Clingy horses

[Perfect-Piaffe]

I have recently had to move one of my horses to a new yard, where he is kept on grass livery. He has been diagnosed with wobblers syndrome so is only in light work however he seems to be getting really clingy with the other ponies and has started to nap, rear and go backwards when i ride him. There's 2 stables there but they are a bit too small for him, and they also look out onto the fields anyway. Does anyone have any ideas how i can overcome this problem as i do not want it to get worse! Thank you!

 

[scotsmare]

He needs to learn that it's unacceptable to behave like that when ridden for a start. How many other horses is he turned out with?

 

[kellyeaton]

he is in the field with the horses? if so try putting him on his own fence a bit off so he has depend on him self not the others!

 

[Kenzo]

Horses are usually clingy due to confidence issues, feeling insecure etc not because they want to be naughty or don't enjoy going out (odd exceptions no doubt lol!) so I'd work on this, your fighting a loose battling arguing with them, of course yes they need to know that it is not acceptable specially if you have not had these kind of problems in the past but doing things to make your horse more independent and confident is the what you need to concentrate on.

More interaction with different horses, changing fields regularly, coming in and out for short sessions (grooming/feeding) things that don't just involve work, lots or rewards so your horse looks forward to you and forgets about his mates, changing your horses attitude and attention off the others, sometimes routine works for some horses yet it can be the a thawn in the side for some horses.

Not sure how it works at your yard or your own premises but bringing in, feeding times when they all do it at the same time, can cause problems, because horses learn what to expect and stress out if left on there own...same with excersise. Dont turn out the minute you return from a ride, let your horse chill out for an hour in the stable,give him gental massage or something...various changes, might not like it to begin with but little changes here there and everywhere can really help over time....one reason why I love DIY.

 

[Perfect-Piaffe]

He was in a field with 5 others but i've moved him into another field that only has one little shetland in. The other fields are right next to him though.

Thanks for the replies everyone, and ill try the things suggested!