separating horses?

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FAB1

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Just a quick question - Just moved my horse and his companion shetland to new home - never had any trouble taking one out to field etc. before while other waits - but now my big lad starts whinnying and jumping around like crazy when in stable while he waits to be taken out - have tried putting him out first but then does same in the field waiting for the shetland - He was never attached like this in old stables - he's been there 2 weeks now and is completely settled in every other respect - has no problem being tacked up and ridden away or ridden out without shetland just wondered if everyone thinks this is just settling in ? should I spend some time slowly increasing time away from him with shetland? ive been lunging shetland out of sight for 5 mins so he gets used to this - in everyones experience do they settle eventually? thanks
 
I would assume that if they were fine before the move, they are just a bit unsettled in their new surroundings.

Unless you think your horse will do harm to itself, I would continue to separate so it becomes a 'normal' part of their routine again.

As a matter of interest, how come you don't lead them out together?
 
Thanks for reply - I only don't lead them out together because we have to cross a road just outside the house to the field at the moment and my big lad is 3.5years old - at the end of teh road is a main road so i just worry in case one did get loose its not far for them to get into trouble - dont' get me wrong my young lad is perfect to lead and even when i come back to get him hes not actually rushing to get past or out the stable door and will wait for me to put his halter on and will walk calmly when i take him out - I just don't like to lead both in case for some reason something did happen as its only a 30 sec walk to go back and get the other one. Plus the fact i don't want to give him an excuse as such as i believe he can cope without seeing the shetland for a little while and I don't want to pander too much to this because he has to learn in my opinion that hes friend isn't going anywhere he just has to wait hopefully that makes sense lol. thanks
 
Thanks Sidney - just had a little wobble i think - i was just really worried id have a problem on my hands but think ill keep seperating and stick with it for now! thanks
 
Don't worry - he's in a new place and is just clinging on to what's familiar :) The fact that they know each other will mean he'll settle more quickly in the new place.

Just keep to a routine, and see if you can distract him a bit when you take his pal out - maybe throw him a bit of hay, or a few pieces of carrot on the floor for him to find. That way, his pal going out will mean something nice happens, and then he gets to go out too :)
 
Thanks Bb yeah its so silly I know that he'll take time to settle but you know when you see a change in them thats uncharacteristic you get a bit worried lol. Im too soft!

He is so chilled out normally and im glad he has his buddy as you say he has some kind of familiar face with him which is great - Hopefully this is just the settling stage ! - he has really good grass at the moment too which is back firing as i throw him some feed when i take the other one out and he stands there as hes not bothered with his nice full belly of lovely grass lol!

honestly horses who'd have em eh! thanks for the comments though and i will try carrots! as he does love those and grass belly or not he'd stop for a minute or two for them good thinking Bb !!
 
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