Mr horse is here but problem ?

[Wagtail]

And you have just shown your ignorance. Who are you to tell OP she's not experienced, it's replies like the above that really show character IMO.

It may have been an overly harsh remark, but to be fair, an experienced person would have thought about there possibly being a problem before moving the horse and arranged for a companion.

 

[Archina]

He is stood at the window at the back of his stable looking out. He doesn't seem to be calling too much now. If he was ok on his own (baring in mind my parents no longer work and are always there to be with him etc.) but if there is no chance of him getting used to being on his own I will have to invest in some sort of companion for him. I know loads of people who keep their horses on their own, I didn't think it would be a real problem. I hope he will be better in the morning when it's light and we can all go and groom him etc.

You sound like you know what your doing, give it a cpl days, see if he starts to settle or not and then make a decision. But i would do the same as you in the same situation.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

So people keep dogs on their own. Pack animal anyone?? We keep individual birds again flock animals the list goes on and on.

OP your horse will chill out and be fine. Don't let people bully you int making a decision. If our going to have two i would get another you can do something with, all this small companion pony stuff Can cause more problems with feeding, haying, weight watching etc.

I got another horse as my gelding was aging, not because he needed a companion

 

[coss]

So people keep dogs on their own. Pack animal anyone?? We keep individual birds again flock animals the list goes on and on.

OP your horse will chill out and be fine. Don't let people bully you int making a decision. If our going to have two i would get another you can do something with, all this small companion pony stuff Can cause more problems with feeding, haying, weight watching etc.

I got another horse as my gelding was aging, not because he needed a companion

ditto this - not to mention separation anxiety, and if one horse is spooky it can make another spooky when they weren't spooky to begin with..
when i lost my first pony, my mare's previous owner told me not to rush into anything and just be there for her - you can be their company. My pony is far more bonded to me now as he's not looking to the other horse(s) in the field wondering if coming to me is the right thing to do (him not being top of pecking order in the field).

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

It may have been an overly harsh remark, but to be fair, an experienced person would have thought about there possibly being a problem before moving the horse and arranged for a companion.

But why?? I come from a horse family, lots of experience there, did I get a companion when I took my horse home?? No I didn't.

As I said above sometimes companions cause more other than they are worth. You get pair bonding and horse coming through and over fences and people t get to their pair bond. I have this issue with my mare and is taken me nearly two years to get it sorted. not as easy a decision as you think.

 

[Wagtail]

So people keep dogs on their own. Pack animal anyone?? We keep individual birds again flock animals the list goes on and on.

Keeping birds alone is exceptionally cruel.
So is keeping dogs alone. However, dogs are just as happy with humans as company as with other dogs, in fact, they often prefer humans. So keeping a single dog is fine, so long as they have human company and are not left alone for long periods. Horses do not prefer humans. Horses need other horses.

OP your horse will chill out and be fine. Don't let people bully you int making a decision. If our going to have two i would get another you can do something with, all this small companion pony stuff Can cause more problems with feeding, haying, weight watching etc.

I got another horse as my gelding was aging, not because he needed a companion

So you were only thinking of yourself?

 

[YorksG]

So people keep dogs on their own. Pack animal anyone?? We keep individual birds again flock animals the list goes on and on.

OP your horse will chill out and be fine. Don't let people bully you int making a decision. If our going to have two i would get another you can do something with, all this small companion pony stuff Can cause more problems with feeding, haying, weight watching etc.

I got another horse as my gelding was aging, not because he needed a companion

Just because people do these things does not mean that this is the best thing for the animal in question. I do not know a vast amount about caged birds, but I understand that they do often have stereotipies as a result of stress. The number of single dogs who cause damage and destruction to household objects when left on the their own, does tend to support the view that they are better kept in packs.

 

[Lolo]

Reg has been happy (genuinely happy, settled and calm) for the past 18 months following the death of my horse who was his field companion. Getting another horse was out of the question. He spent a day seeming a bit confused and upset, but the following day mooched off and was back to how he behaved previously. He now has a donkey friend though and loves loves loves him, and the donkey was free and is rather pleasant and unassuming!

