WWYD: rude horse in 24/7 pasture, poor horsemanship probably to blame

[Foxglove6]

I board my horse in 24/7 pasture turnout. There are 25-30 horses in this very large pasture. Lots of space, plenty of round bales for everyone. Herd dynamics and buddy groups are common.

There is a little chestnut horse that was spending a lot of time glued to my horse’s side. I would try to halter my horse, and this chestnut would stand in my way. He would not move with a tap, a smack, or repeated thumps with my open palm on his rear! A few times I’ve had to back my horse up to get the halter on him. I figured this chestnut just didn’t have good ground manners or respect the human space bubble.

I’ve noticed the owners opening the gate and allowing the horse to walk into the yard without a halter on to start eating his grain. Only after he’s taken a few bites do they put the halter on him. And tying the lead rope to the hitching rail is about 50/50.

I’ve also seen the owners come back from a ride, pull tack, and toss the horse back out without grooming him or any attention paid to visible sweat stains.

All of this would simply be irritation and I haven’t said anything yet to the owners or the BM. But last night while turning my horse out, this chestnut galloped at us from the hill and only stopped when I threw my hands up and growled at him to stop and slow down. It put my heart in my throat! I then watched him get his drink and gallop straight back up the hill. The other 7 horses nearby didn’t bat an eye at this behavior but it was pretty strange to me.

Would you say something to the BM or the owners?

[ladyj79]

No.

[Beentheredonethat]

No. Bring a whip in with you and use it if you need to.

[pAin_t_Misbehavin]

I understand why this bothers you. It always bothered me, when I had to go into a big field with lots of other horses and deal with their shenanigans to get mine.

But, no, I wouldn’t say anything, because really this kind of behavior is just part and parcel of horses boarded in large groups in big fields. There’s really not much the owner can do about the way his or her horse behaves in turnout when the owner isn’t around.

[Groom_amp_Taxi]

BM - yes -> This is a safety concern for potentially anyone who enters the pasture so I would mention it - not with the expectation of any specific action being taken but as a heads-up.

Owners - no -> leave that to BM if any of these things escalate to where there is real danger to people in the area.

[Texarkana]

Do you really want to be “that” person at the barn? You know, the one who complains about things that are out of anyone’s control but your own?

Annoying as it may be, no one else can control how said horse acts around you, except you. Bring a crop if he’s not getting the message. He’ll learn.

[Zipsmom]

I would mention it to the BM. We have had several at our barn that are rude and pushy. I would let BM know that you intend to take a crop out with you to be safe. If the horse gets loose and runs around the barn messing with stalled horses, I would mention to the BM as this is not acceptable and other horses could get hurt. As far as the grooming (or lack of) I am sure the BM has noticed and it’s up to them to approach owners.

[onelanerode]

I would mention it to the BM. Briefly explain what happened, mention that you were a little concerned for your safety and don’t want this to escalate, and ask BM how he/she would like you to handle this so that everyone stays safe.

BM may already be aware of the problem and know what to do with this particular horse, or BM may have no idea this is an issue and may want to observe.

I’ve been fortunate enough to board places where human safety was important, so while a few places did have a larger number of horses in a field, it was always understood that we could carry a crop or ask the BM for help if need be (this was mostly when I was a junior and we had naughty ponies).

[JoZ]

I would tell the BM but it would be as a CYA (or C “my” A!) in case anyone gets their nose out of joint when they see me with a whip/crop. If for example the BM were to say “OMG no! Don’t do that! Pookie’s owners will be very angry since they only give lovin’s to Pookie” you will know exactly where you stand. And you may need to start thinking about alternative boarding situations if things get worse. On the other hand, if BM says “good idea, I’ve been noticing that little brat and that’s what I do when I have to get a horse” then you can be reasonably confident the BM has your back.

If you are not successful using the whip then, again, other arrangements may have to be made if Pookie gets pushier. But I have known horses who would bat their eyes and look the picture of perfection with their owners that STILL have herd behaviors that require discipline. The situations you describe (particularly the lack of grooming) are not in my mind associated with buddying up to your horse.

[merrygoround]

I suspect that Bad Pony is trying to tell you that your horse is his property, or that he wants equal treatment. However he is also displaying a lack of respect. I would explain the situation to the BM an unheated fashion, and request permission to take a dressage length whip with you, assuming your horse would tolerate its use.

