Help - stable manners

[bellybulger]

I have had Alice 4 weeks now and we are settling into a good routine. She is great to ride, ears pricked forward and enjoying it, and to take back and forth to the field but I am a little concerned over how we get on in the stable. Last night she bit me when I was putting her rug on - now I admit this is probably my fault as in the beginning when I was nervous of her I gave her lots of carrots as treats (hangs head in shame!) Tonight I was a little nervous and Alice was quite moody in the stable. Ears back some of the time and seemed a bit head shy. I wonder if she does not like the stable as she is on her own - we have just got planning permission for 4 stables but can't get a companion until these are finished - Spring time.

In the morning she is normally ok. I felt we were doing so well and feel very disheartened. Any ideas how I can keep my confidence and ensure I don't get another bruise and help her be happy? After a great weekend riding I feel like the worst owner in the world and worry I am turning a lovely horse into a nightmare. Help!

You could change her rugs with her tied up outside if it makes you feel more confident than doing it in an enclosed space (horses do seem rather bigger indoors don't they?!). Tie her short while you do it so she can't swing round and bite you.
Perhaps she is a bit lonely if she's on her own. If you can't get any more horses yet is there any way you could get her some other form of companionship? Charities are always looking for outdoor homes for feral cats or dhorse was quite taken with the chickens at the yard we were at in the summer! The fact that she is ok in the morning is a bit odd though, if she was hating being in her stable by herself you'd expect the opposite. She could be bad tempered in the evening because she is coming in hungry. Ours are permanently desperate for food this time of year even though they are on the chubby side and have plenty of grass left. I think it is nature telling them that winter is coming and they have to fatten up.

Also, I'm no expert on mares as we always have geldings (don't count dshetland as she doesn't get mareish) but could she be grumpy about rug changing etc if she's in season? I know it's late in the year but I keep reading in the paper about how the unusually warm weather is confusing the wildlife, birds doing mating rituals etc.

Just contradicted myself there didn't I?
Oh well, just thinking out loud really!

Thanks for your suggestions - our neighbours have horses in the field next door so she does have company of sorts during the day. She does love her food so maybe she's impatient for that. I do think I have encouraged a bad habit with the titbits- hopefullys she can 'unlearn' some of that behaviour. I suppose we are still in the bonding stage and there's bound to be the odd hiccup!

I've recently had the same problem with my mare.She has gotten bitey and it is partially my fault for feeding treats by hand as part of positive reinforcement.I don't want to hit her,so was advised that if she bit,or attempted too,to make myself as big and scary as possible,yelling,screaming ect-apparently they find this so shocking that they don't try it on again.I wouldn't advise it in a stable though,you need to be able to get out of the way if they jump or react by running off.Dpony tried to snap at me in the field tonight,so I shouted and waved my arms about,she backed off and when I approached her again,didn't try to bite.Time will tell if it has a permanent affect or not though-she is a funny old thing.

Pixel could be right about mares still coming into season though-until we get a prolonged cold spell,their bodies don't know it is winter yet,and the last season of the year can be a quite 'nasty' one.

Dont feed treats! Ever.

Totally agree. Feed treats, get bitten.

I would put feed in stable, bring in, tie up (short) outside, put rug on. Lead her into her stable, turn to face door, stand a second. remove headcollar, then she can have her tea. It's worked for our new mare who used to be a bit rude in the stable but is now getting well behaved. They are so much like children and respond to routine, but must never be appeased for an easier life!

All our old ponies had treats, not one of them ever bit. Dhorse doesn't get treats and is a terrible biter! Makes no sense but then he's the most awkward animal we've ever had. I do find him hard to love sometimes!

I give treats perhaps once a month - I am a crueeeeeel mummy!

My mare was in season last week ffs.

She could also just be testing you - to see if she can push you around or not, so you need to exert your authority, in the nicest possible way of course. If this means rugging her up outside the box to give you a confidence boost then so be it.

Thankyou all again. Last night she was moody but this morning is lovely. Perseverence - just desperate to do it right!

Oh they're much the same as children. Don't break them and try not to make them cry in public!

Agree with most of the other posts. I was always taught to deal with horses like this by avoiding the situation, i.e. tie up short when doing rugs etc. However I have grooms working for me that have never tied up even the grumpiest horse in years of work in racing yards. They just REALLY shout if the horse steps outta line - no hitting, nothing, just a really loud growl like shout - it works a treat.
I also hate 'treats' as positive reinforcement, most horses have a 'soft spot' a place where they love you to rub - find it and give a good rub for good behaviour!

Well,well,just had an interesting few hours with dpony.I caught her when she definately didn't want to come in,went on a 1.5 hour in hand walk and was within biting distance all the time,and she didn't try and bite me once.We got back,groomed,rugged up,checked feet ect,still no attempt to bite.I'm amazed,there definately is something in the 'shouting and arm waving' response.

I think she's in season,too,tender sides and much tail swishing.Roll on cold weather.