 

[Wagtail]

ditto this - not to mention separation anxiety, and if one horse is spooky it can make another spooky when they weren't spooky to begin with..
when i lost my first pony, my mare's previous owner told me not to rush into anything and just be there for her - you can be their company. My pony is far more bonded to me now as he's not looking to the other horse(s) in the field wondering if coming to me is the right thing to do (him not being top of pecking order in the field).

You see, all those problems you list are problems for the owner and not the horse. Of course your horse is more bonded to you. He has no choice.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

Keeping birds alone is exceptionally cruel.
So is keeping dogs alone. However, dogs are just as happy with humans as company as with other dogs, in fact, they often prefer humans. Horses do not. Horses need other horses.



So you were only thinking of yourself?

Yeah pretty much why you got an issue with that?? If your wanting to get personal then feel free. Your not going to change my mind so calling me names ain't gonna get you anywhere? I'm enjoying the debate but if you want fisticuffs why not

I took my horse away as he was all I had left after I sold my other mare and fell ou with YO over my gelding battering other horses, ripping others rugs list goes on so yeah was thinking of myself

 

[rhino]

My pony is far more bonded to me now as he's not looking to the other horse(s) in the field wondering if coming to me is the right thing to do (him not being top of pecking order in the field).

Of course he's looking to you for companionship - he has no option!

I know someone who routinely keeps horses on their own, she could afford a companion (or several) if she wanted but she wants her horse to 'love her more' and will freely admit that is why she keeps them on their own

OP - some horses will 'settle' and some won't. Some will 'cope' and some may even be happier alone. I think it's too early to tell with yours but hope he does not remain distressed

 

[Paddy Irish]

But why?? I come from a horse family, lots of experience there, did I get a companion when I took my horse home?? No I didn't.

Lots of experience ? even though your boy kicked the crap out of your 17hh , constantly clobbers your mare and then you even put it in with a young pony and it leathered that aswell ? at what point did your experience kick in?

 

[coss]

Of course he's looking to you for companionship - he has no option!

I know someone who routinely keeps horses on their own, she could afford a companion (or several) if she wanted but she wants her horse to 'love her more' and will freely admit that is why she keeps them on their own

OP - some horses will 'settle' and some won't. Some will 'cope' and some may even be happier alone. I think it's too early to tell with yours but hope he does not remain distressed

i was actually meaning he trusts me more when out on a hack rather than "oh he comes to me in the field".. he came to me in the field before but if the other horse told him not to he'd be rather confused

 

[Wagtail]

Yeah pretty much why you got an issue with that?? If your wanting to get personal then feel free. Your not going to change my mind so calling me names ain't gonna get you anywhere? I'm enjoying the debate but if you want fisticuffs why not

I took my horse away as he was all I had left after I sold my other mare and fell ou with YO over my gelding battering other horses, ripping others rugs list goes on so yeah was thinking of myself

What name have I called you? I asked you a simple question because the only reason you gave for getting another horse was that your other one was getting old. But if you want to go stropping, go ahead.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

But why?? I come from a horse family, lots of experience there, did I get a companion when I took my horse home?? No I didn't.

Lots of experience ? even though your boy kicked the crap out of your 17hh , constantly clobbers your mare and then you even put it in with a young pony and it leathered that aswell ? at what point did your experience kick in?

Lol

Knew it would get personal at some point we separated him. Tried him with other horses smaller numbers etc. once he was the boss he was fine. If he's tested he reacts like any other head horse. My mare doesn't leave him alone, hence why he clobbers her as you so precisely put it.

