RE: Re: fighting horses

["Bob Morris" <bobmorris@rmci.net>]

This is interesting since I have a mixed herd. Currently it is composed of
three mares and five geldings. Sure they jockey for dominance but the oldest
mare gets what she wants when she wants it. The only fighting and it really
is not fighting in the true sense, more dominance and pecking order, is when
a new horse is introduced to the herd. Makes no difference what gender they
get harassed for a while.

Then of course I have plenty of room for all the horses so one who is picked
on can get away. An interesting note. The newest, a gelding of five years.
Got hurt when he threw a fit on his third saddling and has been quite sore.
Our Queen of Mean, the oldest mare went for him the other night and then
realizing he was not feeling well stopped short and turned away. A rather
disgusted look on her face since she did not get to vent her rage on him.
They know and adjust.

Bob

-----Original Message-----
From: Sullivan's [mailto:greymare@jps.net]
Sent: Monday, March 19, 2001 8:05 PM
To: Howard4567@aol.com; ridecamp@endurance.net
Subject: RC: Re: fighting horses



----- Original Message -----
From: <Howard4567@aol.com>

> My three horses are inseparable.  They act as one and if you saw them out
in
> the field together, you wouldn't believe how they move and react off of
each
> other.  Dance Line and the mare are so bonded it's sometimes a problem for
me
> when I try to load Dance in the trailer, with him knowing the mare's not
> coming.
>


Hi Howard,

I understand what you are saying, but this is exactly why I move mine around
in different combinations, and make efforts to make them tie and go out
alone.....so they DON't get so bonded they flip out and lose their tiny
brains if their buddy has to leave.

I am one of those also who feels it's better not to mix gender....I have all
mares (6), and will probably stay with all mares, despite all the nice
geldings out there.  I would either have all one or the other, but not mix
them.  I DO believe in putting all ages together; my baby was out with the
herd by age 6 months.  I had "bonded" her to an older mare, who sort of
looked out for her, but she soon found an friendship with another
youngster.  However, the older mares "bossing" her around are ESSENTIAL!!
They keep her from getting too full or herself!

Karen


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