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Mean Horse?


Hi Franklin I am having a problem with my gelding. I just got him in May. Sassy, my Mom's horse, came back from barn rest from surgery. He bites her he kicks her and he chases after her none stop. What should I do?

I am getting pretty mad now.

Hi Bev,

Thanks for your question. First off there are no 'bad' horses. They are just being horses doing what horses do naturally. You are misinterpreting the horse's behavior and projecting a negative judgment on behavior you do not understand. This will prevent you from finding a good solution or accepting the suggestions that may help the situation. You need to determine if you have enough compassion and patience to see a solution through as there are no quick fixes or magic bullets to help your situation. If this were children we were talking about, perhaps you would not be rushing to judge the kid as 'bad', but look for other factors influencing the behavior to help the situation.

When the environment of any horse is changed there is always a period of adjustment that has to occur before all is peaceful and normal. The new horse was ripped from familiar surroundings and friends to a new place. Horses acting out as your horse is, are generally showing their fearful feelings and anxiety about their new location and stablemates. The horse in recovery is going through her insecurities as well after the trauma of the surgery. I would keep the horses separated for a while. Let them get used to each other over a safe fence or in stalls near each other. New stablemates need to be introduced gradually. It can take a few months even when this is done properly. I never just throw a new horse into a pasture or paddock with horses that are established at a location. Please do not get 'mad'. Better you get smart and approach this not from an emotional point of view, but rather from a practical and logical point of view that takes the feelings of both horses into consideration. Separate the horses. Introduce them gradually and in a safe way. That way nobody gets hurt and you can retain your peace of mind.

Good Luck and let me know how it all goes. Thanks for reaching out for a bit of help.

Happy New Year, Franklin

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