[MacabreMikolaj]

It's funny you should mention this, because I'm experiencing almost the same problem - except it's with horses.

Jynx is the lowest gal on the totem pole, and she knows her place. Until I'm working with her. When she's tied up, she's constantly trying to bite other horses on the face (Shay-la or Ashley will tie up across from me). When I ride her, I've had her delibrately deek out a good foot to the side to take a chunk out of someone's bum. Everytime someone passes me, she pins her ears and tries to dive for them.

I can't figure out if she thinks she's protecting me from them, or if she's figured out they won't fight back when being worked with and getting her licks in while she can. I'm hoping some of the advice you get can possibly help me to!

 

[MacabreMikolaj]

Mercedes - I disagree. You are "assuming" a lot about the situation, which could very likely have more then one distinct answer. In my case, Jynx does not act like this in the pasture - she stands and eats and grazes with these horses happily, and share scratches. Which is exactly what makes me think she is attempting to "protect" me. She doesn't spend all day running away from Justus - they eat and drink happily beside one another, and get along fine. Yes, Justus is an upper mare when it comes down to nitty gritty, but we rarely have squabbles.

So I do not see how this equates as Jynx not feeling "protected" by me and having to bite at other horses while under my supervision. She doesn't have to do it in the pasture, so what is it about standing at the paddock with me that makes her feel unsafe enough to bite Justus? These mares are not showing a single indication of aggression, which is yet ANOTHER reason why I tend to think she's taking advantage of the situation. She's lowest on the totem pole, and it's a brief moment for her to assert herself while the other mares aren't doing anything about it.

In my opinion, you are far to quick to blame the human in your posts, without even stopping to examine further possibilities as to the occurance of behavior. Maybe you prefer to dominate your horses every second, but I rather dislike beating them for every infraction to ensure they know I am "boss". We are seeking out answer, not accusations.

 

[MacabreMikolaj]

Thanks Flitterbug, that was extremely helpful and an enjoyable read.

kevinshorses - in my case, that is essentially what I'm doing with Jynx. I think we were more interested in knowing WHY they were doing it. I would never let my horse get away with attacking other horses, and she's learning. I was more curious as to the reasoning behind that sort of behavior.