How can i help him settle?

asommerville

asommerville

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My 6 year old has been out with his herd for a few months, there are 4 in teh field and him and 2 others were really close. The 4th horse changed a few months ago and while they accepted him they never really bothered with him the as they do with each other. However, in the past month one of his friends sadly went into the vet school and was put to sleep, his other best pal left at the weekend to go to another yard and he is the only one left out of the original group.

Since then there has been another hoorse added to the group and my formely happy, calm wee horse has turned into a bargey wee ****, he seems anxious, on his toes and jsut generally not happy and i feel rotten for him, his pals have literally disapeared and i think he misses them. He's guarding the old horse he was out with and wont let the new one near him - not like him either usually he doesnt bother.

Anything I can do to help him settle? Im probably thinking too much into it but he just seems sad :(
 
It will settle down in time and he will accept the others and they will be his new friends, its just unfortunate they all left together and his just feeling a bit insecure not really anything you can do, maybe go on a few hacks with the new horses might help.
 
Really the new horse should have been allowed to graze alongside yours and the old horse, with a fence between them until yours had stopped guarding his companion. This would have allowed yours to relax when the older one moved away from the fence and let them all get used to each other's presence without feeling threatened. But proper introductions rarely seem to happen on livery yards.
It wouldn't be too late to put up an electric fence across your field to give them all a bit of space imo. They will settle in time.
 
Pearlsasinger said:
Really the new horse should have been allowed to graze alongside yours and the old horse, with a fence between them until yours had stopped guarding his companion. This would have allowed yours to relax when the older one moved away from the fence and let them all get used to each other's presence without feeling threatened. But proper introductions rarely seem to happen on livery yards.
It wouldn't be too late to put up an electric fence across your field to give them all a bit of space imo. They will settle in time.
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No chance YO would allow that I'm afraid....it's a bloody shame for him, he's just not impressed. New horse is a big 18.2 coloured creature so maybe the size is making him feel a bit threatened (he's a 15.2 slightly riggy boy ) horses eh!!
 
He should calm down in time. It's probably just a bit much for him to take in at once. My older mare hates change. It took 3 months to stop her bolting when turned out the last time we moved yards. Spend some time with him, groom him, talk to him.. Remind him that you're still there. Just don't use the reason behind his behaviour as an excuse to let him get away with being naughty - you'll just make a rod for your own back if you do. Hope he settles soon :)
 
Thanks folks, it took me 25 mins to get him out the field last night he just planted his feet and refused to come out the gate, hopefully he settles down soon....
 
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