Mr horse is here but problem ?

[Spring Feather]

Thanks so much Coss

 

[coss]

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.

good idea

 

[niagaraduval]

He is locked in his stable tonight. I am more concerned about this horrendous weather possibly adding to the stress of everything. I am really worried and keep going out to have a check on him. He doesn't seem stressed or silly, he is just looking out of the window.. If he wanted to he probably could escape over or out the door but he hasn't shown any sign at the moment. Thankfully.

Can't wait for the morning so I can go and spend some time with him and get him into a routine that will hopefully help him settle too.

Grrr.. This horrendous weather is driving me insane I am shaking like a leaf !

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

Hope he settles soon for you

Better him where he is on his own, than in a place you state that the horses are neglected.

I've had them on their own & also in little herds - do whats best for you & the horse - and as I said above - its probably better now than where he was.

He's safe - YOU are the one worrying about the weather - go to bed & set the alarm for morning stables

 

[coss]

He is locked in his stable tonight. I am more concerned about this horrendous weather possibly adding to the stress of everything. I am really worried and keep going out to have a check on him. He doesn't seem stressed or silly, he is just looking out of the window.. If he wanted to he probably could escape over or out the door but he hasn't shown any sign at the moment. Thankfully.

Can't wait for the morning so I can go and spend some time with him and get him into a routine that will hopefully help him settle too.

Grrr.. This horrendous weather is driving me insane I am shaking like a leaf !

sounds like he's settling a bit already -hope he'll improve over the next few days

 

[Spring Feather]

Actually much as you don't see it like this right now, it's a blessing that it is dark and night time now so you're not out with him while he's in a stressy mood. If I've ever had stressed out horses arrive at my place I leave them alone to work things out for themselves. I've seen some people try to calm their stressed out horses and almost been knocked out by the horse acting so out of character and barging around the place without any concern as to where their person is. You might be surprised at how much he settles down overnight and although he will probably call to the other horse over the next few days, one of them will get fed up with it eventually.

 

[starryeyed]

I think spring feathers' advice is good, if its possible to ride with horses he knows then it might help him settle. If I'm honest, I think that the majority of horses prefer being with other horses but some seem to cope okay without it - are the other horses in sight or just within sound?
I think he'll be very unsettled for the first few days, as he's been taken away from his friends and will be wondering where everyone is, but hopefully he will settle. If not, is it possible to either loan a companion or maybe take on one from a rescue centre if one is nearby and you can afford to keep an extra horse or pony? You could alternatively offer grass/DIY livery, which could give him a friend & also bring some money in if you have enough space etc available. I wouldn't go making any immediate decisions while he's still getting used to his new environment but if he doesn't seem to settle then the kindest thing may be to get him a companion of some kind if that's possible. I haven't read any previous posts of yours about where he was kept before but it must have been horrible keeping him somewhere where you felt he wasn't being properly cared for. Hope he settles, remember that routine is very important with a place-move so try and stick to a solid routine over the next week or so so that he knows what's happening and when. x

 

[mulledwhine]

Horses should not be on their own = ideal world!!!

Reall world = mostly

All of my except for one , and he was very stressed with company have been kept on their own!!!

For any one who has seen my pony , knows he is a very happy chap , although I am lucky that he is within 8 ft of my home so has constant company, of the human kind!!!

How many people on here have one dog!!! ...... Same logic applies, pack animal!!!!

 

[aimeetb]

I am sure they can adapt to being on their own but personally I would always prefer for them to be able to socialise with another horse at least over a fence, its just more natural and I do like to see them being able to interact, I do think it must be a lonely existance to be imposed on them although I understand that even with the option of company some may choose it I would rather provide the choice - perhaps companion pony would be the best option xxx

 

[Wagtail]

We have one horse here that has to be on his own due to the fact that he runs others down and pulverises them. However, he is in a paddock surrounded by others and loves to groom them over the fence. He is less stressed in his own paddock as he doesn't need to constantly round others up and beat up anyone who even looks at him funny. But a few years ago he was kept completely alone and although his (inexperienced) owners thought he was okay, he uncharacteristically kicked and bit them, especially at feeding times. Now I can do absolutely anything around him whilst he is eating and he's the safest horse you could wish for to handle and ride.

 

[Arizahn]

He'd have to be on his own in a quarantine paddock and plenty of yards enforce those! Generally for a few weeks...

The idea of offering livery space is a good one. Or take on a rescue pony/horse/donkey. In the meantime, don't fuss over him too much. You'll only confirm his suspicions that something is wrong.

You couldn't leave him standing in poo anyway - you would have ended up posting on here about him having thrush.

Good luck and happy silly season!

 

[Jackson]

I wish you and your horse all the best, and I hope he has settled down soon
If another horse seems a bit of a big step, sheep make pretty good companions, and the yard cat seems to have taken a liking to my horse who is kept alone. Horses can live on their own, some better than others, and it's probably never ideal for a herd animal, but it sounds like yours is better off at home with you than in his previous situation. I know a horse who had lived all of his life with only cows for company! (he then went to live in a herd of horses and adjusted fine!)

