over-attached horses (a bit long)

[Jellicle]

At the yard where my share horse is kept, the horses are in fields in pairs. Spike's fieldmate has laminitis, so he has been put with a mare that he is in luuurve with!

He shared with this mare when he first came to the yard, but became very difficult to separate from the mare. When they were put in separate fields he settled down well. Three years on, they often hack out together or go to shows together, without much fuss.

Tonight he was being silly again - wouldn't settle when he was brought out of the field, or when the mare was out of the field. Do you think that he will settle down in a few days, or should we separate them before he gets too attached again?

 

[piebaldsparkle]

I would separate them, as you have had problems before. This is the reason I hate horses going out with just one other.

 

[mrgoop]

My boy, is so in love with the mare at our yard, that we can't keep them together anymore.
He won't let anybody catch her and take her out of the field, and if they do manage he goes mad, running around for yonks.
Last time they were out together and she was taken away, he took the gate off it's hinges!!
So now he is out with a little colt and all is well in his world. He still hacks out with his woman, but they can't live together, lol

 

[Nudibranch]

I would agree with separating them given their past history.

Anyone had any experience of horses getting truly "herd" bound? As in, attached to a group? My mare goes nuts when taken out of her mixed group - 2 geldings, 3 other mares - it doesn't help that one gelding thinks he's a stallion. Don't know whether to put her in an adjacent field with my little ones, yo did this with one of his once and she jumped the fence to be with said gelding, and tore her stifle open. Don't want to risk mine doing something similar (both are tb's!). But am getting sick of her ridiculous tantrums and barging when they are out of sight. Also, none of the others are ridden so she is the only one who is taken out! Jellicle, you have my sympathy.

 

[abb123]

very sweet but also can also be very annoying. I would separate them. my two are very much attached to each other and i make a point of trying to bring them in/put out separately or standing in stable while the other is ridden to try and stop them getting too attached.

 

[Jellicle]

Thanks guys, at least he isn't knocking gates over yet - just whinnying as if he is the only horse left in the world...