Consequences

I was unfortunate to come across a situation recently, that showed me how acutely our horses are 'trained' into bad behaviour.

A foal had badly torn his shoulder, and I found myself involved due to the owners absence. I was told that the mare was uncatchable. I walked into the field, lowering my energy and, much to everyones surprise she walked straight up to me and shoved her head into my belly!

The vet came, and the owner turned up. I did not want to entrust the foal to him. It had taken me half an hour to win his trust, as he had not been handled much. I tried to rationalize that this wasn't my business, but my instinct overode the rational, and I am glad that it did.

It took over an hour to stitch the wound. The foal was great. he really trusted me by now and behaved very well. The vet suggested that the mare and foal stay in for 48 hours so that the wound could start to heal without the worry of flies.

I turned to watch the owner try to catch his mare. She was having none of it and violently swerved away from him. He eventually caught her by the halter, and promptly punched her hard on the nose! He then yelled and pulled at her to try to get her in the stable. The foal was directly behind her, so she could not see him. Naturally she was worried and the screaming git hanging on her head wasn't helping. The vet and I looked at each other - a silent communication taking place. He stepped into the courtyard and led the foal into the stable, and as soon as he did the mare followed.

I had cause to be around the mare and foal for a week or so after this. Boy was she nervous. She was ok with me, but when a man was around she was highly agitated.

Sadly, I see the foals future mapped out. Unhandled, or handled with aggression, what chance has he of growing up balanced and happy around humans? From a delightful innocent little chap he will no doubt grow up sour and hating men. It could have been so different!

Think on before you scream at or beat your horse. YOU are creating future behavioural issues, and it can never be taken back. That horse will never forget that one day that you chose to take out your frustrations on him.

Jan