Overly clingy horse... Advice please!

[ILikeThemHairy]

There is a bit of a back story so sorry if its long!

2 weeks ago my pony lost his best friend and one of his 2 field mates he was alone in his field that night although seemed fairly settled, and had company after that. He now has a new field mate in addition to the mare who has been there with him for a while and he just seemed to be normal. Slightly less naughty than normal (he was very attached to his best friend and so would be a bit hard work when taking him from the field to ride etc), but still normal and unclingy.

Then tonight I brought him down for a bit of grooming, food and fuss (I havent brought him out of the field since last Sun which is usual) and on taking him back to the field he didnt seem to want to leave me. I stayed by him for ten mins giving him a fuss (he is the least affectionate horse ever and usually shrugs me off or walks away when I try to do this) and then I sat next to him for 20 mins, with him just standing over me. I got up to leave and as I walked towards the gate he neighed at me the way he would if left alone in the field (he wasnt alone, the new pony was there - she has been in the field with him since last Sunday). I shut the gate and took a step towards him and gave me a little excited wicker (he never does this) and so I gave him more fuss for about 10-15 mins over the fence (unheard of if I dont have food!) and just stayed really close to me (nose to nose). This is odd behaviour for my horse so im worried something is up! What do you think? Do you think he is poorly? Missing his friend? I hope he is ok

 

[Exploding Chestnuts]

He is missing his friend.

They must think we humans are very thick,,,,,,,,,,,,, but in all my 50 years with horses only one ever spoke to me.................and that was in desperation ,
but he was perfectly willing to "spill the beans" to a horse whisperer..............
just give him some hugs, tell him you understand.....

 

[Nugget La Poneh]

Sound like he is grieving. Nugz did this when Rosie was pts. Certainly changes the dynamic and Nugz was overly 'clingy' and didn't get back to normal for about 6 months.

 

[ILikeThemHairy]

Aww noo poor Gypsy I kinda expected it last week but it didnt come, although I suppose maybe he thought he was going to come back and only now has realised that he isnt. Poor baby xx

 

[babymare]

Hes grieving. May not be as we do but grieving the change and the loss of a friend. Be paitient with him. try to keep to normal routine to help reassure him. and lots of extra cuddles to.