Feeding time

Question
I am raising mini horses to use as pet therapy.  Recently at feeding time when I try to feed them they (a mare and a gelding, both 2 years old) will push me, push and bite at each other and sometimes step on my feet.  I have tried closing them up in separate stalls, but they still fight until I get them in and lock the gates.  If left out they will fight each other over the buckets of feed and will run my donkey off and finish his feed.  What can I do to change their behavior at feed time?  Thank you, Theresa.

Answer
Hi Theresa,
Aggressive behavior at feeding time is pretty common with horses of all sizes.  I would first vary my feeding time a bit so they don't expect that your coming to feed them every time they see you.  Secondly, catch them and put them into there stalls one at a time and then feed them.  They are in a pattern and you can't go out there to feed them with the feed - you really can't change there behavior but rather have to change yours and how you do things.  Feeding them in stalls is a good idea, feeding in the pasture won't allow you to make sure who is getting what portion of food - someone will always get the short end of things and also it has them gluttning down there feed to try and finish theres to take away someones elses feed.  That can cause other problems as well.  Keep them all safe and your feet by bringing them in first, then feeding them in the stalls.  It will also allow you for a little more hands on time daily which will certianly help if your going to be using them for therapy work. Bring them in, turn them out, bring them in feed them and then turn them out. Don't feed them every time you catch them and bring them in right away - I hope that makes sense to you.  They need to learn patience and some manners.  Good luck and email any time if I can help further.

Regards,
Jeff