Terrotorial foal

[angellauren]

Foal been here a week now and he's been lovely, got a head collar on him and he lets me groom him etc. I am having a crappo day today and went to take his haylage in this evening and he was pinning his ears back and displaying general threatening behaviour which to be honest after the day I've had could land me in tears haha. I imagine he's just getting protective over his food but I need to keep him on my side really and don't want him to think he can get away with it either but can't be too firm as I might end up taking steps backward again after only just gaining his trust. My other baby was never like this and I suppose in not entirely sure what to do about it or if there's anything I can do? Any advice/experiences? Thanks guys! I know in being sensitive!

 

[eggs]

Give him time. I've had a number of foals - both homebred and bought. One that I bought acted in a similar way to your foal when he first arrived. I found reacting when he threatened made him worse and after time he stopped threatening behaviour. As much as possible I didn't go into the barn when he had his food.

He is now eight years old and is absolutely no problem to be around when he is eating.