my thoroughbred is possesive of me?

i have a 16,3 thoroughbred and and a 13,2 arab x
i have taken care of these boys myself for many many years but now my daughter in law has taken an intrest in horses and is helping me she is looking after my arab x [under supervision] hes not exactly people friendly but fine with me so shes managing fine with him and hes warming to her i thought we would have problems with him but its my tb whos having the problem he wont let my daughter in law walk beside me in the field hes slap bang in the middle shes not allowed to walk in front of him when we cross the bridge he has never been like this with no one before but then its always just me who has got them in out field stable hes not aggressive he just puts the ears back and cuts her up if she tries to get in front i have suggested she gives him a feed whilst hes in his stable but hes not happy i want my daughter in law to feel she can go and see her pony in the field without feeling nervous i think my horse is feeling either insecure or jealous any suggestions plz hes still all cute and cuddly with me

2010-05-19T06:51:48Z

i let my dil go in the field by herself and i hid so he couldnt see me omg this is a differant horse he wouldnt let her get to the pony just kept herding her away i think this is going to take along time to do safely thanx for your answers so far

2010-05-19T07:21:38Z

jenn i do all those things he knows when i growl no at him he goes all sheepish and backs off he is very good at commands i say stable he goes get on back means go back of field get on means middle field hes just testing her and as hes a big boy she feels intimidated we will get there

Jenn2010-05-19T07:14:34Z

Favorite Answer

Actually, that is aggressive behavior (equine language). Do you have your tb on a lead so you can correct him? Even putting his ears back is telling her off, it is your job to be lead horse and tell him to behave. Being out in the pasture with multiple horses is dangerous in general, but if you have a timid person or a beginner out there that can really be dangerous. Your tb thinks he is in charge so you need to correct him. Of course, you always have the top dogs in the herd, but when you walk out there you should be the owner of that title not the horse.
I understand the cute and cuddly with you thing, I have a gelding who likes me alot and is protective of me but I do not allow him to bully any other horses or people in front of me. I run him off or so whatever is necessary in the situation whether he is in the field or on the lead if he even looks sideways at anyone.

Sounds good Mandi, yes she will get it. Sounds like she just needs to build her confidence. Good Luck :)

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tlctreecare2010-05-19T13:57:06Z

TB's are sensitive horses and most et used to having one person work with them most of the time and changing that upsets them.
It is also sort of herd order. Like with dogs and pack order.
Someone is alpha. That is you the TB is the second and does not know where you DIL lies in the order.
She needs to work with him alone with out you around. If she is comfortable doing so. This will let him learn that she is his leader and he in not above her.
She also should correct his bad behavior when he exhibits any bad behavior. Do not have her feed him when he is being bad as this rewards the bad stuff. Correct him for it.
When he is stabled if she could feed him with out going into the stall that would be good. He would learn that seeing her meant food was coming. If she can halter him and lead him out of the stall to clean it that would be good. But only if she feels like she is not going not going not be hurt by him.
Your DIL needs to show him that she is the dominant one in the relationship.

00

kldisjustme2010-05-19T13:16:11Z

It is as simple as her place in the herd. You are the top dog to speak and she hasn't managed to move up in his eyes.

It is also he loves you and trusts you. The dynamics will be different if you aren't around.

One of my geldings is wonderful for me, but if I am in the barn or within site, he is a monster for others. He is what he perceives as protecting me.

It does get better with time and her learning and earning her place higher in the herd.

Good Luck.

40

♥HorseToRemember♥2010-05-19T13:44:57Z

I agree with Wahoo. Leave and let them be together and see what happens. If he still is the same, then it will probably take some time to change it. That is like saying oh my child likes me over my husband. How can we change that? Well have him spend more time with the child and you less.

10

wahoo2010-05-19T13:31:12Z

If you were out of the picture while your D-I-L was out there with your TB then it would probably work better. The horse will accept her faster when he cannot see you.

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