Horse with separation anxiety? Help :(

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Ellie2893

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I've recently had to change yards, the yard I was on before was considerably larger And he was in a field with about 7 others. He's now on a hard of 7, but turned out individually - suits his temperament as he got bullied a lot.

The issue us that he is becoming seriously attached to his neighbouring horse.. He calls all the time to him (he never ever calls - I didn't even know he could whinny until this week and I've had him 3 years!) and he goes nuts when he's not around him.

im going to try turning out/brining in at opposite times of the day so he doesn't see him but does anyone have any tips I'm really worried about him!!



Thanks!
 
poor you. I have a mare who gets serious separation issues so know how you feel, it's very frustrating isn't it. How recent was your move? Possibly he just needs time to settle in? Has he been in individual turnout before? Some do just really hate it I'm afraid so it could be that too....
 
How long since you've moved yards?

He's gone from lots of company to no company so is probably going to take a little time to adjust. I'm not sure removing the other horse from sight is going to help his anxiety levels.

Not much help I'm afraid as I'm anti individual turnout but I do look after a horse with massive separation anxiety with a particular pony (we're talking 5m distance is enough for him to start calling) so I know how frustrating it can be.
 
It might just be that you have moved yards and needs time to settle, try not to have times when his the only one in, can they be turned out at the same time each day?

Have the same routine everyday keep to times I found this really helped my mare and she was awful at one point she would rear and try and jump out of the stable, i found having too many horses coming and going is worse, if my mare got really bad I would remove her from the stable even tying up on the yard for a bit with a haynet helped, or i would put her on the walker for ten minutes and when she came back she would be ok.
 
Ellie2893 said:
I've recently had to change yards, the yard I was on before was considerably larger And he was in a field with about 7 others. He's now on a hard of 7, but turned out individually - suits his temperament as he got bullied a lot.
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It doesn't suit his temperament though does it? He is becoming upset for the first time in the 3 yrs you've had him. This horse needs company in his field - although obviously it would be better if he isn't bullied. You need to find a way of finding him a field with at least 2 companions that he gets on well with, who won't be likely to leave him on his own. Rearranging so that he never sees his new friend is definitely not the way to reassure him.
 
He will settle to the grazing if he's along side the others and can still groom etc. You've just moved and to a quiet yard too, it's a big change for him and he's feeling insecure and needs reassurance which he gets from this other gelding. All the advice above is good and he will get there if you follow it. Early days yet before you need to panic.
 
Thanks for all your tips I will chat with the yard owner tonight and see if she can merge a few fields and see of that helps.

When he was at competition livery when I was off injured he was by himself in a field and runs by the same pattern now and he had no issue at all, he was lovely and relaxed it just seems to be this new place obviously I don't want to stress him out more by doing the wrong thing by him I want to see him happy and relaxed again like my boy used to be!

It's so out of character to see him like this :(
 
Mine was like this when she first moved...but she did settle, maybe he just needs more time??
It's hard when they are on diy when everyone is done at different times. Did you manage to chat to yard owner?
Good luck
 
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