Help Anxious Horse!

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nicnoo0193

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21 January 2010
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I have recently got my first horse a 15 year old tb on loan. When i got him i was told he needed company. I have stabled him next to my friends mare and they share a paddock.

The problem i am having is that he cant be turned out/left in the stable on his own! When in he goes round and round his stable at a million miles an hour and when he is turned out he gallops around the field until they are reunited.

There are other horse in the next field an we have tried putting another horse in with him. We try to just turn them out together but this is not always possible. My friend finds him a real pain when she want to hack out on her own as he shouts for her mare and she gets worked up and wont leave the yard.

When my friends mare is around he is the kindest gentleman but turns into a beast when on his own. We have tried leaving him on his own for 10min everyday for 2 weeks but there is no improvement and i am worried he is gonna hurt himself.

I dont what to do! will he calm down or is he to old to change?

Please Help
 
i completely understand your situation, my mare was exactly the same and suffered badly with separation anxiety! i used to get really upset and frustrated by it all.
i dont think your boy is too old to change, my mare did, though, every horse is different and mine had no choice in the end. her best friend had to be put to sleep after a horrible accident in the field, she just seemed to except she was gone but became very sad within herself. however, once the other owner brought her new mare, i started to notice mine becoming very attached again. i found that ignoring her temper tantrums eventually worked, she realised she werent going to go back to her friends, was horrible to witness tho. i also made sure that it was worth while being with me by giving her treats and lots of attention. i also found that by making sure she had her own routine (her and old companion used to get fed/turnout out at same time) she eventually got used coming in/going out on her own. it took a long time mind. i can now do what ever i want, she still does the odd call every now and then but its nothing compared to what she used to do.
however, my old boy has now learnt that if he gallops around when others come in he will be brought it!! and at 28 he really wont change his ways!
grin.gif
hes a cheeky old sod!
Hope you manage to work something out!
 
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