wont leave mares !

[BillyBobs]

My gelding had some herd issues when I first got him, almost 3 months ago now. He was tanking off while being led out of field and we have absolutely got that nailed now , he walks like a dream and behaves wonderfully . This issue we have now is that he forms attachments to certain horses , mostly mares and feels duty bound to look after them. As a result he can be hard to catch, he will circle round them and not let you near. Eventually , we get him and he calmly lets you put his headcollar on and doesnt fight at all. I know all his issues are field related as he has spent his years racing and been stabled - I want him to have the enjoyment of being a horse so have him turned out as much as possible , I know its good for him . His ground manners are wonderful and his ridden work is coming on leaps and bounds. My question is - do I just ride this out and he will eventually chill and realise its ok to leave his ladies or do I need to think about moving him ? This would mean moving yards and I really dont want to do that , if I can avoid it . It is so time consuming , it took almost 3 hours on Sunday .....
PS have tried him with a breakaway head collar, doesnt really make a difference. Seems the only way is to be patient, walk around, not let him graze but keep calm and chilled, and he eventually submits

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I would expect him to become more settled, the longer he is in this herd. If you were to move him, I would expect him to regress, tbh.

 

[BillyBobs]

I would expect him to become more settled, the longer he is in this herd. If you were to move him, I would expect him to regress, tbh.

Good - that was the answer I was hoping for !
If I moved him it would be to a yard that had separate turnout for mares/ geldings or small herd turn out, but like you say I think that may unsetttle him more. I will just have to keep doing what I am doing and if it takes hours to get him in then so be it !

 

[AdorableAlice]

Could you get someone to catch his favourite mare and walk away with her. Curiosity should get the better of him and he will follow her so you can put a hand on him. I use a bit of old cotton (never nylon) lunge line on a old leather (must be leather) headcollar, just tie it on let it dangle, it gives you something to catch hold of.

He is playing games with you. My feral cart horse did it and still does aged 10. I have had many a time when I could throw a brick at him !!