Feed-Time Aggression Fix Q: Help! What do I do, my horses are crowding me when I go into their pen to feed them and it’s just scary to have them so close and on top of me. Plus, I want my husband to help with feeding, but having the horses so pushy and not allowing you space to get from the gate to their feeders is making him too scared to help with chores. What do I do? —Kate … [Read more...]
Mind Your Manners
Your actions may encourage your horse’s food aggressive behavior. http://americashorsedaily.com/mind-your-manners/#.VGaJd010xet … [Read more...]
Grieving The Loss
A grieving horse may constantly look for his missing friend—checking out the empty stall and waiting for a return that won’t come. When horses realize another won’t return, dynamics within the herd can quickly change. Dear Julie, My 8-year-old Thoroughbred gelding just lost his favorite buddy and is having a tough time adjusting. My older horse died after a long bout with … [Read more...]
Settling In
It can take weeks for new horses to settle into an established herd—be prepared to see aggressive behavior during the initial introduction. Adding a male to a female brood can extend the time and add extra stress Dear Julie, Two weeks ago I introduced my new Appaloosa gelding to my well-established and friendly mare and mule. The mare and mule—both female—are sweet and … [Read more...]
Attacks In Round Pen
Dear Julie, My friend’s paint gelding has started a very unsavory habit. When asked to move out in a round pen at liberty he will do it for a moment, then pins his ears and violently attacks who ever is doing the asking. He comes at full throttle striking, rearing and bucking and will not back off. If he is on a line with halter and lead he is mild mannered and accepts … [Read more...]
Safety Concerns: Introducing To New Herd, New Feed
Question Category: Safety Concerns Question: Hi Julie, I am going to be moving my quarter horse mare (4 yr old) from a stall barn to a 3 acre pasture with 2 other mares who are 3 and 5. I was wondering if I should be thinking about how to introduce her to the other 2 horses or should I let them work it out? Also, she has been fed 2x per day on a dry grass/alfalfa mix … [Read more...]
Are Mules More Difficult Than Horses?
Question: Dear Julie, I was at the Ohio Equine Affaire and was able to sit in on one of your talks. It was the one on 'herd dynamics.' Very, very useful information! I have a three year old john mule, imprinted at birth and basically a very nice, well bred mule. Do you work with many mules? Are their characters more difficult than a horse? I want to get him started … [Read more...]
Issues From The Saddle: Must Be In Front On Trail
Question Category: Issues from the Saddle Question: Dear Ms. Goodnight, I have a 15-year-old quarter horse, MAX, who decided he does not want to be the second horse out on the trail. I ride alone most of the time but do enjoy the company of others. When he feels any competition from another horse he starts to arch his neck sets his head. He is not on the bit at all. After he … [Read more...]
Issues From The Ground: Horse Turns And Faces When I Ask Him To Longe
Question Category: Issues from the Ground Question: Hi Julie - First, thank you for all of the helpful advice on your Web site. I also have a library of your DVDs about Lead Line Leadership and riding and several CDs having to do with confidence in riding and private lessons with you. Love it all! But I am now facing a problem with my horse that I have not seen advice for. I … [Read more...]