I would then use that whip, accompanied by a firmly voiced “Git”, establishing your Alpha. Be aware of your personal safety while doing this. Halter your horse, give him a treat for being good, (a small barely noticeable one), and watch your backtrail.

[merrygoround]

I suspect that Bad Pony is trying to tell you that your horse is his property, or that he wants equal treatment. However he is also displaying a lack of respect. I would explain the situation to the BM an unheated fashion, and request permission to take a dressage length whip with you, assuming your horse would tolerate its use.

I would then use that whip, accompanied by a firmly voiced “Git”, establishing your Alpha. Be aware of your personal safety while doing this. Halter your horse, give him a treat for being good, (a small barely noticeable one), and watch your backtrail.

[jdobbs64]

I have a rather dim horse of my own who sorta doesn’t grasp personal space. He gets a lot of reminders about where his feet need to be when I’m catching another horse. He persists, faceinmyfacehellohello. I catch the desired horse then twirl rope at dim horse’s shoulder, and he unlocks his brakes and leaves.

In your case, in your shoes, I’d do the same. I’ve never been fortunate enough to have a BO that could or would address loose horse issues.

[JoannaHCR]

I would for sure talk to BM for two reasons:
1: They should know if there are herd dynamics that are unfavorable/dangerous to boarders, there might be other boarders he does it to also that are not as confident/competent as you.

2: From the former owner of a sometimes slightly pushy horse, if I walk out and see you brandishing a crop at my horse, I’m going to wonder who the heck you think you are, and also wonder if you even know what you are doing. I like to think I’d very calmly assess the situation and ask what is going on, but some people can get super defensive about their horse’s behavior. If BM has given me a heads up that Dobbin is getting naughty and being pushy to his herd buddy’s owner, I’d provide the crop myself and stand at the sidelines saying, “get him!”.

[wireweiners]

I prefer a stock whip to a crop when working in the midst of a herd. You can pop it at them and most times they’ll move without actually having to touch them. Plus the length of a stock whip gives you a safer area of personal space.

[pAin_t_Misbehavin]

I have a rope halter, attached to a 12’ yacht rope lead with a weighted leather popper on the end. With a little practice, it’s not hard to enforce personal space for oneself and the horse one is leading. Of course you have to get your own horse broke to having a rope swung near him - I guess the same applies to the dressage or stock whip.

The advantage of using the long lead rope with a popper is twofold:
nothing extra to carry and juggle while you’re catching your horse; and
less likely to create a controversy because all anyone sees you carry into the pasture is your leadrope.

[enjoytheride]

I would tell the BM you are having issues and plan on carrying a whip so she is aware.

[PushersBlue]

I now own a low man so getting him out requires awareness. If there’s room for 30 horses out there, there’s room for that other horse to be outside that 10 foot circle around you, period. I also recommend the long lead rope with the popper on the end. No whip needed. Swing that lead rope and hit the ground with it like it owes you money. Rude horsie comes near, hit the ground and mean it telling them to git. I even point and own that space or I will end you. Body language speaks volumes. Eventually, they’ll get it and the long lead rope gives you space. Your horse will get that the rope swinging is not about them and to just come along.

A whip gets you too close and invites an overreaction like a swift kick.

PS Funny story was my alpha gelding I had years ago had a land shark reputation. A gal came up to me one day regarding him chasing their mare away when they came to the pasture. I told them I’d talk to him about it. They accepted that and were on their way. No lie.

[Palm_Beach]

I’d use a long rope like paint says or a whip rather than a crop. You need something long enough so that of the horse decides to wheel and kick you he is too far to land a blow.

[Boo]

I’d tell the BM but in a casual way and also ask if they have a preferred way of dealing with the chestnut otherwise you will carry a whip in with you. Then they are aware either way.

[Lady_Eboshi]

Longe whip. But I’d also make both HO and BO aware of the horse’s behavior, since there may be other clients who are afraid of this horse and could be hurt by him. It’s definitely “need to know” for all.

BTW, the definition of “negligence” most places is being aware that a dangerous condition exists, and doing nothing to rectify it. If I were the BO, I’d be very concerned–enough to ask that horse’s owner to leave if single turnout for him was not available. Charging at people crosses the line from “rude and pushy” well into “bad actor” territory for me.

Too many easy ones out there!