horse plays up around loose horses/donkeys/mules whilst hacking

Question
Hi there.

My horse, Chaparro, a 10 year old Andalucian gelding stabled in Spain. He
was gelded at 3 yo and I bought him when he was 5yo. He generally well
adjusted and confident hack who is nice natured and good to deal with but he
has gradually started over reacting to loose horses/donkeys/mules that we
come across whilst out riding and he especially reacts on the way back home.  
We ride a lot of bridal paths in the Sierra so passing livestock in fields is
commomplace. At best it's a fancy show off trot and at worst he prances and
bounces around and tries to head sideways towards the offending horse.

This started sporadically about 3 years ago when I moved him to a new area
and I am looking for a effective and gentle way to put this right. As a result of
this behavior I have become a bit nervous when I know there is a horse
coming up and find a bit difficult to disguise this and of course he know
this!!!!

He's never bolted, he doesn't spook much ( only what's I would consider to be
reasonable), he's good to box, shoe, catch and is very willing and accustomed
to long trail rides with all sorts of obstacles and is good alone or in company
(although he always goes best out front) - really this is his only obvious vice.

I get a lot of advice here like show him who's boss etc but generally feel he
just needs to be working more so am making sure that he gets school work
before we hack out which seems to take the edge off.  if I know that we are
going to see a horse or a donkey in a field along the path then I'll stop him
and move a little bit at a time so that he doesn't start prancing or edging
towards the other horse... if he behaves well then I make a fuss of him and if
he started to misbehave then I turn him in a circle if he refuses to stand still. I
also try not to show my nerves but not sure how successful I am! I ride a lot
alone and I also do long distances so want to feel safe - which I do 98% of the
time so long as we don't meet other horses/donkeys/mules.

I'd like to know if it's stallion behaviour, if he's just full of beans, whether he's
scared or stressed or just not getting enough work.        

Chaparro is much loved and but I know this is an issue I need to deal with so
would appreciate any help/advice you can offer.

Thanks  

Answer
hi jan, he does this for a few reasons, one he may still thinkhe is a stud, gelding him at 3 was alittle late so he will  still have the effect of testosteron in him. another reason is he just get so happy he cant contain it. what will help is working him in the arena before you go out for a hack. dont be scared to make him sweat. 98% of the time horses act up because they have a lack of exercise. in the arena go over the basics of who again. stop him release the rein and he has to stand there and stand quietly. if he doesnt say quit inna firm voice and ask him to stop again. do not keep pressure on the rein. he will feel crowded and get nervouse. on the trail aski= him to stand when he starts to get hyper. if he still gets alittle hyper just keep him busy turn him one way turn him the other. keep switching direction so he doesnt have time to think just react.soon he will bo concentrated on you and not the horses/donkeys,or mules. keeping him busy by making him turn,sidestep,backup, circle, is the best way to get a horses atention. over time he should settle down and behave much better when near other livestock. this will not happen overnight. just be patient he will figure it out. he sounds like a very smart horse. good luck if you have any other queztion just let me know.
amanda groff