Anxious horse

[Daneva35]

I've recently moved my two horses onto a private yard with one other horse. My dales pony is not settling and is almost unrideable (shaking and spooking) as he cannot bear to be away from my other horse.

Do you think he will settle?
Should I try a calmer?

 

[Hedwards]

Is there any chance the move has brought on stress induced stomach ulcers? I believe it was a the move to a new yard etc. when I bought my lad last year that triggered his ulcers?

 

[Buddy'sMum]

You don't say how recent the move was but yes, of course he will settle, given time.

No, I don't think you should use a calmer. If your pony's diet is well balanced you are likely to do more harm than good by adding a calmer supplement. Also - very importantly - there is no published evidence whatsoever that any of the equine calmer products currently availablle in the UK are effective and have no adverse effects.

Suggest you start by consulting a nutritionist to review the pony's diet.

If you're not happy riding him at the moment, perhaps you could walk him in hand, or long rein him, or lunge him, or maybe lead him while you ride your other horse?

I assume his turn out is adequate?

If things don't improve in the next few weeks then, as Hedwards suggested, consult your vet to rule out illness.

Good luck!

 

[fuzzle]

Give him time to settle and if you feel that he needs something i would highly recommend Eqistro betamag equilizer after trying lots calmers this one works amazing!!!! shop around on the net i got it for about £26 free delivery, it was reommended by my vet amazing stuff xxxxxx