Neil Davies 
Q: Hi I have a question about mares…we’ve recently acquired a 12 year old TB mare (our first young mare). She is generally respectful and nice to handle. But she has major social issues with other horses – she simply cannot be in the same paddock as even through the fence any interaction with other … Read more
Q: I have a question in relation to an issue that we have with my daughters pony and our pigs. When we first got the pony she spent the best part of the time cavorting about the paddock when she saw the pigs. When in the paddock the other horses ignored the behaviour and … Read more
Question from a reader: “I’ve owned my 6-year-old warmblood-cross gelding for three years, and he has recently started to get really nappy when I ride him (although not always). He will stop out of the blue, sometimes rears or bucks a little, and refuses to go forward. I’ve ridden horses for many years, and I cannot … Read more
Q: I’d like some advice about introducing a new horse to a herd. My two elderly geldings (21 and 24) have been together for most of their lives. I have been riding the younger one, but his jumping days are over and though I will keep hacking him lightly, I am about to purchase a … Read more
From Sharon What do you think about using food treats as rewards while training horses. Is it effective, or does it just turn them into pushy, demanding horses? Does it encourage them to start nipping for treats, which is what we were told at pony club? Hi Sharon It is okay to use treats as … Read more
Question: I recently bought an 11-year-old TB gelding with a potentially dangerous habit. This horse is a bit high energy, but he generally behaves well both on the ground and under saddle. The problem comes when I turn him out after riding him. As we approach the gate to his paddock, he rushes up to … Read more
Question: My young mare has suddenly started being nasty to other horses (I’ve had her since a foal and she’s always been sweet natured). She is now 5. I know I can’t do anything about how she treats her paddock mates. But lately she’s started lungeing violently with her teeth bared at other horses tied … Read more
There’s a big difference between a horse doing as you ask and half doing as you ask. This includes catching an unhandled horse for the first time. It should never take weeks or months to catch an unhandled horse. Sneaking around a frightened horse for weeks on end isn’t good for the horse or the … Read more
Question from a reader: “I’m about to lease a horse, who the owners say is ‘cold-backed’. Apparently he dips or humps his back when first under saddle, sometimes bucks, and is better when you lunge him for a bit before mounting. Is this a physical (medical) thing, or a training/behavioural issue? Any suggestions?” Sue, via … Read more