Jack copes perfectly well in his own field away from the other horses. I was worried at first that he was missing his herd, but he still marches out to his field every night, and is as happy as ever. He gets to see other horses daily when he comes in but doesn't really show much interest if I'm honest. I would love to get him a companion in an ideal world, but apart from this he gets the best of everything which is more than a lot of other horses.

 

[hcm88]

I'll go against the general grain and say that it is perfectly possible for a horse to be happy living on his own, and there's nothing to suggest yours won't eventually get used to it. My friend keeps her horse on its own, it was previously on a large livery yard living in close proximity to many horses and being turned out in a large herd. It is now kept on its own at the owner's house in a 2.5 acre field to itself. There are horses around the area that he can often see and hear and they frequently hack with locals, but bar that the horse is alone. It has coped brilliantly well, in fact they don't want to move him back with another horse anytime soon as they're worried he'll pick up bad habits and become too attached/dependent.

Obviously, this isn't the case for every horse and you should proceed with caution, but it is possible for the horse to settle and be happy alone.

Do not make any rash decisions e.g buying a companion or returning to livery, wait a few weeks and give it time. If he doesn't improve then consider your options, but you may find he copes well. If you do decide to keep him alone permanently then I would suggest you frequently take him out hacking/or something which lets him interact with other horses, just so he's not completely alone and friendless!

Good luck, ignore the snooty comments.

 

[Bikerchickone]

OP give him some time and see how he gets on, as someone else said he'll let you know if he's unhappy once he's had a chance to get used to his new surroundings, and for all the value of advice on here, how many posters know you, your horse, where he's kept etc and can tell you exactly the right answer for him? The only person who knows him well enough to decide is you.

Have faith in yourself and your wish to do the right thing by your horse and I'm sure it will all work out for the best. The people who try to force you into taking their advice aren't worth worrying about. The whole point of advice is that you should be able to use what's good for you and discard what doesn't work for you. Personally I think some people on here are rude without needing to be and should be ignored for their bad manners!

Good luck, I hope he settles, and agree with whoever said that it's best to leave them to it. The more you fuss and keep appearing the more he'll 'know' there's something wrong!

 

[Wagtail]

I wish you and your horse all the best, and I hope he has settled down soon
If another horse seems a bit of a big step, sheep make pretty good companions, and the yard cat seems to have taken a liking to my horse who is kept alone. Horses can live on their own, some better than others, and it's probably never ideal for a herd animal, but it sounds like yours is better off at home with you than in his previous situation. I know a horse who had lived all of his life with only cows for company! (he then went to live in a herd of horses and adjusted fine!)

Jack copes perfectly well in his own field away from the other horses. I was worried at first that he was missing his herd, but he still marches out to his field every night, and is as happy as ever. He gets to see other horses daily when he comes in but doesn't really show much interest if I'm honest. I would love to get him a companion in an ideal world, but apart from this he gets the best of everything which is more than a lot of other horses.

You mentioned you were having ridden problems with him. Was that since you moved him? Can I ask why you moved him away?

 

[Meowy Catkin]

in fact they don't want to move him back with another horse anytime soon as they're worried he'll pick up bad habits and become too attached/dependent.

This is very sad. *sigh*

^ Not said in a snooty tone of voice.

OP, I really hope that this works out for you. I completely understand why you moved him as your description of where he was before sounds awful. Don't feel 'bullied' into getting a companion, but do be aware that you might need to arrange one. The livery idea sounds great as they pay you to keep their horse there, your horse gets a friend and you get someone to ride with.

 

[Jackson]

You mentioned you were having ridden problems with him. Was that since you moved him? Can I ask why you moved him away?

I did! Although he has been living alone since febuary last year (and for a little while the summer before), His behavior hasn't been a reaction to a change in his living situations He is living alone as his old field companion injured himself and was moved elsewhere leaving my boy on his own.

 

[Queenbee]

*steps in, pokes head around, decides not to tango... steps back out discretely...

 

[hcm88]

This is very sad. *sigh*

^ Not said in a snooty tone of voice.

In my example stated above it's not my horse and its not my opinion. Their horse is well suited to being alone and happier that way. End of story. You don't know the horse or situation so I'd rather you didn't quote me with a sarcastic, pointless comment. Likewise nobody on this topic knows OP's horse personally nor the situation very well, so nobody is qualified to judge or critique, only offer advice they deem suitable.

 

[Enfys]

The fact you have moved to a place on his own, just goes to show you are not as experienced as you would like to think,

OFGS! How do you know this? Do you know the horse in question?
How qualified, exactly, are you to make such a sweeping statement?

