Anyone have any experience of SAD in horses??

[smirnoff_ice]

As the title really. Just wondering how is it diagnosed and treated? One of our mares has gone REALLY moody this winter & i'm wondering if it's SAD or just her being a bitch! We've had her for nearly 7 years though and she's never been like this.

Just wondering really. Anyone willing to share their experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

x

 

[flatcoat2]

One of my boys is like that this year! He is normally a miserable git but not as bad as he is this year. Always snapping and snarling at me and tries to bite and kick when doing his rugs. We were only saying the other day, maybe hes got SAD ! It shouldnt be too long now till the days draw out though so hopefully it will get better.

 

[tizer]

We think we have had one with SAD for a few years we did contemplate getting her a light box! but haven't yet, we let her live out and she is better

 

[Cop-Pop]

My mare was diagnosed with it two winters ago - the vet recommended lots of light exercise, lot's of succulents and just to keep her occupied in general with stable toys, licks etc. It seemed to work very well and she's never had it again, but we have moved yards since then and she is happier in general at the new yard.

 

[brightmount]

Possibly, as my daughter's youngster was a complete nightmare last winter, and too difficult for me to handle on the ground, so I moved her to a full livery yard.

The difference was she had been stabled right inside an American barn where it was quite dark, and she moved to a south-facing outside yard that got a lot of sunlight especially in the morning. The difference in her was immediate, though it probably also helped that she was being handled by more confident people than me.

 

[Ottinmeg]

i am convinced otto has it to. hes a grump anyway but in summer its normally just face pulling, but in winter he turns into victor meldrew.

 

[smirnoff_ice]

Interesting how many the weather does effect.

With the light therapy, are they special lights?

Would leaving the stable light on overnight make any difference? Good or bad?
Molly's never been like this before, but the faces she's pulling now are just pure evil! Putting rugs on or telling her to "get back" from her door are the worst!

Unfortunately she's only rideable at a walk for 30mins a day due to a soft tissue foot injury 5 months ago. She's fine to ride & seems 'happy', but on the ground she's a cow! She's kicked out twice now & she's never ever ever done that before!

Apart from that, it's just face-pulling & teeth-knashing!