Upon watching the interaction between one of my boarders and her horse the other day, it really gave me a sense of uneasiness.  With his ears pinned back and teeth gnashing he was trying to control her.  He was trying to direct her in the direction he wanted her to go.  He was telling her what he wanted in the way of grooming and when he wanted his carrots.  I’ve seen pushy horses, but this was unnerving.  And he’s such a gentleman with me.

So all night I was trying to figure out what was going on here.  Her comment was that he was protecting her and wanted to establish her as his person.  Okay, I get that but………

In a herd you have a certain rule of hierarchy.  There is the Stallion, but he is a follower of the Lead Mare.  She tells everyone where to go, when to go, and why.  The Lead Mare is usually born into the position.  This is in a feral herd I’m talking about.  Now in a domestic herd the dynamics are always changing because of horses coming and going at a barn, but a Lead Mare usually keeps her position until the day she dies.  Sure did at my farm.

You’ve probably seen the sign that says “My Barn My Rules” which I’m in full agreement.  Not only with the people who come here, but also with the horses, dogs, and other assortment of creatures that come in and out.  There are always rules, boundaries, and limitations.  I’m the Lead Mare, any questions?

Now I’ve seen many horses who claim their owners, but not aggressively.  Horses know the difference of who feeds them, and they know their owners who love and fuss over them.

What I told this woman is very simple.  You would not allow this behavior in a work situation, or personal relationship.  Don’t allow it here.  It’s not cute and it’s not safe.  He didn’t make contact with his teeth now, but I believe he will if she doesn’t behave herself.  Horses will grab each other to discipline and I believe if she doesn’t respond accordingly, he will take a bite.

I’ve seen horses rule with their teeth and kicks, but once established all they have to do is throw a dirty look and everyone snaps to attention.  All I have to do is go grrrr (actually it’s more like a sharp ehhhh, but I don’t know how to spell that) and everyone’s head comes up and respect is acknowledged.  Just can’t seem to get my ears to flatten on my neck like they do.  I will occasionally take my hands, place them by my ears and wing them backward to get my point across to my mare that I don’t like her attitude.  She looks at me sideways and knows what I mean.

If you can’t beat them, join them.  I’ve been in the horse business way too long.

I feel like I’ve been down this road with someone else before.  I think it was the last TB boarder that came in.

Oh My!