[jiblethead]

I didn't know where to put this so...I'm really worried about my horses. I went to go see them a couple of days ago and they were freaked out :? But I didn't know why. They won't come and eat their hay, and I'm worried that they are getting hungry. There is 5 in. of snow so I don't think they're eating grass. I finally got Havana to come down today and she acted like there was a monster sitting behind me. But it wasn't me she was scared of. She kept bucking and rearing and running in big circles. Then she would stare in every direction. She even charged me! :shock: And she NEVER does that. Then me and the horses heard a long low growl and they took off. Havana galloped full speed up the (very steep) hill and fell. Then ahe got up and went off again and fell. Then she got up again and continued to gallop. Then she reached the top of the hill and let out a real loud snort. I'm really worried. There is obviously SOMETHING over there, but I don't know what. The horses are (as far as I know) getting nothing to eat because (evidently) there is something by the hay. Sorry this is so long but I'm extreamly worried, and confused. Here is what she looked like today:

 

[horses4life43]

Well seeing as you live near the mountains it sounds like a mountain lion or bobcat. I don't think it will Hurt the horses but best to call someone.

 

[jiblethead]

There not supposed to live around here...but there is a story (not saying it's true) about a black mountain lion that escaped from a sancutary.

 

[sillybunny11486]

Actually mountain lions do attack horses sometimes. There was an attack in NJ not that long ago, everyone is blaming the jersey devil, but im pretty sure it was just a mountain lion. The horse got his abdomen sliced open after something jumped on his back. He was fine though. I read the article a month or two ago.

 

[DisneyCowgirl1901]

where are you?? what sort of predators do you have around there? I suggest you call someone to set a trap

 

[horses4life43]

Well yes they will but I hear that sometimes they don't bother them.

 

[Sophie19]

Could it be a coyote or stay dogs bothering them? Winter is desperate times for animals and they could be hungry enough to go after prey thats to big for them.

My dad spreads my German Shepard's hair around his land in the mountains to keep animals away, their scared of the smell apparently.

 

[jiblethead]

I love in Southeastern Indiana. The predators are coyotes, and that's about it (unless you count wild dogs). No bears, mountain lions, or wolves around here. Of course there are always stories...but just coyotes (naturally).

 

[horses4life43]

Well it might of been a coyote. I advise calling someone ASAP.

 

[lacyloo]

Defiantly sounds like a predator problem. I would be looking for tracks and getting a gun...

 

[Cheshire]

So you heard a growl? Interesting.

It might also be particularly aggressive stray dogs. But who knows. I would definitely get somebody to check this out.

 

[jiblethead]

Could have been a Sasquatch (just kidding!) Seriously though I did see some pawprints. I didn't know what they were, they were snowed over.

 

[my2geldings]

I really doubt the horses would act that way over a coyote. Something they fear could attack them, a predator WOULD cause horses to behave this scared and worried. I have seen it happened, and tho you are pretty convinced it's not the type of wildlife in your area, I would very quickly try to find someone to come check things out.

You would be surprised how far away from home wild cat or bear will go when hungry. The wooded area you will in would also be perfect for such wildlife. I would really keep an eye out.

Stay safe :?

 

[jiblethead]

Thanks for all the suggestions . Today the horses were about 50 ft. away from the hay. I guess it might be gone...But they weren't eating. So I'm still not happy until there are eating hay again....Maybe they will tomorrow. They didn't look worried today. I'm thinking maybe it left? But I'm still on watch.

 

[lacyloo]

Maybe something peed on the hay? Stray aggressive dog?
I didn't think we had alot of stray dogs either until 5 of them showed up on my game camera yesterday...

 

[Sunny06]

Maybe they are cold so they feel they must run in order to keep their body temps up? I know mine do it! They act like crazed dingbats

 

[jiblethead]

But I still don't understand why they won't eat if it was just that they were cold. And as for the dog thing...maybe...but it's more that they are scared everywhere than just by the hay. They feel the safest on the hill (especially at the top) But they are slowly coming down, maybe they just got scared and freaked themselves out. I do that a lot I don't know, I'll see of they have come any further tomorrow, and take pictures.