Random change in mares behaviour. Any thoughts?

[HaffiesRock]

My very laid back gypsy cob mare has gone insane this week! Shes bolshy, wont listen, stamps and spins when tied up and is a general sod! After discussions with others on my yard we have come up with the following:

1.Not enough exercise; shes normally ridden daily for an hour, due to the weather shes getting minimal exercise.
2.Being stroppy because she wants her feed? Could she be hungry? The grass is disappearing. Once tacked up and ridden away from the yard shes fine.
3.The treats out of her advent calendar? only started this behaviour this week?

Any ideas are appreciated! Shes fine in the morning and she only acts up whilst tied up outside the stable in the evening.

Thanks all.

Shes out all day

 

[be positive]

It could be any of the above or a combination of all 3, is she losing weight with the grass going, have you reduced her feed as she is getting less work, her treats are probably rich in sugar so may not be helping.

I would give her extra hay, in the field if you can and cut down her feed until you can give her regular work again.

 

[PapaFrita]

Mares can be a bit 'special'. Any number of things could've upset her, but I'm with Be Positive.

 

[[59668]]

It could be the change in the weather. My normally laid back cob gelding has gone the same way.

 

[rockysmum]

Agree with be positive

One more thing, have you had a really good look at what is going on under her feather.

My cobs have at times been stroppy, stamping etc when brought in from the field.

Investigation has shown mud fever / cracked heels / mites on their legs which can often be very hard to spot on muddy legs

They seem to be OK in the field but then play up when they come in at night and their legs start to dry out.