Aggressive Play Behavior Towards Me

by Melissa Luciani
(Chelmsford, MA)

I work at a horse barn and clean the stall and paddock for a 3yr old gelding Quarter Horse. Forgive me if I don't use all the proper terms as I am not a rider, just a horse lover! Anyway, his name is Bubba, and I am told that he is worth a lot of money (jumper). Every time I go in his paddock he acts very strange. It starts with him leaning his head on my neck area. When I pull away, he gets closer and becomes agitated if I pull away. He chews on my pants, pulls at my jacket and gets progressively more aggressive. When I try to act "big" or put up my arms and say "no Bubba!" he gets so annoyed that he turns away from me and starts running and bucking.

I want to know how I can help but I have no idea what he wants from me. I feel like I'm stressing him out every time come near him. I am 4'11 inches tall maybe he has little respect for me- or it is my energy? I have a hard time being firm and most of the horses follow me around the paddock anyway. One even will not budge when I clean her stall- I literally have to clean around her.

Please let me know if I am doing something that is upsetting him or if I could just get your opinion on what is the deal.

Thanks
Melissa


Hi Melissa,

The first thought that comes to mind is Bubba is a very young horse and wants to play. A 3 year old horse’s play drive would be like that of a 3 yr. old child, always busy, busy, busy, curious and very physically active. The way these horses are kept plays a huge part in all of this too. Does he have other young horses to play with? Is he stalled everyday/every night?


Young horses (and all horses) need their own kind to learn proper social behaviors. An older horse probably wouldn’t take too kindly to his aggressive behavior unless they were going to engage in play or teach him his place in the herd order.

You are not doing anything wrong. In fact it is good that you let Bubba know what you will allow and not allow with your actions. His overreaction to run off and buck is just play but do make sure you’re not in the path of his feet! If this is his usual way then I would also make smaller gestures (so it doesn’t scare him into running away) when indicating that you just want to protect your personal space.

Think of yourself like a teacher who just entered the classroom of a bunch of 6 year old children. They don’t know what is expected of them at first and if you didn’t do anything then your classroom would soon become a place of disarray. Your job is to demonstrate and explain the rules of the classroom and be consistent and fair in instilling them. That is how respect is gained.

Elaine Polny
Horses by Nature