Kicking Other Horses

My pony insists on turning her rump to, and then kicking, whichever horse is next to her through the spaces in the wooden horse fencing. Last week she cut her leg wide open, requiring many stitches and great expense. All bandaged up, she returned outside and started kicking again. She is now locked in the stall. Any ideas?

- Christine

I am concerned about your mare’s health, Christine. I can suggest a couple of things: Is it possible to erect a visual barrier between her and the horses next to her? If so, that will likely stop the behavior.

Mares will often become more aggressive at certain points in their cycles. I suggest that you contact your vet to discuss the possibility of hormone therapy to help decrease the aggression. Hormone therapy should be undertaken carefully and thoughtfully—and only if you can keep a log of her behavior to note if it improves.

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