 

[Ladyinred]

Yes, and it is a living hell for them. Being expelled from the herd often spells death. They are in a constant state of fear.

Just because horses appear to cope and stop calling etc, does not mean they are okay on their own. It is known as 'learned helplessness'.

Although I can perfectly u nderstand your reasons for bringing him home and know that you are trying very hard to do what is best for your horse, I have to completely agree with Wagtail.

As well as learned helplessness there is also the possibility of him shutting down, you might think you ave the perfect horse when he first does this, as he will be very quiet and submissive, but it truth he will be bottling up all his emotions and will have lost interest in everything aside what he needs to survive (in his mind.. not suggesting he won't survive with your care)

 

[ABC]

According to this thread I'm the cruelest person alive

I moved my horse off livery because he was deliberately fed sugarbeet. He has been on his own for two months now and is perfectly fine. I am planning on getting another companion but so far everything has fallen through, but with any luck I'll be getting a gorgeous new forest pony from someone on this forum.

My dog is also kept alone too

OP, just see how it goes. To everyone saying its cruel him being left on his own think about the alternative. My alternative was come up to the yard and find my horse dead, and sorry but I'd rather he live in a field with adlib hay but no company for a few months than see him get killed.

People on this forum are SO quick to judge sometimes when really people have no choice.

Think before you type!

Good luck OP

 

[Paddy Irish]

OP if you're still there , how is your boy doing this morning? I hope you managed to get some sleep!! Over the next few days it should become clear which way to go with this , you may find that once the mare stops calling him , which she probably will if she still has others with her , he'll settle , have as peaceful a christmas as possible , all the best.

 

[niagaraduval]

Hi Irishuamerryxmas - I didn't get a wink of sleep, listened to him neigh through the night. How long do you think it will take to see whether he settles or whether he needs a friend right away ?

He emptied his haynet in the night (which is good !)and did his usual nicker and wee this morning when I was making up his feed, he has been neighing less than yesterday but when I took him for a walk this morning he was neighing all the time with the other horse.

 

[jendie]

It is very early days but I don't think it is natural for a horse to be on its own, it needs some kind of company even if its only a goat!! Why not get a mini shet? They cost virtually nothing to keep and my three seem to love the bigger horses. They'll even fit in his stable.

 

[Persephone]

OP in an ideal world I would get a companion for him. If you do not have enough land or facilities I appreciate that might be difficult.

Personally I would never keep my horse alone.

 

[Wagtail]

Hi Irishuamerryxmas - I didn't get a wink of sleep, listened to him neigh through the night. How long do you think it will take to see whether he settles or whether he needs a friend right away ?

He emptied his haynet in the night (which is good !)and did his usual nicker and wee this morning when I was making up his feed, he has been neighing less than yesterday but when I took him for a walk this morning he was neighing all the time with the other horse.

You obviously care very much for your horse. Please do not fall into the misconception that just because he stops neighing, that he is happy on his own. ALL horses will eventually stop calling in that situation, but for most it simply means that they have given up, not that they are happy. In addition, they become more attached to their owners and so the owner always sees them as happy (because this is when they are happiest, that they have some company). But this is not a kind way to keep a horse. Unless a horse actively dislike the company of others (and some do) then I really believe that it is cruel to keep them on their own.

 

[Paddy Irish]

Hi Irishuamerryxmas - I didn't get a wink of sleep, listened to him neigh through the night. How long do you think it will take to see whether he settles or whether he needs a friend right away ?

He emptied his haynet in the night (which is good !)and did his usual nicker and wee this morning when I was making up his feed, he has been neighing less than yesterday but when I took him for a walk this morning he was neighing all the time with the other horse.

I'm glad to see that he's not off his food anyway! Only you will beable to tell if a companion needs to be aquired , like wagtail says , in your case ( unlike some of the other posters who may keep their horses alone ) your boy is definitely used to company , so i probably would start looking for some kind of buddy , or 2 small types if you can run to it...this is how my boy is set up , i have two rescues who live out 24/7 , obviously the up-side is that they are free , but do get ad lib hay , foot trims worming , so not free as such... are there any local rescue centres ( my mum lives in St Vincent sur L'isle in the Dordogne and the rescue centres are full to bursting down there , so that would be my first port of call. Alternatively , could you get the owner of the other horse to move to your place as presumably their horse is standing in shite and not being fed either?

 

[Sol]

My first pony lived at home... alone... with no issues. He went away as a companion, then came back alone. No issues
Having stables at home, we have often had 1 horse at home when looking for a yard or something, one was an antisocial mare, and Dan who is very sociable. Dan called on the first day, but didn't bother afterwards. Both stayed here for up to about 3 weeks at a time or a little more, Dimples (the pony) was here for months at a time. None of them ever suffered for it and soon settled into a routine.

 

[noodle_]

mine is in a field on her own but can touch other horses next to her (both sides)

i wouldnt eve keep a horse on a property on its own thought.