Change in herd status problematic to horse w/EPM, or just me?😄
My 13 year old gelding has always had a horse below him in the pecking order during turn out.
He’s not always been top of the herd, but always boss over someone.
His turn out buddy left, he was all alone, he has a 5 year old with him now that played nicely/mutual grooming in arena play sessions.
For the first 2 days they shared hay out of a hay net and mutually groomed all day.
Then the youngster started moving my guy around. No biting or kicking, just moving off hay to another pile, dominant.
Not sure if the new guy guards the water trough and shade under the tree, but I think maybe.
My horse seems fine with it, but I’m concerned that the change in status could stress him to the point of another EPM flare up.
I welcome and appreciate your feedback on this!🩷🩷