Bargain horse wont leave his friends - Help please!

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Some of you may remember that my friend bought a rather cheap showjumper that I wasnt too sure about.

Since just before xmas she started putting him out 24/7 with about 4 other horses. Due to the snowy weather she couldnt do anything with him but a couple weeks ago when it cleared up she tried to bring him in and groom him ready to ride. He broke free of being tied up and ran circles in his stable. She managed to get him ready to lunge but when she tried to take him to the arena to lunge he kept rearing. He ended up knocking her over and she was sore from that so her friend put him back out in the field and apparently he did a big sigh of relief and was happy as larry back with his friends.

I'm guessing he hasnt been used to being out 24/7 in a herd and now doesnt want to leave his friends. She has tried quite a few times bringing him in etc and he just does the same thing. All 5 of the horses get fed out in the field as my friend and the owners of the other horses all share who goes to feed them.

Has anyone got any suggestions on how to get him happy to come in away from his friends?
confused.gif
I'm going over on Sunday to give her a hand but am not really sure what to do to help as he'll probably be the same with me.
 
Bring him in with 1 friend, work him and turn him out with said friend, repeat that a few times, then when all is ok, during his workout turn said friend out before him.
Slowly catch him and friend together lead them to the yard together and then put his friend back out. Its gonna take time, but you have to break the routine slowly. Hopefully no-one will get hurt.
 
I agree. Short periods, build up slowly. She has to train him its ok to leave and as with training a horse to do anything it takes time and patience.

Regular removal from the herd, building up the time away is the answer. Start with catching him and taking him a few metres out of the gate then back in. Dont get to the stage where hes breaking loose, that is saying shes asking too much too soon. Even if she (or anyone else) thinks its only just to the yard, the horse cant cope, hence he breaks loose. Smaller steps are needed
 
Seperation anxiety has to be dealt with in small doses I'm afraid and there is no quick fix. As Sarahsum1 says, bring him in for short periods. Stay with him untill he remains calm in the stable and then turn him out again. If she is able to work him then that is good as well. He will have to learn to be away from the other horses but it might be a long job!
 
Agree with the above poster. No quick fix, time and patience however will work wonders.

Small steps... i,.e your ned needs to know he will return back to the field with his friends once x has been done. Routine is key.

I would also make sure when your friend does something with him, she is consistant and keeps him interested. Don't leave him alone to fret. Maybe give him a good scratch and groom turn him back out, then gradually include a bit of groundwork then lunging/ridden etc.

Best of luck.x
 
Thanks for the advice. I'll def start him off on sunday doing this.

I did advise her she should bring him in to be fed everyday so he comes in for something nice and gets into a routine of leaving his friends for feed but she said it would be too difficult and the other owners wouldnt do that for her on the days she doesnt go. Tbh I dont think she planned to dedicate time daily to him when she decided on getting a horse. She wanted one that would live out and she could bring in whenever to go hacking or in the school.
 
Yes, but horses arent machines and they frequently do things we dont bank on! All part of the joys of horse ownership!

I think your friend needs to listen to your advice a bit more and stop being so self centered. Sorry if that sounds harsh, but its her job to do it not anyone elses!
 
[ QUOTE ]
Yes, but horses arent machines and they frequently do things we dont bank on! All part of the joys of horse ownership!

I think your friend needs to listen to your advice a bit more and stop being so self centered. Sorry if that sounds harsh, but its her job to do it not anyone elses!

[/ QUOTE ]

Its alright. I did want to say to her she should make an effort to feed him daily herself. She lives right next to the yard and can even walk there. I wish my yard was that close to me. Perhaps she will decide to do this if its one of the only ways he'll improve.
 
Lmao I'd be told off for kicking someone twice my age.

If my yard gets anymore expensive to be a livery at I may have to consider moving to her yard so I could drag her out of her house
smirk.gif
 
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