PetalPower
Well-Known Member
I would really appreciate some advice please or how you have dealt with the same situation. I am facing the loss of my beloved 19 year old whom I have had since aged 5. Her stable mate (9 year old ISH) has extreme separation anxiety in the stable (fine in the field) but is a naturally stressy type of horse.
These two horses belong to me; the only other horse at the yard is a 3 year old who is likely to be sold soon.
My concern is what will happen at stabling time for the stressy one left behind. Wintering out is not an option due to the fields being clay; they do get turn out but at times would have to stay in. Stressy one has been in the stable on her own and does eventually settle if left alone but as soon as someone goes down the yard she will rear, run around the stable and generally get very upset. I have tried gradually lengthening the time she spends alone but she is obviously distressed when left. The same happens if a different horse enters the yard whilst she is stabled but she isnt bothered if she is out in the field.
Has anyone else been in this situation and what did you do? I can possibly get another horse but obviously this is something I dont want to rush into when I lose my horse of a lifetime and my heart is breaking.
I would really appreciate any advice anyone has, hoping to limit the distress of both her and I when the time comes. Thank you in advance.
These two horses belong to me; the only other horse at the yard is a 3 year old who is likely to be sold soon.
My concern is what will happen at stabling time for the stressy one left behind. Wintering out is not an option due to the fields being clay; they do get turn out but at times would have to stay in. Stressy one has been in the stable on her own and does eventually settle if left alone but as soon as someone goes down the yard she will rear, run around the stable and generally get very upset. I have tried gradually lengthening the time she spends alone but she is obviously distressed when left. The same happens if a different horse enters the yard whilst she is stabled but she isnt bothered if she is out in the field.
Has anyone else been in this situation and what did you do? I can possibly get another horse but obviously this is something I dont want to rush into when I lose my horse of a lifetime and my heart is breaking.
I would really appreciate any advice anyone has, hoping to limit the distress of both her and I when the time comes. Thank you in advance.