Hi all, I have a Cob /Clydesdale cross who is the gentlest boy. However he does try it on when he thinks he can get away with it. At the moment his annoying habit is to try to graze on his way to & from the field. He is a strong lad but usually a sharp 'no' will stop him.
I have an arrangement with another woman on the yard, I feed and lead out in the morning and as they are on restricted grazing at the moment she brings in early afternoon if I get stuck in work.
Yesterday she was witnessed kicking at my horses head with her foot when he dropped it to graze. The person who told me is 100% reliable and did say they were shocked at her swinging her leg at him. It was no gentle nudge.
I have managed to keep a lid on my rage at any one hurting him or even just scaring him but I do think I need to have a discussion with her.
In the past I have been told I am too gentle, I am not one for using crops really or swiping at my horse, I don't shout or raise my voice to him, as I said above the most I need to do is a a firm no. I am very upset that he has been treated this way but some people do think that handling a horse as described above is OK.
So before I say something I did want to get some opinions on this? What do people think. Was it unnecessary violence towards my boy or am I just a big coddling wuss?
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Over reaction?
Lesina · 22/03/2024 16:42
CeliaCanth · 22/03/2024 17:13
It’s not OK. “Where knowledge ends, violence begins” as the saying goes. Yes horses do have to respect their handlers and learn to be led to and fro politely, but there are ways and means - and kicking their heads is not one of them.
Have you tried one of the control headcollars/pressure halter type of things for him? They only come into effect if the horse pulls so may help you stop him getting his head down in the first place? He sounds lovely, if a bit greedy 😂
KellyanneConway · 27/03/2024 12:09
I used to stick my foot between the grass and the mouth of the big chunky mare I used to loan as she had a habit of grass grabbing but not a kick at all just more of a block. Might she have been doing this or was it definitely a kick in the head?
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