Paddock buddette acting strange...

[notadumbld]

Our "big"mare and our mini Lucy are best friends. They stand next to each other at the gate and groom each other. They don't like being out of sight of each other. For safety sake, we split the paddock so that Lucy and her baby would be safe just in case she foaled outside unexpectedly.

Yesterday I was watching her web cam while at work and noticed Fiona was acting odd. She'd charge the fence half-heartedly, spin around and do a little bobble-kick thing and then repeat. Lucy would run to the other side of her area and when she came back, Fiona would repeat her little performance.

I sent Chelsea home from work (she works in the kennel at the vet hospital) to put Lucy in her stall "just in case"...

Has anyone else seen this happen with their not pregnant mares next to pregnant mares?

[doublefc]

We also separated Fiona and Lucy because Fiona was suppose to be having a foal this spring but aborted and the vet said there could be a possability Fiona would try to steal the foal and make it her own...

And this morning as I went to feed them and go through the green gate splitting the paddocks Fiona CHARGED the gate which she has never done, ears back and everything. She immediatley knew she had done bad and trotted away and didn't come near the barn till I was on Lucy's side again. But later that morning I was able to catch her and ride her with no problem...

[TessElaine]

Just my thoughts....I believe that Fiona has the foal blues since she lost her foal & I think that Fiona may realize that Lucy is getting close to foaling and may be jealous that Lucy will have a foal soon.... and with Fiona feeling this way it may be dangerous for Lucy to be around her even though they have been best friends. This is just my opinion..... Best of Luck.

[lilly]

hay they sound like best friend i hope she stop acting strong soon

[Golden Girl]

Hey you guys, be safe! Sometimes we can't begin to understand why our beloved horses act the way they do. I believe that taking the precautions as you have is a good idea. And yes, a mare without a foal will steal the new foal of another mare Especially if she lost her foal. Sorry to hear that by the way. As far as the charging, who knows; but I bet that once the foal gets there, your big mare will calm down and except it into thier small herd Good Luck to you all!