd change this.

I'd also bring in a safe sane horse and not push any situation, just have one around initially and then start working both.
 
My 5 year old is still not keen on others cantering in the school near him so right now I will ask the others to warn me and take him in the middle for a bit and then join in. I thought he was alright till I took him to Oldencraig for the first time and spent a fair amount of time being tanked when other people dared to canter near him but he did got over himself.
 
I agree with the individual turnout thing. At that age they need to be kept in check by their peers... I would suggest putting her out with a group and seeing if that helps.

I would also agree that it is quite normal for youngsters to be quite unsure when it comes to working with others - particularly if it is new to them :)
 
My 11 year old mare still kicks out at other horses in the school despite being well socialised. Some horses just like their personal space :)
 
Thanks all - CopPop this isnt an option to continue, if she kicks repetitively I shall be more than un-impressed!! :mad: My name may allude to the mares up and coming occupation... ;)

Individual turnout is the only option - no herds. I'm not convinced mixed turnout would help, as that isnt when the problem arrises?

Thanks others with the confidence and under saddle behaviour, I am comforted by this!

Will keep going with the warm up ring 'dress rehersals' at home with her buddies!

Any advice re-Growling or turn her to see them ect?
Considering this is in the New Lounge I wont suggest a short sharp smack if a leg does come out! :P

Edited to Wave at CBFan :)
 
Mine used to play polo & will have we ears back if anyone dares comes near here. She has once bitten too out hacking when a sudden horse infront stopped. She is only like this in the school & at home. When she's out she's an angel & out Hunting se ha once started to lick the horse in from before...
 
I do find horses on individual turnout can get it a bit wrong sometimes and often become too big for their boots. You might be surprised at the difference it makes having another horse in with her for even a day. My horse is in her own paddock and sometimes one or two of the neighbours gets in if they break the fence, she is very respectful to handle when they have done as it is clear she is bottom of the herd bless her! I think it just shows them that sometimes it is ok to have another horse in their space, and also that they will be reprimanded if they are nasty!
 
i would ignore it where possible but reprimand with a swift smack if she does kick out.

my youngster is with a friend at the mo and she is aprehensive around others under saddle, she still took her to the maldon new years parade and she waved her hind feet at one horse when she got scared she was however allowed to move herself away from those she felt threatened by (and it was a wave not a kick but she was smacked) she was also kept near the back amongst horses her rider knows so she could be a sure as she could that no-one would retaliate.

its a fine balance between them trusting you and your judgement and laying down rules of acceptable behaviour

could you start off just walking out side by side with another horse that you know is as safe as can be?
 
Happy Hunter said:
Will keep going with the warm up ring 'dress rehersals' at home with her buddies!

Any advice re-Growling or turn her to see them ect?
Considering this is in the New Lounge I wont suggest a short sharp smack if a leg does come out! :P

Edited to Wave at CBFan :)
Click to expand...

***Waves back!***

Is this a CB we're talking about? I think they really do benefit from company in the field. A change in company (he went from an all gelding herd to being chucked out with 4 mares!!) did him the world of good in several aspects. His manners improved dramatically.

vocal remprimands will probably be of benefit but a shot sharp smack to get her attention probably wouldn't do her any harm either ;)
 
Jools1234 said:
i find it common in youngsters to be a bit aprehensive around others when under saddle. they are likely to be at/near the bottom of the pecking order in the field so should move away at a look or other signal, they can no longer do that as you are not allowing it, they also have yet to learn that most horses do not act naturally under saddle so they can be closer than would be allowed when loose. they do not know that the others are unlikely to kick or chase when a rider is on board but it is something they will learn.

give her time and work her with horses that are not dominant and build up her trust that you are in control of the situation, i would also turn out in a group as she is not benefiting from social interaction and the learning it brings
Click to expand...

This!

I've always found mares to be a bit more temperamental about these things anyway. Don't worry about it, just keep doing what you are doing and she will get the message that its not acceptable.
 
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