What does it mean?

[dannyboy]

Was up with the 2 boys today. Got Nemo (the wee pony) a new foal headcollar and tried it on - snug but better than an oversized pony headcollar. Anyway I was with him for quite a while, he has a lovely nature and follows me everywhere, just looking for a little pat or rub now and again.

Danny didn't really seem to bother with me as much today and when I went to stroke and talk to him before I left - he seemed quite cross. His eye's were staring - his nostrils flared - he was knocking the ground and gate with his front hoof over and over - when I stroked him he more or less pushed me away (although I was firm he persisted).

Sometimes he opens his mouth really wide as if to yawn - or is he trying to bit me or scare me off?

In your experience - what do these behaviours mean?

[Blonde Donkey]

from what i have heard yawning is a lack of adrenalin, he is not doing it to be nasty my mums horse does it all the time and she's a softy. savvy can be funny about being touched but that is just her naturally

[dannyboy]

Thanks Savkins - Thats interesting about the lack of adrenalin because he has been out of work for 2yrs and probably is bored to tears. Do you know what the other behaviours mean?

[Blonde Donkey]

yea i think the following is for attention my mums horse is all over you most of the time but savvy just sorta wanders off if you don't have a carrot, so i think he might just want cuddles
don't know about the foot thing but in my experience it is when they want something lol

[rebanna]

i was always told it was a sign of stress my welsh d can get pushy normaly after food tho

[dannyboy]

I had fed them both carrots and apples just before but it's the first time he's done the attitute thing. I would hate to think he was stressed!!!!!

[Blonde Donkey]

might just be that he was feeling that way out today. horses have moods same as us although i think savvy has them more than most. there is a reason for owning mares

[rebanna]

i honastly wouldent worry for now he's got to get use to u cob's can be realy moodymine will grab my pony tail as i got to leave so i cant!! probably just after more of thoes yummy carrot's and apples

[popsicle]

My horse Poppy ALWAYS yawns 3 or 4 times when I take her bridle off after a ride. Must be boring her i guess Yawn!!!

[Blonde Donkey]

dainty does it after work as well i can just about fit my hand in her mouth, not a good idea i know but her gob is huge

[Maes Seren]

Gem yawns when im fussing another horse in the barn! Jealously attack comes over her, has to attention seek!

[brigadier]

Dannyboy
yawning can be a sign of mild colic- not to alarm you- but keep an eye on him especially as his behaviour was out of the ordinary for him, it could also be all the above but I would check him again, look for other signs, patchy sweating, irritation, stamping, pawing, looking at his belly, rolling, no droppings, pale gums- membranes,

Colic is tummy ache and can be mild or severe, it can also be caused by all sorts of things= I would check him again deffo! If his behaviour is still erratic get the vet, (welcome to the wonderful world of horses!)
Brig

[dannyboy]

Hi Brigadier
Not sure of displaying all of the signs you mention - but he was irritated (didn't even want me to rub or pat him) and pawing. Will go up again tomorrow and have a wee look again to reassess his behaviour and temperament. Thanks for the advice.

[brigadier]

HI Dannyboy
can display one or all of signs- be aware of it and do your research - just type it into google so at least you are up to speed, probably nothing, may even be flies getting on his nerves- all ours were jumpy other night!
brig

[dannyboy]

Thanks brig will do.

[martine]

So how did it go?

[dannyboy]

Went up to see the boys again today. Danny looked fine, looked out for the signs of colic like you suggested and thankfully he was in a better mood and enjoyed me being with him. Think he may just have been a bit p***ed off . He likes to show how strong he is and I do find it difficult to get him to do as I ask - no manners and he probably knows I'm green - any ideas on how to address this would be most welcome.
Unfortunately I can't say the same for wee Nemo (12hh), when I was taking him down the yard he sat down firstly and then lay down on the stones and was rubbing at his tummy with his head. I think he could be suffering from colic? I'm not too sure thought as he also had laminitis last year - this could have returned and maybe his hooves are sore ( & they seem a little overgrown at the moment). Spoke to the owners son tonight and hopefully going to get a vet out to have a look as soon as possible.

[Maes Seren]

Im not sure whats causing Nemos behaviour, never seen or heard that happen before.

As far as Dannys concerned, hes a big cob and youre a novice handler, you need to assert your authority with him by being more confident. Groundwork is excellent for this, make him back up, and change direction/pace using your voice etc.

Im not great at this unfortunately, i just kind of 'get on' with it all. Ive learnt as ive gone along. ;D

[dannyboy]

I do try being firm but he's just too strong - the smell of lovely rich grass and he loses all sense of control!! It's getting to the point were I've been having problems cleaning his hooves and regularly just have to abandon. He's a big heavy breed and even when he is co-operating I find his hooves hard to pick out as he has a tendency to lean on me. I've got assisance in the past but it's becoming harder everytime I do it.

[Maes Seren]

Id stick a bridle on him for the time being.

As for picking out feet, if hes leaning on you, get angry with him and push him back! Elbow him in the shoulder (not viscously, just enough for him to shift his weight).

For front feet, pinch his chestnuts, and then when he picks up, grab a handful of feather so if he tries to pull, id pull him back. For back feet, pinch his point of hock, then do the same, grab a handful of feather.

You need to stand up to him, dont think that because hes bigger he should domineer you, let him know that youre boss, by asserting yourself, much like how you would become superior to a child.

[dannyboy]

Thanks - Will give it a go...... will keep you posted.

[brigadier]

HI Dannyboy, hope it goes ok with the little one, could be they have both had a touch of colic but the little one is still feeling it- good luck!
Re the being masterful thing- Mae 's advice is sound so go with it- dont let him push you around and he will respect you more for it- watch the treats if he's like that as well as it may make him worse!
Brig

[duckles]

As Danny is green at the moment I would try and do work with him in an environment that is less distracting, ie a stable if possible. The grass is tasty at the moment and it is going to be hard to compete with it! A simple thing that I found excellent in getting respect from bloshy horses is leading them. Again it might be easier to do this away from the field and his companion. Just put on the lead rope and lead the horse stopping every so often. You will find that the horse will start to head you and stop when you do. If he doesn't, turn quickly so you are in front again. Do a lot of changes of direction, stops and starts to get him paying attention. After a few minutes, if he's behaving give him a pat and few nuts and leave it. If you do it every day, even just when leading in and out of field, you'll be surprised at difference in respect. (you can then add in trot, walking on the roads, even jumps in hand) If hes very bolshy, don't do this in field as he might tank off, wait until you have a yard or arena and use a long lead rope. Another tip for a horse being a bit of a prat in the field is to stare at them and twirl the lead rope around, calmly but firmly, they always back off. Try always to put yourself in a winning situation. Hope these tips help, they helped meimmensely with a troublesome horse and to be honest, some horses take advantage of a novice.