Calmers for horses with seperation anxiety

I don't think calmers work in this kind of situation tbh. I tried a mag based one (nupafeed) when I moved Millie to a yard that she found it hard to settle... we gave it 6 weeks and it was obvious it wasn't ever going to work out, so moved again.

My 2 are a bit pair bonded, they both know when the other is going to be taken away (getting tacked up etc) and start fussing about it, and then there's a lot of calling and box walking until they are reunited :o I can't imagine anything other than a sedative helping with the rumpus that results, frankly! Separation anxiety is a PITA but I think you just have to keep repeating the process, making sure they are safe, and hope they eventually learn to cope.
 
As usual, milliepops has come up with sensible advice. I wouldn't think any sort of calmer would work either, you do just have to keep trying and hope they will get used to it.
 
JennBags said:
As usual, milliepops has come up with sensible advice. I wouldn't think any sort of calmer would work either, you do just have to keep trying and hope they will get used to it.
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I do think there's light at the end of the tunnel with this kind of problem but it takes a long time because you're effectively competing with a horse's natural instinct and fear. Millie was always fine left on her own until a prolonged spell of box rest sent her batty... 4 years later (!) and she now just calls a bit but I can tell she is eating her hay and will even have a snooze when left now.

Kira is still dealing with the effects of being kept alone for several years... I think we're in it for the long haul with her as she does get rather wound up when M goes away. So she is put in a box she can't get out of, with hay and no other objects, and left to work it out for herself. She's usually quiet by the time I get back but judging by her body language (lots of yawning etc) I think she finds it very very stressful. You can't get cross with them about it, I really don't think they can help it as their instinct overrules rational thought!

Eta actually my heart breaks for Kira when she's like that, I worry about what would happen if something happened to Millie :o she clearly can't yet figure out that everything goes back to normal after a few hours. Poor little pea brain!
 
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DP has had terrible separation anxiety ever since I've owned him but over the past 9 months I have worked hard to increase his confidence by leaving him in alone for a short while or putting him out first and him having to wait for the herd to arrive and he is now at the stage where everyone can go out without him and as long as he has a full haybar he is content enough. He does call to start with but settles after a few minutes but it has taken some hard work and determination from me not to give in to his tantrums which has been difficult.
B came to me being able to cope perfectly well alone but even he feels bonded with the herd and will call to them if he is in alone. Knowing he is perfectly capable of being on his own I have just ignored him and he now gets on with it.

No calmers used just patience, consistency and food.
 
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