Hi guys,
I have a 2 year old QH filly. I also have a 19 month old QH x TB gelding. As youngsters both horses got on really well and were part of a larger herd on the stud. I have since purchased my own horse property and both my youngsters are now with me. Recently my filly has decided she is the alpha. If my gelding goes to sniff around a feeder, my filly goes for him with ears pinned back and turns and kicks at him. She also does this around feed time and if I go to catch either horse. I quickly began feeding them in seperate yards, waiting until each horse had finished their meal before letting them back into the paddock. Because of this behaviour, my gelding is now very reluctant in all aspects, he is difficult to catch etc. Two nights ago my gelding went to stand in a paddock shelter. My filly went into the shelter too and decided it was her shelter. She attacked my gelding and literally booted him until he went through a post and rail fence! Thankfully my gelding is ok, just missing some hair and has a couple of welts on his offside. I immediately separated my two horses into their own paddocks. However, my filly is stressing herself out and is fence walking because she wants her mate back! My gelding and I are back at Square 1 with our catching and his anxiety is through the roof whenever anyone goes near him. I would love to be able to Join-Up with him but have no access to a round pen or secure arena, all I have is a 3.5 acre paddock. I hate separating horses as they are a herd animal. I have been thinking about adding to my herd with a horse that is very submissive but really need to sort out my alpha filly also. I have also been thinking about keeping my two horses separated but them having their own companion in the form of a sheep or alpaca (I live in Australia but desperately want a llama instead) or shetland pony. What are people's thoughts?
Just thinking on my feet here, but my first thought is that these two youngsters are in sore need of an older, mature horse to sort them both out and keep them in line and bring them up to proper herd manner.
I realize even borrowing one such horse might be very difficult for you, though.
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As for alpacas and llamas I have no experience whatsoever on how they get along with horses. I do know sheep can work as excellent companions, esp. since they don't share the same parasites (worms).
I agree with Kicki - 3rd horse needed, for all the reasons given but also to prevent seperation anxiety and/or over bonding! Other companions would be fine too; it's how they are introduced and managed rather than what they are that's important but again, I agree with Kicki, sheep and horses are a very good mix!
Hi. Shame your youngsters weren't taught not to kick when really young. I have ponies who use their feet to communicate, not injure. They do kick, but unbelievably gently. My stallion, acquired at the age of 2, objected to my separating him from the mare & foal at foot. He kicked me, on my collar bones - so hard he rocked me from my toes to my heels! He weighs 410 kilos & could easily have done serious damage but, even in the grip of a hormone rush, he chose to be gentle with me. My youngsters learnt early on - they play kicked & had their feet moved. I never uttered a sound but moved next to them & used my hip to move their feet. Both of them looked at me after 4 or 5 repetitions - you're really not pleased with me. OK, occasionally they flail somewhat, but never close to me. I feel safe with them! Raw babies, who know no better than they've been taught. I'm not robust, young or even a big human - but these guys respect me & treat me with love. I sincerely hope you can find how to get what I have with my herd with yours. Cheers, Jo.
Thanks guys. I have been considering getting an older horse as yes I understand that is probably what is required as at 2 years old, filly is just over 400kg!. It's what we used to do on the stud all the time. I was just seeing if there was any other ideas lol as with a 3rd horse I need to consider changing horse floats from 2H to 3H as we live in a fire zone and had a disastrous fire come through here just over 12 months ago, hence why I don't have a round yard anymore. Both mine have been taught from a young age to have their feet picked up etc, my filly has just all of a sudden changed, pretty much like a moody teenage daughter lol. Did I mention she's a chestnut lol