Horse won’t settle in field

[MardellAndMare]

Hi all. Just recently moved onto my renting my own land with stables. It’s 2.5 acres. The lady who I rent it off isn’t too keen on me getting a 3rd horse.
Currently their is a 15.2hh 23 yr old and my 15hh 2 yr old

my 23 yo is retired and I like to take my 2 yo for walks once a week or so into the woods to keep her engaged. I’m not in a position to take them both. My 23 year old screams and kicks off at the thought of me taking my 2 year old out. No matter if I leave her in the field, stable, with food etc. It’s so bad she won’t even eat her feed if she’s not physically stood next to her. It’s really difficult and puts a lot of strain into me. Any advise would be great.
Thanks in advance

 

[Polos Mum]

You can make keeping a pair work - but it take lots of time and effort. Start really slowly and build your 23 yo up to being used to being left.
Start with tiny baby steps - just outside the stable - then in again,
When I had just 2 I made a point of separating them every day to keep them used to the idea - even if only briefly.

I have 4 now and 2 really like each other - I have to make a point of splitting them up and right now I can hear shouting as they are in separate pairs (with another horse that they know) and are still screaming at the horror of it

Sorry to also be party pooper but I think youngsters need company their own age - so I'd talk again to your land owner about another youngster - your 2 y/o will be a total pain to your older retired horse.

 

[Tarragon]

I would start the possibly long process of training your older horse that it is ok to be on its own. Perhaps by leading the youngster off for just a few minutes at a time, and extending it as they start to settle. Providing you have a safe place to leave the older horse, like a stable, then you should be fine, though it may take a while, but so worth the effort! There is nothing worse than having a horse that will not be left.
Sometimes I think it is a little like leaving your toddler at the nursery for the first time. As you leave all you see is our little one wailing on the floor with arms outstretched, but within 5 minutes they have been distracted and are playing. Perhaps get someone else to stay behind with the mare to observe and distract while you go out.

 

[countryal]

Sometimes I think it is a little like leaving your toddler at the nursery for the first time. As you leave all you see is our little one wailing on the floor with arms outstretched, but within 5 minutes they have been distracted and are playing. Perhaps get someone else to stay behind with the mare to observe and distract while you go out.

I found this when leaving mine when going out on the other, she would make a fuss until she couldn't hear the horse, and started again as she heard you come back. Asked someone to stop behind and watch her, and as soon as she couldn't hear the other horse she settled and went back to eating happily!

 

[Lucky Snowball]

You don't say if the 2 year old reacts - As long as the older horse is not a danger to itself, then I'd make a point of keep taking the 2 year old out on its own. The last thing you want is the youngster getting attached.

 

[ycbm]

As long as she's not hurting herself, let her scream. She will eventually realise that it isn't going to kill her to be alone for a while.

I've normally kept two horses, often had a screamer, and never had a problem teaching them to be alone for a while.
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