Tobiano
Well-Known Member
OK so my very chunky 3 1/2 YO gelding managed to double barrel my friend in the chest yesterday. She has seen Dr and may have cracked ribs but will be ok. Obviously I feel dreadful but this is more about thoughts on how to deal with him going forward.
Situation was that friend was helping the groom to ride and lead the youngster from my other horse (I am off games at the moment with a bum knee and was in any case at work). Apparently youngster rushed past and kicked out as he went, catching friend in the chest. Thank goodness he is not shod and also that it was winter with lots of layers.
He's done this with me before, when I've taken him out to graze in hand when fields closed, but wasn't near enough to make contact. I don't know if it is malicious - I don't think so - but it is dangerous. I always wear a hat and gloves when handling him and also a dually halter and a long line. He has turnout about 6 hours a day with my other horse, stabled the rest of the time, and his groom takes him for a walk in hand about 3 times a week when he is usually ok.
He has been lightly backed and will be re-backed in Spring, but I wanted him to have the winter off to give his young bones a rest. He seems to be better when ridden.
So I've decided to can the ride and lead and just stick to what he seems to cope with better, but does anyone have any ideas as to how to prevent or at least manage his tendency to flick up his heels when he is a bit cross?
Thanks for reading.
Situation was that friend was helping the groom to ride and lead the youngster from my other horse (I am off games at the moment with a bum knee and was in any case at work). Apparently youngster rushed past and kicked out as he went, catching friend in the chest. Thank goodness he is not shod and also that it was winter with lots of layers.
He's done this with me before, when I've taken him out to graze in hand when fields closed, but wasn't near enough to make contact. I don't know if it is malicious - I don't think so - but it is dangerous. I always wear a hat and gloves when handling him and also a dually halter and a long line. He has turnout about 6 hours a day with my other horse, stabled the rest of the time, and his groom takes him for a walk in hand about 3 times a week when he is usually ok.
He has been lightly backed and will be re-backed in Spring, but I wanted him to have the winter off to give his young bones a rest. He seems to be better when ridden.
So I've decided to can the ride and lead and just stick to what he seems to cope with better, but does anyone have any ideas as to how to prevent or at least manage his tendency to flick up his heels when he is a bit cross?
Thanks for reading.