Behavioural Issues

[LMSmith]

For those who are regulars on HG you will know that I have posted a few threads about my mares bad behaviour over the last few years.

Unfortunately it only seems to be getting worse as I now have another problem

My mare is very handy with her back legs when in the stable however she is becoming more and more difficult to catch in the field and using her back legs to show me how much she does not want to be caught. She has kicked me a couple of times in the field when trying to catch her over the last 6 months but it is tonight that has really got me mad! I went to catch her as she was the only one left out (this does not bother her in the slightest as she prefers being on her own in the field and is never with the herd if others are out anyway). I got her nose in the head collar but she chucked her head and walked off without me managing to fasten it. I tried again with a treat in my hand but again I got the same outcome. At this point she started circling me aggressively so I thought fine, sod you! I turned to walk away and she whipped round and double barrelled! (She new d**n well what she was doing as one of the girls was watching when i went to get her and watched her do it). This is on a field covered in snow with not much grass so dreading when summer arrives she then proceeded to follow me up the field happy as larry and wait at the gate to be brought in!!!

I just wondered if anyone had any advice as it is only a matter of time before she gets me properly and does some serious damage I am going to buy a field safe head collar so I can get hold of her without the faff of having to get the head collar on before she does a runner...? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance
Leanne

[chalky284]

This sounds like a challenge to your leadership, I'd get an IH expert in to help you with this one and I think it'll take a lot of perseverance on your side. It's seems like she will only do things on her terms (like a lot of mares!!) hence her following you to the gate after her asserting her authority. I'm afraid I don't have any suggestions other than possibly trying join up with her. Good luck but you are right tackling this before it becomes serious.

[LMSmith]

Thankyou chalky! Iv considered a IH expert before but its just the cost of getting someone in to help and my mare is now 15 years old and a little set in her ways :/

I love my mare to pieces but its starting to break my heart a little when she is being so difficult iv owned her 11 years now but she just seems to hate me for some reason!

[chalky284]

I wonder if it's her hormones?? Can't your vet recommend some hormone therapy? Though it's still all money then.......

[LMSmith]

Not sure? Iv never had a problem with her when shes in season, if anything it makes her a lot nicer than when she isnt in season! I can ask my vet and see what he says though, no harm in asking

[mady]

Get your vet to check her. I had one that behaved aggressively and went worse over a period of time, it was her ovaries. Random behaviour there is an explanation

[horseylady]

Where are you based? xx

[gillwales]

plait some string and leave at about 6 inches long so you have something to catch like a foal slip.

When I had mine they came when called, if they did not come then they stayed out, after a night in the cold they soon shaped up. Personally I would not keep anything that kicked me, esp after this length of time, a bit like a dog that bites... I do hope you have a good insurence policy.

[fanfarefan]

definately look into the Ovary side of things ,their behaviour can be very good ,docile , and sweet, and they can also be the most vile of creatures , but not their fault ,,,, imagine how you feel at certain times of the month , at its very worst,,, you can take pain killers and hide for a few days , we expect horses to be grateful for everything we do for them , and being ridden or anticipation of being ridden , would make the best of them be inclined to show a nastier side ,,,, im not saying this is her problem , but worth a thought

[LMSmith]

Sorry only just responding to everyone!

Horseylady, I'm based in Blackburn, Lancashire.

Gillwales, if someone asked me what to do with a horse that behaved like my mare I would tell them they were mad and to get rid asap! However I love her dearly and we have been through a lot together, both highs and lows. I could not sell this mare as it would not be safe to do so and yet I cant find it in my heart to have her pts....

Fanfarefan, I will look into the ovary side of things