Separation anxiety

[lei85]

Need some help, so I have had to move my boy from a yard to new place I am renting which is basically a paddock and stables at a private house, now I’ve been there four weeks now first two weeks he was alone no other horses around settled fine but did seem quite lonely so two weeks ago I loaned a lovely little pony for company all has gone well they get on ect BUT I now have a horse with separation anxiety! He hates when he can’t see her and trying to ride can be challenging as he is only probably 50% focused and trying to hack him out is now plain dangerous! Where as before he was a star. I need some tips please as it’s becoming a real pain especially as hunting season is nearly upon us and I can’t see us being able to get out at this rate 😫 he has never been like this before has been in with a mare before and was fine I need to sort this ASAP thanks

 

[Mahoganybay]

Poor boy, you need to give it some time. Read your post back, two weeks alone, two weeks with a new friend, a girlfriend too and you are trying to separate them.

Small steps needed.

 

[lei85]

Yes small steps I agree I’m not trying to separate them for any longer than 5-10 mins at the moment I guess maybe I am asking to much after only two weeks but just would rather start now than have a huge problem later on and not be able to take him out. I don’t want to go back to him being alone as I don’t feels that right for a horse at all but at the same I have my horse to go out and have fun together and feel like this could cause us problems so tips and hearing about people who have done it before would be great.

 

[Theocat]

I would never attempt to keep two horses because this is so likely to happen and a complete menace when it does.

I also agree with you that leaving it will make matters worse - but trying to separate them at the moment will be hell for all concerned.

You will also need to bear in mind that It's unlikely to be a fix-and-it's-done: the hours and effort you will need to put in to getting them used to being apart are quite likely something that you will need to keep on top of in the future.

Can you get another companion, and find a hacking buddy so he has company while you're out, at least to begin with? If you can't get on top of it, you might be best looking at a yard again.

Sorry to be doom and gloom, but I have seen horses with separation anxiety and it's horrid to deal with.

 

[Pinkvboots]

I keep 2 at home and I often have to leave one behind when I ride, I always bring them both in and give them a hay net they call a bit but they don't get upset whereas if I leave one in the field the one left goes nuts galloping about so I never do it.

I would start by bringing them both in everyday for short periods with a hay net then take one away for short periods and making it longer each time, so your horse gets used to the routine of coming in and either being left alone for a bit and also being taken away alone, I think by having him on his own there initially has made him a bit panicky now he has a friend his worried he will be left alone again so you have to restore his confidence and make him learn he will not be left alone for very long.

I also had a mare that had terrible separation anxiety and I managed her here for 3 years with one other horse and with consistent bringing in and being left she got much better so it can work.

 

[lei85]

Unfortunately getting another isn’t an option as there isn’t enough space, same as moving at the moment isn’t an option either as tying to find grass livery seems to be impossible and he hates the stable will injure himself so my only option is to stay where I am. I am happy to put in time to sort the problem and repetition ect I just want him to learn they will always go back together after working. He has always looked at me as his leader and trusted me ect well so I thought until little missy came along. I have know people I’m the past to have two and no problems when out at competitions ect so I’m looking at it as it can be some with some hard work that I am more than willing to put in I just want him to be happy to come out with me again but don’t want him alone again either for my own selfish reasons.

 

[lei85]

Pinkvboots thanks that gives me some hope I have been trying that last few days she comes out by stables for a groom and a fuss by homeowner and her daughters while he is left in the paddock while I’m poo picking or something he gets a little stressy at first but quickly calms down as we still have her in sight and only about 4 meters away so I thought starting there would be a good idea and slowly start to move her round the corner just out of sight only for 5 mins if that

 

[Mahoganybay]

Apologies, the rest of my post didn’t save for some reason. Nothing worse that some one having an opinion but not offering any help or advise.

So... small steps needed, start slowly and for short periods of time. Alternate who is taken away, leave other horse with a big feed / hay ball etc, keep them occupied (so hopefully no calling for the other horse). And keep the horse take occupied too, ground work, proper schooling session.

Build up the time. May or may not work, separation anxiety is hard work, but only time and effort will tell if they accept it.

Other than that, another animal or some description, sheep, goat?

 

[lei85]

Well we had a good day today I decided to ride in the field with pony loose and she keep cutting us up and bombing round BUT my boy was fab completely listened to me pretty much ignored what she was doing so I was happy with that, then I decided to take him round the corner to untack so they where out of sight for a couple of mins max, no problems, then brought her out next to him both had a groom and a fuss then put him out first very shortly followed by her again no problems. So for me it was a little success today and even tho they where only out of sight of each other for 2-3 mins I’m still really happy with that and will continue with those times for a while maybe building up one minute at a time.