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  Discussion on Is it heat or personality?
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New Member:
Walshie

Posted on Tuesday, Jan 31, 2006 - 4:39 pm:

I took in an 8-year-old TB mare last year that was basically a rescue. She was seriously underfed, full of worms and a little mentally unbalanced, most likely due to her situation. She weaved whenever she wanted in or out. Very possessive with her food as well. Now she's doing well and has a good disposition when she's happy. Her weaving has subsided somewhat, she's back to full weight and healthy but a few of her habits I don't quite get because I have only had geldings previously. Her heats seem to be intense. She'll walk into her stall and immediately lean on her rear-end on the hay rack for about a minute or two and pace around before eating. Is she in pain? She's also very herd bound. To the point of she'll get lathered up if her friend leaves. She just recently had to get stitches in her head. In truth, I really like her because I see a smart horse in there but I'd kind of like to know what I need to do to help her along.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 1, 2006 - 8:09 am:

Welcome Wendy,
As most horses right now in WA are not cycling why do you believe this is occuring during a heat cycle? Also to be considered is that some horses who have displayed pacing and leaning on the walls have had gastric ulcers.
DrO
Member:
Cpacer

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 1, 2006 - 9:57 am:

what is 'weaving'?
New Member:
Walshie

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 1, 2006 - 11:28 am:

Dr.O, thank you for your response. I thought it may be heat because of behavior more than anything else(squatting, peeing, wringing her tail). Her appetite has been a little off the last week so ulcers may be it. She's being fed timothy hay AM and PM with a scoop of Equine Senior at night. Her manure looks "normal" maybe a little lighter green on occasion. Should I change her diet? What is an effective way to treat her ulcers? cp, weaving is when a horse moves back and forth on their front feet kind of bobbing their head and moving from one foot to the other in a rhythmic motion. They usually do it when they are anxious and it apparently releases endorphins to soothe their anxiety. Hope that helps.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Feb 2, 2006 - 7:02 am:

Some mares squat to pee frequently as social interaction in a new environment or when a new horse is added to a herd. I am not sure if it is a aggressive or submissive gesture. By itself not an indication of heat, to make sure you could have her palpated during the behavior.

For management and treatment of ulcers see, Equine Diseases » Colic and GI Diseases » Gastric Ulcers » Gastric Ulcers in Horses..
DrO
New Member:
Walshie

Posted on Thursday, Feb 2, 2006 - 11:13 am:

Dr.O, I actually found and read the article after your last post and it was very informative. Another funny thing about her behavior is when I first got her, she was very aggressive as she had been pastured with a bunch of llamas and tended to strike out with her front feet. She doesn't do that anymore but she still hasn't warmed up or become very trusting except when she's hurting or ill and needs constant attention. I've heard the Parelli games are a good way to get her attention, but with her herd bound issues, sometimes I can't get alot done with her. When she gets in that mode nothing seems to calm her down.
Member:
Hwood

Posted on Thursday, Feb 2, 2006 - 11:32 am:

Wendy, the herd-bound-"ness" is a natural habit that you can work out of her with lots of determination, time, consistancy, and positive reinforcement.

Any kind of ground work in which you can work her (Parelli games, round-pen work, getting her to step over or do forwards, backs and halts while leading, etc.) and reward her (by praising and relieving the asking "pressure") as soon as she gives you both eyes and ears will help her realize that you are more important than the herd (at least whenever she is in your presence).

Every little step . . . every time you get her to focus on you . . . is a step forward. Eventually, you will be able to get her attention on you with lots of herd distractions around, and that will be essential for safe riding and handling. For now, just a little every day . . . it will all add up.
New Member:
Walshie

Posted on Thursday, Feb 2, 2006 - 2:42 pm:

Thanks Holly! That's solid advice. It should be obvious but sometimes when you get hung-up on one area you need a little focus. Thanks again!
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