48
TheHorse.com THE HORSE September 2017
BEHAVIOR
SUE MCDONNELL, PHD, CERT. AAB
TheHorse.com/Behavior
Q
My horse lives in a pasture-
boarding situation, and a new
horse recently moved in who likes
to pester the other horses into play-
ing with them by tugging (and tearing)
blankets and pulling muzzles and fly
masks off. I'm worried because my horse
doesn't really seem to enjoy "playing"
like this (he's always stayed away from
playful horses, but the new one seems to
be relentless), not to mention the health
concerns associated with his muzzle
getting pulled off so frequently. Is there
anything I can do to help make him a
less attractive target for the new horse?
Moving him to a different field isn't an
option.
Greg
via e-mail
A
That is a very interesting question.
It is kind of you to think about how
you can al-
ter your horse's
attractiveness
as opposed to targeting the perpetrator—
certainly not the usual story I hear in
these situations. I don't know offhand of
anything to recommend to make your
horse less attractive to the playful pester-
ing. You might suggest the owner of the
pesterer try having him wear a grazing
muzzle so he can't actually grab on to
herdmates or their duds. If you get the
type of grazing muzzle with the rubber
bottom, the opening can be enlarged
quite a bit so as not to significantly limit
his grazing intake, yet effectively get
in the way when he tries to grab onto
stuff. I recommend getting the size that
fits fairly snugly, so he can still
chew freely, but not open too
wide. That tends to work well
for discouraging nipping and
grabbing. Also, as soon as their
tools are neutralized, some
horses tend to stop trying and
give up the habit.
I have no idea what your
relationship is with the
pesterer's owner, but maybe if you offer
to buy it, the owner will appreciate how
important it is to you and your horse.
If the pesterer is young, chances are his
playfulness will subside as he matures.
So even if the muzzle doesn't help him
give up the habit, I think there's a good
chance he will mature out of it and not
have to wear the muzzle for life.
Stressed in the Stall
Q
My horse, Leo, has been boarded
at the same facility and in the same
stall for the past year. He has been
happy and relaxed and loves
it there. However, starting
two weeks ago, when he is
brought into his stall in
If your horse's pas-
turemate pesters him,
you might suggest the
offender wear a grazing
muzzle with an enlarged
opening so as not to
significantly limit grass
intake.
ISTOCK.COM
Toning Down Playtime
