I have personally seen some violent behavior issues after vaccinations, especially the rabies vaccine. This can occur anywhere from a few days to a month after the shot and is not generally recognized as a problem by the veterinary community. To read more about rethinking the vaccine issue and just doing what is needed, see the article Annual Vaccinations on my website. Many veterinarians, especially with small animals, are doing less vaccination and find the animals behave better and are healthier. If the timing is right for a potential vaccine reaction, look at the Alternative Healthcare Organization Links list for a veterinarian who practices homeopathy, since this modality works well for those reactions.
Before you have the reasons for the behavior figured out and corrected, be careful. Do not let children in the paddock when he is loose and keep yourself safe. Do not handle him without a halter and be sure you have room to move away safely if he comes after you. You may even want to leave a cheap, breakaway halter on him with a short piece of rope (12 to 15 inches is safe) so you can catch him quickly.
Dr. Joyce Harman is a veterinarian and respected saddle-fitting expert certified in veterinary acupuncture and veterinary chiropractic; she is also trained in homeopathy and herbal medicine. Her Harmany Equine Clinic is in northern Virginia. Visit her online shop.
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