Horse Possibly Killing Dogs/Coyotes

[Lifesong Farm]

My question is why did the owner let a dog run in a pasture with horse?

I have watched my mare kill someones dog. No way was I going to stop her since the dogs owner had already been wrned it was attacking the horses. By the time she killed it the dog had already run a mare and her filly into a fence. $900 worth of vet bills plus the cost of my friend fixing her fence.

She tolerates one of my dogs but not the 4 month old aussie pup. She has also gone after multiple coyotes. IMO I would rather have a horse that is willing to protect itself and its herd than kill itself running.

 

[Lifesong Farm]

Duplicate post

 

[TMNTCkins]

My daughters large pony (13.3 hands) will go after any dog, cat or small animal in his field and he is not playing. He used to go after the chickens when we first got them but he is ok with them now! He is a very kind and sweet pony, very friendly towards people and is bottom of the herd but let a small animal go in his area and they don't come out. He is the only horse that I have owned in 32 plus yrs that has been this agressive....

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

I just don't know. He is the sweetest horse, but I've never seen him like that. I hate Aussies, I'm prejudiced against them and I will openly admit it to anyone I know or don't know. When I'm riding, dogs can run next to me, no problems. He'll just sniff the Shih Tzu and will let her wind through his legs.

Maybe it's because the Aussie has the herding instinct and tried to herd? All I can think is that there must have been some sort of threat...but why chase down a dog that's never shown a bit of aggression to anything. THAT'S the one that's got me spooked.

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

Our horses will chase dogs, coyotes, cougar, deer, turkey, cats, strangers and chickens out of their pasture. I have seen the lead mare and the gelding try to stomp small animals before too.

 

[Hound]

Ours seem to hate Aussies more than any other breed. My husband's best ranch horse loves his dogs, he likes to race them, but is afraid of his father's Aussie. My filly hates him and will run him out of the pasture, and my mare treats him like a cow, she pins her ears and tries to bite him. It may have something to do with the fact that he's a heel nipper though... and worthless.

 

[AkTomboy]

Yeppers as others said it can happen. I have a mare who has 3 fox, and 2 dogs to her kill list along with 1 hurt dog. She has no problem with my dogs just others, the fox were killed when she had a foal by her side and the one hurt dog was at a clinic. The owner of the dog didnt fallow the no dog rule much less be smart enough to keep it leashed and well a broken pelvis and femur later I doubt they will do it again.

 

[herfrds]

Just my thoughts Ropo.
It could be Max had a bad experience with a large canine when you didn't have him. He may now hate dogs.
He also could have also learned to do this from another horse.
just post a warning sign on your fence saying that your horse may kill the dogs that come on that property and you are not responsible.

My first horse hated dogs and coyotes. She stomped on DH's blue heeler and chased coyotes like you wouldn't believe.
She had learned it from her dam. She taught it to DH's horse and after her death, his horse taught my next horse.

 

[Turkeyrangler]

I love dogs and keep mine close at hand. I would have never let mine in a horse pasture unless it was my own and the horse and dog(s) were familiar. Lets see, stomped on coyote and will not let other canines in the area. All I can say is "good horse, very good horse, you need some extra oats."

 

[JJMR794]

Its Not Uncommon For Equines Animals To Be Aggressive Toward Predators. Ever See The Vidoe Of The Mule Killing A Mountain Lion? In All Liklihood Coyotes Are Coming Around And Are/were Perhaps Harrassing Your Horses, He's Probably Had Enough And Decided To Do Something About It... Thus The Dead Coyote, And Now Larger Strange Dogs Are "close Enough" For His Discretion.he Recognizes Your Small Dog And Obviously Doesnt Feel Threatened By It. Personally I Agree With Others Here, I'd Rather Have My Horses Killing Intruding Dogs And Other Possible Predators Than Be Paying Large Vet Bills To Fix My Horses. Or Worse...

If You Find This Behavior Very Concerning The Other Option Is Find Someone With A Seasoned And Well Experienced Blue Healer To Work Your Horse, A Good Healer Can Load A Black Angus Bull In The Back Of A Chevette--- Just Open The Hatchback And Get Out Of The Way

... And Is Certainly Equipped To Teach The Horse That Canines Can Be Quite A Foe And Best Left Alone Without Doing Any Damage To The Animal Itself... May Take An Hour Or 2, And If You're Overly Squeemish Would Probably Be Best Not To Watch, But My Money Is On The Healer And Your Horse Would Have 2nd Thoughts About Dogs/ Coyotes.

If It Were Me I Wouldnt Stiffle This Behavior Unless It Started To Threaten The Safety Of My Dogs, Or Interfere With Your Safety While Mounted. But We Each Have Our Own Ideals. I'm Willing To Bet That He Accepts Any Dog You Have After A Short Period Of Time And Only Focuses On The Strange Intruders Or Wild Predators.. Who Knows He Might Make A Wonderful Great Pyrenees...with Hooves?