dominant/aggressive arabian

Question
Hi - my (pure Arabian) gelding was gelded late - @ 5 years of age. He has always been a strong character but I have trained him to have good ground manners - he's a great endurance horse and gifted show jumper. However, since going to grazing where he is in a herd of about 12 geldings on a large farm he has moved up to herd leader status and has been becoming more and more difficult. He is now bucking, rearing, lashing out at anyone trying to handle him other than me - I can hardly trust him now riding with others as he becomes so fizzy, takes off, bucks down hill, kicks out at other horses (unless he is in front). I have a saddle that has been fitted, he has a very mild bit, he has lately been seen by the equine dentist (who describes him as having gone 'feral'). I am starting to miss out on opportunities - I can't go hunting this week with him because his behaviour is so bad and he insists on being at the front of the hunt, forcing his way ahead of the Master. The only time he is good is when he is show jumping. He acts like a crazy thoroughbred off the tracks - what can I do?

Answer
Hi Lydia

I would suggest that he's trying your patience.  Ask if he can be moved to a smaller herd, possibly just him and another horse, preferably one who won't challenge his authority, and then keep him in the small herd until he learns that his behavior is unacceptable.  

Another solution would be to put him in with a dominant mare, then she'd discipline him.  When you go out hunting, he'll be excited..I can fully appreciate where you are coming from, I was asked not to take my Arab mare hunting until she stopped jumping hedges...SIDEWAYS!  I'd suggest a stronger bit out hunting, possibly a Pelham or even a Double Bridle.  This would give you the control, and you could still take him out enjoying himself.

Arabs are highly strung, and easily excited.  You must make your boy realize that he might be boss of the herd, but you are his boss....but, you must not try to break his spirit...that is what makes an Arabian...his proud bearing, and the look in his eye when he sees other horses, and knows he's the best!  

Also, cut down his grain ration...I'd say he's possibly getting too much high energy feed.  Arabs are one person horses, they recognize one boss, and give their loyalty to them unconditionally.  Get a trainer in, or ask a very experienced rider to help you get him used to others handling and riding him.  

My Arab mare is 22 now, and still runs away with me...she bucks, spins, and has temper tantrums.  I'm always embarrassed by her on the way home when we have been out riding, as she jogs sideways, and fly bucks all the time.

When he starts misbehaving, when you are leading him, give out very negative body language, no speaking to him, no contact, just ignore it, and he'll cotton on soon enough...his behavior is totally unacceptable, and as soon as he behaves, praise him.  Again, if he does it when you are riding him, turn circles....and as soon as the behavior stops, walk him forwards again, if he starts again, repeat the circling until the behavior stops.  Take him out with the quietest horse on the yard, one you know will not kick, and if he gets impatient, stick his head up the others horses bottom....make sure he knows that he must let others take the lead from time to time.

It's going to take time, but I'm confident that you'll get there with him, Arabs are the most rewarding of breeds to live with and work with...

Hope this helps, and feel free to ask me again if you need any more help.

Emma xx