Seperation anixety

[ginger_dressage_pony]

So I keep my two horses on a private yard at home, at the moment they are living out together because the 4yo is just starting her education, and the 12yo is on holiday, having finished a busy season of stressage! They are in a field right next to my arena, so I have been taking the 4yo out and working her most days, and she has settled in to that quite happily, the older horse staying in the field where he can see her, now doesn't get stressed or worried because she is in sight, however if I seperate them (out of sight) they both get stressed, in particular the 4yo. I can leave my 12yo shut in a stable on his own, and he isn't too fussed, a bit of shouting when he can hear his companion leaving/returning on the concrete, that's all. However my 4yo is terribly stressy, doesn't even settle real in a stable with my other horse tied outside, they have a grill along the front so can talk) they aren't coming in at night yet, but will be by the weekend when stables are finished. My problem is, if I shut the 4yo in her stable, she will go berserk if my gelding goes out of sight, so hacking isn't possible, which is a shame as it is how I would like to bring him back from his holiday. A companion pony would be my ideal, but isn't possible until I have exhausted all other possibilities! I am going to put an anti weave grill on her stable, with a removable infill, so she cannot physically get out, but do I try gradually increasing the time apart, although she will get stressed after 10 seconds of being without him, or do I shut her in so she cannot escape, and take him away for longer periods, i.e. an hour? Obviously he will always come back, but I'm unsure as to the best way of doing it. She gets herself in such a state, that it's not good me staying with her, with treats or to give her an itch, because she won't settle, or wouldn't this morning when I tried. She's not used to her stable yet, so I'm thinking when they are used to coming in at night etc, and she knows her stable is her 'safe place' maybe then I should start turning the older horse out first, and then coming back for her - so they have a few minutes apart? Am looking into stable mirrors too. I am cautious about ruining the good bond I have with her, she is very trusting of me and I don't want to destroy that as I am not far off sitting on her for the first time.:Any suggestions greatly appreciated, thanks guys!!! 😚

 

[Birker2020]

You need to get a third horse/pony/sheep/goat/companion to keep the one left behind company. Otherwise failing that you need to start separating them for short periods out of sight of each other until you can successfully do this for an hour or so at a time.

You could try leaving a feed or hay for the horse left behind if getting a companion is out of the question.

Obviously any animal you buy will need insurance/farrier/feeding/worming/shelter, etc etc if horse/pony companion, or the last three if non equine so its not a cheap option but if you live at home it won't cost so much.