How to Deal With the Horse Pasture Bully

When a horse is disrespectful in the pasture, it is the one time that punishment in the form of a smack or sharp word may be appropriate. If a horse is known to be disrespectful in the pasture, it may also be appropriate to carry a whip so that you can use it to keep the horse a safe distance from you and to apply a quick punishment in the form of a flick.

You can’t punish horses for their actions towards other horses in the pasture, because punishment rarely works and you won’t be there enough to do it consistently. Jostling for herd dominance and places in the hierarchy is natural horse behavior.

Protecting the Other Horses

There’s a limited amount you can do to protect other horses from pasture bullies. If the bullying becomes injurious to other horses, you may have no other choice but to keep the bully separated. Build an extra paddock, or perhaps section off a portion of a field with an electric fence. Or, you can try changing the members of the herd around so that the bully is pastured with a more dominant but confident horse that will keep it in line.

Ensure your paddocks aren’t overcrowded, your horses have enough to eat, and they are not bored and standing around looking for something to do. Frequent exercise may also help your pasture bully expend pent-up energy.

Sometimes, battles happen over food. If this is the case, try adding an extra pile of food, so when the bully chases someone from theirs, there is another pile to eat. Space the piles of food or buckets far apart, so the bully has farther to run and the victims have more time to get away.

If a bully is shredding turn out blankets, a bitter no-chew spray might help. It might dissuade some horses. Be sure to check blankets often. A badly ripped blanket can become a hazard if the horse becomes entangled in it.

If the bully or a group of bullies is only chasing one horse, it might be best to keep that horse separated. Sometimes, horses will pick on one horse so much, that they lose weight and get injured often. If the bully or bullies are shod, this can increase the chances of a serious injury to other horses. It’s important not to put very young, small, or elderly horses (that might not be able to get away quickly) out with a pasture bully.