Separating 10yr stable mates

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mbkat

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Hi, I need some advise on separating two very bonded horses. H & R have lived together for 11 years. They met when they were 10 and 16 years old. They lived together exclusively for the first 10 years (not in a barn with other horses) so they bonded very strongly. This past year they were moved to a stable with other horses, but still have been stalled together. Honey is now 27 and is being retired to a wonderful ranch and Rascal is staying here at the stable. I'm crushed about them being separated, but I'm sure not as much as they will be. We have been introducing horses to Rascal, but he hasn't been interested while Honey is there.

Can anyone offer advise on:

1. The day Honey leaves. I've heard suggestions on having R out for a ride, or having him here to see her go, I don't know which.

2. After she leaves? I know he will grieve. I just don't know what to expect, or how to respond.

Thanks for any advise.

K
 
Not exactly the same but we had 2 mares together for 20yrs. The older was 9 and the younger 4 when they met. They were stabled next to each other all their lives, kept in a small stable herd of 4, latterly living at home. The younger died aged 24. She had a stroke in the stable, her friend stood next to her for several hours. Then the hunt came out, shot and removed the body all within sight of the older mare.
The older mare lived for another 2/3 yrs, she was miserable for the first couple of weeks, then we got another horse and this seemed to give her something else to think about and cheered her up.
I'm not sure if this answers your questions or will be of any help whatsoever but I hope so.
 
I would separate them now. Keep one horse in one field and the other in a different field so that by the time it comes for Honey to leave they won't be so attached to one another and the grief may be limited dramatically. I would definitely not take Honey away while Rascal is out for a ride.
 
Unfortunately its happening too soon to separate them before (this Thursday). Our stable arrangements are limited. What should I do with Rascal when Honey leaves? Should he see her go?
 
Oh that's a great shame that you don't have more time. This dramatic change in both of their lives could take a toll although it might be easier for Honey being the one who is moving onto pastures new. As Rascal is the one being left behind, then yes I would let him see her leave.
 
Oh hun I feel for you but with lots of love and understanding they will get through this - I would be inclined to let Rascal see her go and then keep the routine the same as it was for him. He will pine he may suffer anxiety as my big lad did earlier this year( got bolshy and worried ) but with firm quiet care he will get through this. Is there another horse you can introduce to him can he see other horses. We had 2 oldies - 34 &35 - on yard who had been together for 30 years when rosie was put to sleep yes rowan pined but came through with the love of her owner and was old age that took him 18 months later so be strong hun and biiiiig hugs to you xxxxx
 
Yes, he is being introduced to other horses now, but is totally ignoring them since he is still with Honey. At least the other horses won't be total strangers to him when she leaves. So, the stable "mom" wants me out on a ride when Honey leaves, but what I'm hearing here is that Rascal should see her go. I think I agree with that. I think he needs to know she has left and isn't just "poof" gone.

This really feels like ripping two souls apart and I hate it!
 
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