Going from 3 horses to 2 - separation anxiety?

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Briggy

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3 January 2018
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Hi everyone, I’m after some advice and help please.

I am sadly having my elderly pony put to sleep next week, he is currently in a shared paddock with my retired 23-year-old mare.
I have another pony who is in work, and individual turnout next to the older ones. I have all of my ponies at home and no other horses in sight...although I do have 4 super friendly sheep.

I am extremely nervous that my 23-year-old mare is going to be come very attached to my ridden pony which will cause a lot of stress to my and her when I ride him.
I only hack twice a week for max 1 hour a time but I am worried the older mare is going to run herself ragged!!!

Any advice and tips please? Getting another companion isn’t really an option for me right now.
 
I would foster an old pony from a charity to act as a companion. that way you can return it if you don't need it down the line. the charity will also be able to try different ponies until you find one that suits. I let them see the body afterwards but I don't usually have them close when being pts.
 
paddi22 said:
I would foster an old pony from a charity to act as a companion. that way you can return it if you don't need it down the line. the charity will also be able to try different ponies until you find one that suits. I let them see the body afterwards but I don't usually have them close when being pts.
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Thank you. Vets have said sniff the body? Is just seeing the body enough for them to understand he isn’t coming back?
 
yes mine seem to process it that way in the past. there can be heightened emotion during the pts process and it can be messy at times, so I think its less stressful for remaining horses to just be shown the body after.
 
paddi22 said:
yes mine seem to process it that way in the past. there can be heightened emotion during the pts process and it can be messy at times, so I think its less stressful for remaining horses to just be shown the body after.
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Thank you, really helpful x
 
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