He's manageable n his own that was my point so there my experience for you judgemental people. Open your mind and stop judging and having a personal dig. Doesn't make people warm to your case

 

[angelish]

Sorry, but no horse should be kept on its own without a very good reason. Some do get used to it, but they are herd animals and keeping them away from others of their kind is cruel IMO. Lone horses have been shown to sleep less than others as they are in a constant state of alert. I would never even contemplate keeping one on its own.

this is also my opinion and i would never keep a horse alone BUT some horses do seem to be able to cope ,so its like everything else with horses it depends on the individual
some horses are better kept alone or have to be because of bullying

yours may or may not settle down ,if you really have to ,give him a chance and see what he is like and if he won't settle you may have to get him a companion
i'd also be very careful turning him out tomorrow because if he is really upset he may well try to jump the fence

also if he is stressy in a needy sort of way it may be tricky hacking out as mine is very needy/nappy and if i'm hacking alone and he sees another horse i have to either turn around or sit tight as he will rear/leap to try to catch up ,so just be aware of that

he may also become a problem at competitions in the same sort of way as above as mine does although mine is not kept alone but his problems stem from being alone for about 6 months when he was younger, he's never really lost that needyness

good luck whatever you decide to do ,he might settle

 

[luckyoldme]

Yeah pretty much why you got an issue with that?? If your wanting to get personal then feel free. Your not going to change my mind so calling me names ain't gonna get you anywhere? I'm enjoying the debate but if you want fisticuffs why not

I took my horse away as he was all I had left after I sold my other mare and fell ou with YO over my gelding battering other horses, ripping others rugs list goes on so yeah was thinking of myself

they really dont get it do they... i bet all the fluffies would love my gelding ripping their rugs and their horses to bits... a week in the company of my horse is enough to change anyones mind!

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

What name have I called you? I asked you a simple question because the only reason you gave for getting another horse was that your other one was getting old. But if you want to go stropping, go ahead.

God someone's nosenisnoutnof joint haha chill out a little is a debate not a fight, doesn't need to turn into one it's only an Internet forum

 

[tazzle]

So people keep dogs on their own. Pack animal anyone?? We keep individual birds again flock animals the list goes on and on ........

there is a significant difference in that dogs usually at least live in humans house so have at least got company even if its not other dogs. Lone dogs often start to show "anti social behaviour" if left alone for long periods..... like chewing / howling /barking / self mutilation

Lone birds too often have "issues" .... why do people give budgies mirrors if its not to try and "fool" the bird into thinking it has company.

Your logic does not make sense ....and just because some people do it does not mean it is right either.


There are issues whether you have one or two ....... but if the question is asked / topic raised / opinions sught then you will indeed have different opinions voiced. IMO as long as everyone is polite there is not defintitive right or wrong ...... we dont KNOW whether the horse will settle or not we can just make educated evaluations

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

they really dont get it do they... i bet all the fluffies would love my gelding ripping their rugs and their horses to bits... a week in the company of my horse is enough to change anyones mind!

No but life's rosey and easy for others, they don't have these issues my roses are happy and healthy s what the heck do I care really about their opinions, I'm showing my experiences on this but other are making a crusade out of it, I'll be called a hose murderer next

 

[Spring Feather]

Coss can you please shorten your signature It is longer than the size allowed and is really distorting the page. Thanks.

OP you say your horse is shouting to the other horse, does this mean that you've moved your horse to somewhere really close to where he was before? I think this will be the thorn in your side with respects to helping him settle quickly. He may settle eventually but I think it will take longer because the other horse is calling back to him.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I'm firmly in the 'horses are happier with equine company except in very rare cases' camp.

you can be their company. My pony is far more bonded to me now as he's not looking to the other horse(s) in the field wondering if coming to me is the right thing to do

I'm not going to stay with my horse 24/7 and I don't want to be their only company for the time that I am there. My horses never worry or wonder about whether or not they should come to see me, generally the whole bloody lot come over unless they are right at the top of the hill (they love making me struggle up there).

I have spent many happy hours watching them play and interact with each other. I have seen how the older mares teach the youngsters social skills or tell them off if they are naughty (by expelling the naughty one from the herd for a few minutes, which genuinely upsets the naughty one). I know the difference between the pecking order and the friendships between them (the boss and the lowest are good friends but he'll yeild his place at the hay feeder to her). I laugh at the yearling trying to copy the three year old as she gets him into trouble ('come on lets sneak into the kitchen garden, the gate's not quite shut') etc... etc...

No, I wouldn't keep a horse on it's own and my relationship with them is better for it.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

there is a significant difference in that dogs usually at least live in humans house so have at least got company even if its not other dogs. Lone dogs often start to show "anti social behaviour" if left alone for long periods..... like chewing / howling /barking / self mutilation

Lone birds too often have "issues" .... why do people give budgies mirrors if its not to try and "fool" the bird into thinking it has company.

