not settling

[parsley]

I moved my two to a different yard about a month ago - my son's pony has settled well but my boy is very strong and anxious when away from him, which makes him boistros (sp) and generally very big cobby. I haven't really been able to ride him since he got there as he has a big fetlock and he is going to have a tooth out and sinus flush next week. I am looking forward to being able to ride him again but at the same time a bit concerned as he is very strong and I would like him to be more settled and like his old very laid back self.

Does anyone know of any supplements I could give him to make him less anxious for a while? I am using top spec with my son's pony and it has transformed him BUT it takes 3 weeks to be effective. I haven't started my boy in it as I didn't think I would be able to use him for ages yet.

 

[PoppyPony]

I don't know about the supplements thing but I was in a very similar situation - big heavy boy, unsettled in new yard, can't ride as no saddle. However, he is starting to relax now thanks to a routine and a few apples! I'd suggest just keep going with the routine. Can you lunge/lead him round the school for some work, maybe with the pony in the school at the same time?

Also, Dibbs (my cob) seemed to prefer it and was calmer when I took control of situations, if he pushed his weight around and I told him off he would relax - don't understand but that's what happened!

Hope that's slightly helpful.

 

[Blizzard]

I would suggest giving gim as much of a routine as poss so he feels settled, and maybe get him used to doing something, even if its just being lunged for 10 mins.
im sure he will soon settle in, I think all supplements take at least a few weeks to kick in, but for a quick effect you could use Bach flower Remedies emergengy remedy, great for people and horses in a stressful situation.

 

[madabout2]

I'd second this. I'll check my bachs flowers book as to what might work.

 

[madabout2]

Rescue remedy is best used when an emotional upset occurs e.g. trauma.
quote " the horse who is showing fear in new surroundings may require just a few doses to help settle in"

To give it:

take a 1oz (2tbsp/28ml) glass bottle (preferably dark to protect the liquid from sunlight)

put 2 to 3 drops of the remedy in the bottle. (horses respond best to one or two types of remedy at one time)

add 1tsp (5ml) brandy (this is as preservative and is not required for the remedy to be effective)

fill bottle with distilled or spring water.

Shake vigourously ( to stay true to homeopathic rules you should shake it 108 times - but not a strict requirement for bachs flowers)

2 or 3 times a day put a dropperful into your horses feed or water or directly into his mouth.

Use up all the remedy.

There are other remedies if you want for specific horse personality types. Let me know if you want to know more.

 

[goeslikestink]

dont forget either that by what you said hes in pain someheere ie his tooth--until thats out and sinus done -- then like us must feel an ache-- thats stressful-- i think when all his problems sotred he will be a happy chappie again--

 

[parsley]

Thanks to all of you - sadly he is on field rest now (after box rest) for another week at least - so no lunging. He has had the sinus problem since April and I only moved him in August and he was fine until I moved him. I always am very firm with him as he is a lot of horse to be pushy! I feel sorry for him though as he is clearly anxious and I would like to take the edge off it for him while he settles in.

I will try the flower remedies while the top spec kicks in - thanks