Thankfully we are a settled yard but occasionally by natural order a new horse has to be introduced and my boy takes on the role of keeping him away from joining the others. He just chases them far enough away and doesn't take it further but it's a nightmare for me as I hate the risk to new ned and him. My boy is last at the gate in winter, happy to wait so nowhere near top of the order and he is a gent to ride out and handle with mares or geldings even if they get close so not a grumpy boy. Once he accepts a horse he is fine. I am thinking its insecurity at loosing pals who support his place in the herd rather than aggression but any insight into why he does it and tips prevent it will help me sleep at night lol.
Fascinating subject! I could watch 'em interact with each other all day.
Could it be that he's just sussin' the new guy out in terms of herd hierarchy? Horses seem to take on certain roles in a herd, perhaps his role is to "test" the newcomer for dominance/aggression etc. If they didn't run from him, would the rest of the herd then get involved, perceiving a threat to the more dominant horses? Or am I just nuts?
I love horse watching. I cringe at my boy as he thinks everyone is his friend. He just bounces up to any horse and wants to play and be friends. He is very persistent with his over bearing ways and ends up being put in his place but just bounces back! I spend my life with Hibiscrub at the ready. And many sleepless nights like you Ari.
Diana, I think you have a good point. Being an Arab Ari is curious and tireless so ideally suited to the "testing role" and only herding/ chasing he isn't biting or kicking. I watched him yesterday and the exclusion zone is now down to 5 yds and in 15 acres with other other horses for newbie to play with I am a lot less worried. At one one point Ari's best pal (17h aged warmblood) very quietly took control of the situation and I think if he were younger and could be bothered he would have em all sorted. New boy is a huge soft 5 yr old Clydesdale X thankfully unshod and just trying to fit in bless him. Ari is very field wise and I do think if any new horse reacted with any aggression he would revert to his winter behaviour when he stands back from conflict to let the more food orientated get in first. Anna we love em so much and if a pal from the yard is ringing to ask a turnout favour or what time I am riding I reach for the Hibiscrub and panic when I see the number. I need counselling lol Herd dynamics is another fascinating aspect of enjoying (at times worrying) having horses in my life.
Faymouse, I totally agree and that's what we always do and I spent time with my boy standing next to newbie eating hay together on the yard. We would never just chuck one in and leave em to it. What ever care you take there is always a period of change.
Despite all the herding and chasing of the new boy and scaring me to death, within a few days it was all settled and now just over a month on Ari and the huge Clydesdale 5yr old are best of pals. They are an "odd couple" to watch as they play together. Clydesdales are such gentle giants with a lovely almost sorry I'm so big I'll try my best nature that has won both Ari and me over.
Herd dynamics again...update
Posted - 01 Aug 2014 : 7:26:05 PM
I spend my life with Hibiscrub at the ready.
And many sleepless nights like you Ari.
