Ok. I know lots about cat behaviour and understand my cats' moods. They all mutually groom one another, but occasionally have harmless fights (really just play fights as no one ever gets hurt) just like siblings do - seems pretty healthy as they adore one another and are a bonded herd of cats!
So let's turn to horses. Today I went into the stables as Skeet lost a shoe (other front shoe this time) and he stayed inside until I arrived with easyboot in hand. When I put Skeet in turnout he was a total brat!!! I thought he was the class clown, but I think he is also the class troublemaker!
He waltzed right up the Dale (huge horse) and shoved his face into Dale's and the pair of them had a play fight pretending they might bite the other. No one seemed really angry - more like sibling fighting (and, yes, Skeet was sticking his tongue out!). Skeet then shoved his face into another horse Lenny and there was a tussle/frolic. Then Skeeterling and the gang galloped across the field, followed by silliness and Skeeter even did a quasi-rear. Eventually things calmed down, and Dale went right up to graze near/with Skeetey.
I think Skeeter is having a good time frolicing with the lads - he seems so alive and happy. But Skeet does have a few patches of hair missing on his behind etc. so I think he is getting nipped. I heard Dale was having the same issue. Is there any cause for concern? Someone told me tobasco sauce on his blanket can help stop horses biting Skeeter if things got a bit much - anyone tried this type of thing? Would you be concerned about Skeet getting bitten? They have private turnout at this barn, but group turnout seems so much healthier - that is, unless Skeet is such a brat (!) he gets himself injured.
This is surprising, as I thought I had bought a completely calm horse! He is an angel on the ground with humans and under saddle - but quite a little imp once he gets going in the field! From what people have told me about his past, I think this impishness is new-found and is emerging as his health, confidence and security increase.
So let's turn to horses. Today I went into the stables as Skeet lost a shoe (other front shoe this time) and he stayed inside until I arrived with easyboot in hand. When I put Skeet in turnout he was a total brat!!! I thought he was the class clown, but I think he is also the class troublemaker!
He waltzed right up the Dale (huge horse) and shoved his face into Dale's and the pair of them had a play fight pretending they might bite the other. No one seemed really angry - more like sibling fighting (and, yes, Skeet was sticking his tongue out!). Skeet then shoved his face into another horse Lenny and there was a tussle/frolic. Then Skeeterling and the gang galloped across the field, followed by silliness and Skeeter even did a quasi-rear. Eventually things calmed down, and Dale went right up to graze near/with Skeetey.
I think Skeeter is having a good time frolicing with the lads - he seems so alive and happy. But Skeet does have a few patches of hair missing on his behind etc. so I think he is getting nipped. I heard Dale was having the same issue. Is there any cause for concern? Someone told me tobasco sauce on his blanket can help stop horses biting Skeeter if things got a bit much - anyone tried this type of thing? Would you be concerned about Skeet getting bitten? They have private turnout at this barn, but group turnout seems so much healthier - that is, unless Skeet is such a brat (!) he gets himself injured.
This is surprising, as I thought I had bought a completely calm horse! He is an angel on the ground with humans and under saddle - but quite a little imp once he gets going in the field! From what people have told me about his past, I think this impishness is new-found and is emerging as his health, confidence and security increase.
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