Change in personality -

bhpride

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Good morning, I'm half a sleep so I'll try and explain this the best I can.

Horse moved yard 2 weeks ago after being at previous yard for 5 years. She was put out 24/7 straight away and has settled with the herd and had 4 days off work. She's bought in once a day for light work.

Anyway she's began planting her feet when I'm trying to lead her out of the field and at the entrance the yard and of her stable which although dosn't sound like much it is getting annoying and she appears to be getting worse each day. She'll let me catch her, although last night for some reason she swung back when she saw the headcollar last night (?). Start leading and she'll start stopping. She's never been like this. She seems to anticipate that I'll smack her on the bum with the leadrope so I'm sure if I did this the once she'd simply go into reverse to avoid it. I've only ever done this once and Gently at that around 6 months ago. She's never been like this before and I've had her for a year now.

I rode her on Wednesday and after I got off she seemed very depressed - head drooped, no interest in anything and just stood there whilst I put the poles away. I bought her in and just gave her food yesterday, turned her out and she bombed off. She left her pair bond behind at the last yard so bet that's not helping.

I'm presuming that obviously it's a new yard, new environment so she's feeling insecure so is being nappy if that's the word wanting to stay with the herd.

Anyway my experience is very limited - any ideas? Or have I ruined my horses life by moving her lol she was happy at her previous yard but I wasn't.
frown.gif


Thank you
 
She is napping towards the herd as she is feeling insecure. Its normal and is something which will gradually pass.

Moving yards is stressful for horse and human and I think she is probably also a bit tired, being out 24 hourse a day with new horses will mean she is on 'danager alert' mode more than at the other yard.

It will pass. Be sympathetic, yet firm.

x
 
Youre welcome, its awful moving yards and very stressful for you and horse.

When I moved, I was sure my horse would never be happy again and that I had done the wrong thing. After about a month he had settled like he had been born there and had some horse friends.

Hang in there
 
Don't worry- my horse was exactly the same when I moved yards. I thought I'd ruined her life as she was so happy at the previous yard. Now however she has completely settled and we are both happier than ever so it was definately worth it- just give her some time! I second the insecure thing- make sure your being the 'leader' so she feels safe and trusts your judgement.
 
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