Sudden change in TB mare's behaviour.

[showqa]

My TB mare seems extra narky at the moment. Not under saddle, she's perfectly normal when ridden, but she seems defensive from the ground. She's always had a slight tendency to be so, but frankly nothing like I have seen with other mares over the years. Last couple of weeks though, she's kicked out a few times, pinned her ears with a bit more seriousness, whizzed her head around to bite, just been a bit unpredictable around the stable and the yard.

She's ten and nothing has been changed feed wise, routine, companion EXCEPT they're on pretty good autumn grass (though restricted). Could it be hormones this time of year (she's not one that you'd normally even be aware of being in oestrus though), or perhaps imbalance in the autumn flush?

She recently had her back/tack checked, worm counted and she's in good condtion - a bit on the tubby side for her. Any ideas?

 

[AmiRobertson]

All of the mares in the herd at my yard are currently loopy! Galloping around like lunatics, being quite bolshy and my friends TB mare over the past couple of days has turned her back on everyone who has come in the stable with ears flat back and has been box walking! Her stable is also been doubly messy! My TB mare has been very fussy over the past couple of days about me grooming her!
Our trainer has told us that its the last time that most of them will be in season this year (they are all on the same cycle) so it can make them a bit over sensitive. She also told me that her mare behaved like a complete lunatic on the way from the field to the stable the other night. Mares haha!!!

 

[Achinghips]

Tb mares always have sudden changes in their behaviour lol. No seriously, she's clearly trying to tell you something, might it be teeth, or a digestive upset (more likely - you could try some Brewers Yeast)? Truth be told, it could be absolutely anything ....

 

[GypsyGirl]

Mine has also been like this at the moment. Okay she's normally a bit grumpy anyway but lately she's been going for people trying to bite.. She's been super fresh etc .. But she's also in season and extremely hormonal, I'm trying to find a supplement like moody mare or something because she can be awful when she's in season

 

[showqa]

Achinghips - know what you mean!!

Mmm, thought it was probably more likely hormones/seasons, although no other obvious signs. Her stable has been extra wet and a bit sloppy dung wise too which also suggests hormones - but that back to everyone approaching her is very much her at the moment. Intersting that some of you guys are experiencing the same.

Aren't they complicated creatures??? Love her dearly though. Will keep an eye on her, but think you've answered my question.

Cheers all.