Mare behaviour to another mare

Question
Hello!
Fist of all, please don't pay attention to my English because I'm French...Well, I've just read a question about a mare called Nancy aged 14 and your answer. Actually I've got the same problem with my mare called "Diane". I've had her for eight years. Until last September, she was alone at home (with me) and I rode her about twice a week in the countryside. I thought she was suffering from loneliness, because she often looked sad. So when I heard that a poor thing neglected by her owner was for sale, I decided to buy her.(She was in rather bad conditions: very big hoof problems, and yet her owner was a blacksmith... but he didn't care about her.)First, the two mares were happy together... as long as Diane came back home in the evening and Granity stayed in the meadow.(I had nothng ready for her at home at that time.)Then I had a shed made for Granity but lots of people told me that this was useless.. They were going to share Diane's loose box. Hopefully I didn't listen to these people... Diane started becoming very nasty with Granity.I had to separate my "garden" in two to be sure nothing happens... I used to take both of them together to their meadow. I can't do it anymore. Diane always wants to kick Granity and since she is shod,it's always very painful for Granity. I think I am the problem, because when they are together in the meadow, nothing happens, they even scratch each other's mane... But as soon as I arrive, Diane threats Granity. I think I am her thing and she doesn't want to share me. It is true too that I ride her once a week now, very rarely twice. I never ride Granity because of her leg. She is probably jealous, but I don't know how to sort this out. Could you please help me. I hope you understand my English...

Best regards
France

Answer
Hello!

Your Englilsh is just wonderful.  I am sorry to say my French is not very good.  I have friends in Voiron and Grenoble and I LOVE my visits!

You will have to become a stronger leader for these two mares.  You have to offer a clear direction to Diane that taking over and kicking when you are with them is NOT allowed.  They have to work as a team with you as the lead mare, not her.  

I would work your mares out in their pasture.  Do you have a good rope halter with a 12' tree line lead?  If not, let me know.  There are several good places to buy them off the internet.  Put Diane to work first.  Really get to her feet.  If you are not famaliar with the fundimentals of good ground work, please watch the "Ground Work" dvd by Buck Brannaman and  read the little red "Ground Work" book.  This will really help you.  Keep Diane's attention on you.  It Granity comes up to see what is going on, allow her to come close so long as she does not interfere.  Really work with quality with Diane.  Have her full pass, yield hind quarters, back in circles makinig sure that the leading leg steps out and back, really get her reaching with her front feet.  You will be making her use her mind.  Keep her thinking and very busy to the point that she does NOT have the time to even notice Granity!  Keep working her until her attention is on you only and to the point that she is lettng down and relaxing.  I want you to notice her licking her lips and chewing.  This is telling you that she is understanding and accepting what you are doing.  When she yawns, this is a sign that she is letting down, Ray says it is trouble coming out.  It is a good thing for a horse so watch for it.  When you see her yawning, licking and chewing it is a great time for praise and comfort.  

Now it is time to work Granity.  This is all from the ground so she will be fine.   With your rope halter, start on your ground work.  If Diane approaches, drive her off using Granity and swinging the tail end of your lead rope.  Letting Granity know that she can move Diane will really give her confidence.  Having Granity move Diane will also let Diane know that she has to give Granity a bit more respect  when you are with her.  This will change the balance of power in the herd.  You will be the boss mare and leader, not Diane and not Granity.  Never allow your mares to fight or become angry with each other when you are with them in the pasture.  It is just not allowed.  Put them to work.  You must take control and let them clearly know what behavior is accepted and what is not.  Never allow  the negative behavior to develop.   Put them to work straight away.  You may want to practice driving Diane with Granity all around the pasture to the right and to the left.  This will allow you to work two horses at the same time as well as building respect and submission.  

When you can get these mares working independently with smoothness, relaxation and confidence I want you to work them together.  Drive them around the pasture at a walk and a trot.  If they canter, it is okay, I would rather they work at a walk and a trot it is more balanced.  Have the mares stop and face up on you.  When they stop and both have their attention on you, rub them, then put them to work again.  If your feel and timing are spot on, you will notice a huge change in their behavior.  Always work your mares separatly and then together.  Keep inforcing the boundries of leadership which means YOU at the top and them following!  When you are in the pasture with them, you are the leader, no questions.  Once you have gone, your mares will have to sort things out for themselves.  So long as the pasture is large enough for them go move away from each other, they will have to find their own answers.  Working them and teaching them when you are with them will help them when you have gone.

Let me know how things are going.  If I need to clarify some of these terms and concepts, please let me know and I will be happy to do so.

Smiles, Denise