Your logic does not make sense ....and just because some people do it does not mean it is right either.


There are issues whether you have one or two ....... but if the question is asked / topic raised / opinions sught then you will indeed have different opinions voiced. IMO as long as everyone is polite there is not defintitive right or wrong ...... we dont KNOW whether the horse will settle or not we can just make educated evaluations

Didn't know I was using logic.. Hey I'm magic I can do stuff without meaning it ACE .

To be honest I'm through with this topic anyway agree to disagree or whatever. I'll maybe pop back on tomorrow when this thread had hit 30 pages and degenerated into typical HHO bitchfesting

Nighty night all

MERRY CRIMBO xxxxx

 

[Paddy Irish]

Didn't know I was using logic.. Hey I'm magic I can do stuff without meaning it ACE .

To be honest I'm through with this topic anyway agree to disagree or whatever. I'll maybe pop back on tomorrow when this thread had hit 30 pages and degenerated into typical HHO bitchfesting

Nighty night all

MERRY CRIMBO xxxxx

Yawn..

 

[Wagtail]

God someone's nosenisnoutnof joint haha chill out a little is a debate not a fight, doesn't need to turn into one it's only an Internet forum

You were the one throwing your dolls. Have another read through the posts.

 

[niagaraduval]

That is right, he is just across the woods from them. He can hear the mare calling to him and he calls back when she calls. It is very windy out (I hate it!) but gathered the courage to go out and check on him with my torch in hand, He is still stood there at the window, but is not leaping up and down and turning in circles snorting like the moment we put him in. He has calmed down in that respect. I am planning to stay awake as long as possible on coffee as I don't want to go to sleep incase something happens. This will be a very long night for me I think..

 

[lula]

i had a young polish warmblood that caused me so many headaches breaking out of stables, jumping out of fields, you name it if he was ever left without the company of another horse even if one was turned out an hour before him he would stress.

I got through about 4 yards in a year being asked to take him away!
Eventually i found somewhere where he was living out in a herd 24/7 where even if some were taken in there's be always one left to keep him company and he was happy as larry.

he might be an extreme example though but the way you describe your horse acting was exactly like mine did. Yours is just a little unsettled, first night away from his mates, he's bound to be so dont worry yourself too much.

Have you had this horse stabled alone before..do you know how he copes being stabled alone or has he always had another around?

Ive seen horses being kept alone, they do seem rather miserable though. Companion/rescue ponies are very cheap at the moment in the UK, maybe the same is true in France and if he seems stressed to solitary life after a few weeks you can get him a friend or even a sheep or something to keep him happy.

completely understand what some others have said about companion horses being a nightmare if they suffer from seperation anxiety tho. (and a lot do)
There's nothing worse than having a fight with a nappy horse when it doesnt want to leave the yard when you want to go for a hack because he doesnt want to leave his mate behind.

Generally, and that is generally, horses are much happier living with their own kind.

Goodluck OP, im sure everything will work out fine.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

Yawn..

 

[Spring Feather]

Do you have people you can ride with? Would it be possible to enlist these people to make an effort to ride out with you a lot over the next week or so?

Going back to keeping him on his own; putting him out in the field could be a challenge and a bit of a worry first time around (presumably he is locked in his stable tonight?) and I'd remain close by all day for the first day or so. He won't jump out of the field will he? And is your fencing secure and safe? We all know horses should live with others of their own kind but if that isn't an option then that's the way it is. Horses are adaptable and they learn to live with whatever we throw at them so your horse may be perfectly okay once he's accepted that this is how it is. I wouldn't be over worried at this stage but I would keep a close eye on him (as you are doing). If you don't want a companion horse then don't be browbeaten into getting one just to pacify some people on here.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

You were the one throwing your dolls. Have another read through the posts.

I ever spat the titty out I was being funny about it, the tone of aost depends on the mood of the person reading it not the person writing it sometimes. I'm agreeing to disagree with you you don't like horses on their own and I will do it if necessary there case closed no titties flying about