Hazkirbo
Well-Known Member
It’s a long one so appreciate anyone who’ll read and offer advice!
My gelding has always been wary of other horses. I don’t know much on his history, but from 4-7 he lived in a herd and was quite badly bullied. I know nothing before the age of 4, but his old owners apparently picked him up from garden allotments! I bought him as a 7yo and spoke to owners about individual turnout and we both agreed this was best. I’m pretty sure his fear comes from minimal interactions with other horses, and any other interactions to be quite nasty. He used to be a bag of nerves if another horse came near. 6 months ago he shared a paddock with a similar horse and they got on well, which helped his confidence loads
Anyway, we moved yards in Nov and he’s made lots of friends, which I’m really happy about! However, he’s really taken a shine to one of the mares and they’ve basically become inseparable; to the point of my lad becoming an absolute moron to handle.
Harley is fine in the field by himself, fine to lead, fine to ride. He’s fine when they’re both in the stable block together (they’re neighbours in the stable) but when he’s in the stable without her, he’s an absolute nightmare. Even tied up he just whinnies for her, stamps on the ground, paces about etc. If he’s loose he’ll just trot round the box and wind himself up. The minute he sees her in the stable, he’s fine. Doesn’t even acknowledge her necessarily.
It’s getting really ridiculous now as I can’t crack on with the jobs in hand. Takes me half an hour to groom (he’s fully clipped so all I do is run a brush over him and pick his feet) and tack up.
The horses all get brought in at 3:30ish, but if I’m hacking out, I’ll get there for half 2 so I’ve got time. I can’t bring the other horse in as she’s not mine and it’s not fair on her to come in just because mine can’t cope. It’s literally just her he wants as (most of the time) 2other horses are in as their owners hack out too.
Any advice would be great before he becomes dangerous!x
My gelding has always been wary of other horses. I don’t know much on his history, but from 4-7 he lived in a herd and was quite badly bullied. I know nothing before the age of 4, but his old owners apparently picked him up from garden allotments! I bought him as a 7yo and spoke to owners about individual turnout and we both agreed this was best. I’m pretty sure his fear comes from minimal interactions with other horses, and any other interactions to be quite nasty. He used to be a bag of nerves if another horse came near. 6 months ago he shared a paddock with a similar horse and they got on well, which helped his confidence loads
Anyway, we moved yards in Nov and he’s made lots of friends, which I’m really happy about! However, he’s really taken a shine to one of the mares and they’ve basically become inseparable; to the point of my lad becoming an absolute moron to handle.
Harley is fine in the field by himself, fine to lead, fine to ride. He’s fine when they’re both in the stable block together (they’re neighbours in the stable) but when he’s in the stable without her, he’s an absolute nightmare. Even tied up he just whinnies for her, stamps on the ground, paces about etc. If he’s loose he’ll just trot round the box and wind himself up. The minute he sees her in the stable, he’s fine. Doesn’t even acknowledge her necessarily.
It’s getting really ridiculous now as I can’t crack on with the jobs in hand. Takes me half an hour to groom (he’s fully clipped so all I do is run a brush over him and pick his feet) and tack up.
The horses all get brought in at 3:30ish, but if I’m hacking out, I’ll get there for half 2 so I’ve got time. I can’t bring the other horse in as she’s not mine and it’s not fair on her to come in just because mine can’t cope. It’s literally just her he wants as (most of the time) 2other horses are in as their owners hack out too.
Any advice would be great before he becomes dangerous!x