This horse was displaying aggressive behavior. In a herd the lead mare would not let another horse move her feet or disrespect her like that. A gentle horse can become a dangerous horse without a strong and gentle leader. Ground work could help. There are lots of how-to videos on youtube. I would be very careful not to reward bad behavior with a treat. Everyone has bad days, but she needs to respect you even when she’s grumpy.

Val cormier-Your comments have negative energy. I’ll pray for you.

Hi Sara,

Where are you staying ❓

Sue,
I just have to comment on your above comment about your experience. I have had mares & geldings all my life. I am in my 60’s. I have never come across a horse that likes to be “groomed” whilst eating grain…that is their time. I would nip at you to if you tried to brush my hair while I ate.
Any horse would not let a “heat”. mare to have bad manners without being put in her place by her field mates.
Just read Patricia Preston comments above…it will clarify so many things for you.
God gave you this wonderful horse to care for ..so do show some grace & patience.

Patricia,
So glad to hear someone agrees with me. You did an excellent commentary on solving the problems with humans & horses.
Thank you & I do hope every horse owner reads your input. Do post it on Facebook & other sites.
Right on.
Val

Tony,
Spending more time on the ground just bonding…be it brushing, going for a walk, sharing hugs…use your imagination…ground time so pays off to bond deeper with your horse. just enjoy what God gve you to take care of.

Shirley,
Perhaps you might have a look at your expectations. Perhaps it might be you having an off day & transmitting the energy to him. Ever hear of the “Horse Whisper”..look it up online..it might help you understand his moody days.
God gave you this wonderful horse who should be loved & respected as he is only on loan to you.

Right on Patricia Preston ! !I couldn’t agree more. Very good way to be the superior being.
Val

Thanks Terri, and best of luck with your horses. I have 11 horse,mostly Standarbred horses who were going to the knackery. 10 of them have had the roundyard exercises – I do all their hooves my self etc and so they need to behave. The one big Thoroughbred mare who hasn’t been in the roundyard is the very worst to do anything with – ever since I have had her she has had problem hooves and been lame – so I have not been able to work her in the roundyard – that would be cruel. I have been treating her hooves and trimming them regularly to get a better shape to them, and she is the most pigheaded forceful mare there is – she wants her own way and that is that – I have had to accommodate her to a degree and work around her overbearing big self to do what I need to do – but she is almost sound again and she is in for a big shock soon. Roundyard here she comes. I have had the same issues in the past with some of the other 10 but a few lessons in the roundyard and I can do their hooves and rug them in the paddocks now rather than taking them to the shoeing bay. I got one big Standardbred filly (166hh – 3 years) who couldn’t pace quick enough so was going to the knackery – and what a forceful bit of work she was, no respect for anyone – and she would NOT allow her hooves to be done – just ripped the front ones away and stamped them down every time I picked them up, and kicked like a fool with the hinds – so into the round yard she went and around she went. It only took one session and then that filly stood like a statue in the middle of the round yard whilst I picked up each hoof and trimmed them – all without a halter or headstall. On my first attempt she decided she would pull her front hoof away – and around the yard she went again – next attempt you would have thought she was asleep, she just stood there like an angel – she is now 6 years old and has never been a problem since. It works. Trish

Trish, we have recently been gifted with 5 horses, and we tend my neighbors 7 horses, they run as one herd. Never had horses before, but have found such joy in having them. However, they are mysterious to me, I found that people would advise me on different matters in ways I was uncomfortable with. It was absolutely wonderful to read your letter, because I started smiling and nodding my head right from the beginning. You helped make my horses less mysterious, and put the confidence back in my head. It will give me a grounding in which to begin to have a working relationship with them. Thanks for the advice.
Terri