Stopping field hierarchy from turning into bad manners.

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

Hi All,

Jake is definitely settled and his personality has really started to blossom, what has come hand in hand with this is him progressing from bottom of the herd to firmly at the top. I used to go into the field when I wasn't riding just to say hello and give him an apple and a scratch (he goes out at 2pm and I get up at 6pm so if I didn't go into the field I wouldn't see him). But he has very recently started chasing the others away from me, running at them with ears back; and I hate being near when they do this, it does not feel safe obviously!

Now his manners are impeccable and I would like to do everything to ensure they remain that way. I do not give him treats for no reason, he has a couple of 'tricks' he does to get each bite of apple, but with this recent behavior I don't think I will feed in the field at all any more. I also make him back up from voice command whilst I walk towards him straight after he has chased others away. I was hoping that this would ensure that he realises that humans are in charge no matter the herd hierarchy.

I just wanted to make sure that this is the right thing to do, or whether you think it is necessary at all?

 

[be positive]

Not longer taking the apple should stop the worst of his behaviour, I would never give treats in a field regularly as it can make them very defensive, possibly more so if they have to "perform" to get the treat, keep that for when he is in the yard away from the others and he should soon stop being so rude.

 

[Leo Walker]

I think he will be fine if you stop the apple. Feeding horses like that can send them a bit scatty. Mines a ridiculously piggy cob and there would be an absolute murder if I did that. You'd get a similar response from a more normal horse though. You have a high value treat and he wants to make damn sure that no one else gets it!

 

[Getoutmypockets]

I never treat in the field due to this! Greedy mare and would result in kicking and fighting, so lady like! I'd pop the treats on his hay or in feed or bring in for a groom n treats if time and scratches and a hello in the field! Sometimes hitting the scratchy bit beats any Apple 😂

 

[Pearlsasinger]

Received wisdom is to never take treats into the field with multiple horses. This is something I teach complete novices and even non horsey visitors as a basic safety measure.