Separating field companions

[peanut]

I'm planning to separate my horse from her field companion of 18 months who she has got very attached to. I feel really mean doing it, but I think it is kinder in the long run as they wont be together forever so I feel it's better to make the break sooner rather than later.

They've been separated for occasional weeks before and they are fine whilst apart, but go nuts when they see each other again.

How long do you reckon it will take before they can be allowed to see each other hacking etc and not get upset? I want to do this as kindly as possible.

 

[Dressagebabe]

Are you going to give your horse another field companion?

 

[peanut]

I wouldn't leave her alone! I've chosen a very sweet mare for her to share with and her stable companion is in the next field.

 

[Bosworth]

I would just keep hacking out together as normal - seperating them in the field is a great start and that may be enough

 

[Dressagebabe]

I wasn't questioning you! one of my geldings lives totally on his own as he is a complete pain with company and an angel when on his own. Anyway, it shouldn't be a problem for you to hack out with the original companion, horses soon find new friends when others have left the yard. We had similar situation with one of my horses and a livery horse, when the livery horse left (as he was only on loan) my horse found friendship with another then the owner wanted the horse to come back on full livery with me and my horse whom was originally inseperable with him became aggresive towards him for ages and still doesn't tolerate him too much in the field now, 8 months on! So maybe don't leave it too long before you hack together or you might find a change in your Mare's friendship.