Help for depressed horse

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Princeofspies

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Has anyone any suggestions to help my dressage horse? Last weekend his long term field companion (of 10 years) died suddenly, leaving him initially stressed, and now despondent and uninterested in life generally. Even going to competitions this weekend, which he usually gets quite excited at, he was quiet in the collecting ring, standing with his head down, and lacked any level of energy in the ring. We are looking at another companion this week, but he has not been alone in the meantime so not sure this is going to be the answer. If anyone has had this situation and can advise we would be grateful.
 
I believe that horses do grieve... I guess what you are doing by keeping up a routine is good and perhaps spending more time with him doing loving stuff like grooming, playing or freeschooling will take his mind off.

A new companion may work but don't count on it... I've known companions to take the brunt of emotions...

Just spend as much time as you can with him and if stabled, tie up some root veg on a string or put some treats in a ball. Time is a great healer.

RIP to his friend x
 
He should pick up - Mine took about 6 weeks to get back to even thinking about being back to normal (he had to do a lot of growing up too which helped) after Rosie was PTS. For us personally, keeping to the routine (maybe think carefully about pony parties) will help. Maybe just spend more time with him, go out for pootles around and make the most of what sun we might get!

In terms of a companion, there isn't a right or wrong answer. For me personally I would be concerned that if he is not his usual self then he might latch onto another horse and you will end up setting up both of you for more stress. Are there other horses on the yard he can interact/see/touch etc in field? This might be enough for him xx

Hugs for you though - it isn't nice seeing your horse depressed :(
 
He is grieving. Give him time to get over the loss. Spend as much time with him as possible and do a variety of different activities without too much pressure. This will give him other things to think about. He will get over it in his own time.
 
He has another companion (mare) who is attached to him, but it is not reciprocated! This could, of course, change now that his old friend is gone. At the age of 23, he has experienced a lot of changes during his life, but Red was a constant. And they were turned out together at the time - he seemed distraught that he wasn't getting any response to his whinnies - which were what alerted us.

We're giving him lots of love and attention, and have moved him to a different field to give him a change of environment (and remove the association) - now it will just be time.

Thank you all for your thoughts.
 
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