opinions on behaviour?

noblesteed

noblesteed

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Just wanted your opinions on this...
My bolshy gelding lives with one other horse. Today I put him out and my friend kept hers in as she was letting a child have a little ride around on him.
My horse is in his field, running up and down the fence whinnying as he could hear his fieldmate but not see him - he was being ridden round the yard. I decided to have a wander round my horse's field to look for a missing shoe. My horse sees me, comes running over and stands beside me, still tense but spends 5 mins with me eating grass while I stand calmly beside him. He hears his friend's hooves, goes off running and whinnying before running back to me, standing with me to eat. I then try walking away and he follows me, I jog, he jogs etc (a bit like join up). This was repeated several times until his friend was turned out.
Now I take this as meaning that although my horse wants to be with his friend, he is also happy in my company, and has a bond with me (although he much prefers his horse-friend, hence the running off and whinnying). As my horse is very pushy I was careful not to let him push me at all, standing my ground and just enjoying his company really. And as he didn't try to push me at all, I took this as a good bonding session and was pleased.
However my friend was horrified at this and said my horse needs to be left alone to 'be a horse'...
What do you guys think?
 
I think that if he is calmer with you around it's a good compromise. You can get him used to being without his friend by staying with him and keeping him calm and eventually he should feel confident enough to stay out completely on his own.
 
I'm not clear as to why your friend is horrified? I would be pleased, as you are, that your horse took solace in your company and was reassured by your presence in the field. I frequently 'played' with Henry after his companion died (I imagine I looked a right nutter!). Whilst we're no substitute for four legs and a tail, I think anything that lowers a horse's stress levels is a good thing.
 
My old yard had individual TO to stop people arguing so I used to play with Daisy occassionally if she was in the mood. Provided they are respectful, stay out of your space and don't nip or kick at you like they might if they were playing with another horse then I don't see a problem with it. TBH its not that different to loose schooling, you're just interacting with them using body language.
 
Good god, be very PROUD !!!!! :D:D:D

Being a good horse person is not about what's right or wrong. The key here is that the horse wants to be with you !! That is the ultimate compliment a horse can give to you, what horse whispering is all about, you are the leader, you have created a very strong, trusting bond. He also has a four legged mate, so he is still a horse ;)

How many peeps can say they have that sort of bond - friend's just jealous !

sm x
 
Ditto shysmum! Friend jealous!
I am always proud of the fact that when I go in the field my horse takes an interest in me. I am no natural horsemanship follower but I dont need a headcollar or leadrope - he will follow me around even when he's out with his mates. Its a nice feeling & one which I would never discourage!
 
Hey thanks guys. I was pleased my horse wanted to hang around with me and was comforted by me, it felt right to me!!! And by the books I have read it seemed like it would be a logical thing for Mr horse to do. My problem is I listen too much to what other people say...
I used to loose school my old mare a lot, that's prob how I learned to look over my shoulder and toss my hair to invite a horse to play...
 
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