I was wondering if you might be able to explain why my 15 yr. old pony (12 hd.), takes a big mouthful of hay & keeps pushing it at the young, 3 yr. old mule(14.2 hd.)?
 
History:  
We had 2 mules (6 yr. & 3 yr.) that played together constantly.  We sold the 6 yr. & the young one became slightly depressed.  The pony (who never played w/the mules) started gathering up big mouthfuls of hay & pushing it at the mule’s mouth, neck, rump whatever.  Sometimes they will rear up w/each other, start biting necks or legs & chase each other, but not as violently as the mules did.  It has been 2 months, since the mule was sold, & pony continues to do this w/the young mule.  The other 2 horses don’t get involved.  Once in a while if pony & mule start running around the pasture a lot, the 2 horses will join in, but not w/the other type of play.
 
Several years ago, he took sticks in his mouth & poked the mare w/them.  At her shoulder until she moved over then at her rear until she moved that over & sometimes would offer the stick to her mouth.
 
Have you ever heard of this type of behavior before?
Thank you for your help.
 
Jean Shaw

Perhaps you can find a way to safely join in.
Good Luck.
 
Sincerely, Franklin