16m and hating the stable

[teddysheep]

Could I have thoughts please. I have a 16 month old (Welsh cob). As soon as I even lead him into the stable (door wide open) he absolutely freaks, if I shut it, he just goes ballistic… today so bad he actually broke the top bolt, obv we let him out. He actually wasn’t sweaty and only did 2 intact poops so hadn’t trashed the place but of course was stressed. Am I just being unrealistic here or what can I do to improve things? He was shut in 10 mins but it’s seconds that it takes for him to react. He’s at grass the rest of the time but apparently has been in a stable at his old home. He is next door to a pony here
Thanks

 

[Sleipnir]

What are your expectations of him when you lead him in, imagining that he'd behave well? What does he get to do, can he touch his neighbour and does he actually like the pony/is paddocked together with him? How long does it take before he goes ballistic and what are your actions to calm him down? More information will possibly help to form relevant advice.

 

[Havital]

Are you associating stabling him with something good? As in.. when you do bring him in then is there a bucket of feed there waiting for him. Once his eaten take him straight back out before he “freaks out” small steps is the way to go. Good luck

 

[nutjob]

I've had no trouble with mine since putting a window in the wall so he could see his friend at all times. Prior to that he has come through a closed door (hinges and wall gave way not the bolt) and kicked through walls twice (wood not bricks). His problems sound a bit different to yours though as generally he likes going in but panics if something outside worries him and he cannot get out.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

As above, are you bringing him in to some food? Do you stay in the stable with him, or leave him in there on his own? Can he actually see the pony next door? Does he normally get on with the pony?

 

[honetpot]

Sounds like separation anxiety, this is why like half walls, so youngsters can get used to being in their own space, and then wean them off by the routine of eventually leaving them in on their own with food as distraction. I would bring in feed and turn back out, eventually building the time up, but really being a box on its own is not natural for a young horse.

 

[splashgirl45]

when he comes in are all of the horses in as well or are there some left out. why does he need to be shut in, youngsters usually do better out 24/7 with other youngstock.. if you have to keep in overnight during the winter you need to make it a nice place, bring in for a feed, dont shut the door but stand in there holding him and once he has eaten his feed calmly lead him out again. you need to do this many times so he realises its no big deal and he isnt being shut in and left..

 

[teddysheep]

What are your expectations of him when you lead him in, imagining that he'd behave well? What does he get to do, can he touch his neighbour and does he actually like the pony/is paddocked together with him? How long does it take before he goes ballistic and what are your actions to calm him down? More information will possibly help to form relevant advice.

 

[teddysheep]

Are you associating stabling him with something good? As in.. when you do bring him in then is there a bucket of feed there waiting for him. Once his eaten take him straight back out before he “freaks out” small steps is the way to go. Good luck

Well can’t touch friend but does kind of like him! Literally as I said walk him in stable freaks… seconds. I h

 

[teddysheep]

Yes this is a great idea. I think this has a good chance of working… thanks!

 

[teddysheep]

Sounds like separation anxiety, this is why like half walls, so youngsters can get used to being in their own space, and then wean them off by the routine of eventually leaving them in on their own with food as distraction. I would bring in feed and turn back out, eventually building the time up, but really being a box on its own is not natural for a young horse.

 

[teddysheep]

Thank you, that’s really helpful

 

[teddysheep]

when he comes in are all of the horses in as well or are there some left out. why does he need to be shut in, youngsters usually do better out 24/7 with other youngstock.. if you have to keep in overnight during the winter you need to make it a nice place, bring in for a feed, dont shut the door but stand in there holding him and once he has eaten his feed calmly lead him out again. you need to do this many times so he realises its no big deal and he isnt being shut in and left..

 

[teddysheep]

That’s great thank you I’ll try it.. everyone’s been so helpful!!!

 

[Peglo]

My new girl hasn’t been overly fond of coming in. So I have started small. I take her into the barn, tie her up outside the box and take a rug off, a treat and leave again. Then move on to a bucket of feed and a brush and out. The big doors of the shed are always open. I will move onto bucket in her box with gate and doors open. I only leave her as long as I think she’s happy. She goes back before she winds herself up or distract her with a treat to calm her and then get her out. I’ve been doing it with no one else there but she is older than yours. She has reacted well and calmed down really quick.