Seperation Anxiety

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Stephl07

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I have a 16.3 7yo TBx Gelding who is very spooky when alone, if a horse leaves the arena while he is in there he will panic, he will not leave horses to go into a dressage arena for example, choosing to run backwards and rear up. When in the stable block alone he will run around screaming (same in field) and when schooling alone he will whinny to see if anything is there (and can be a nightmare out hacking)
Has anyone had any experience of this? What did you do? Need it sorting because he is a nightmare at competitions and even on the yard!
 
My boy Jack hates being alone. Not sorted the problem yet though.
He is not to bad going in the school on his own he will just call then get fed up and work (doesnt spin, nap or anything though). If anything leaves the stables he calls and calls and calls and just keeps turning round in the stable, and this may still happen if there are other horses still in and just one has been taken out. He seems to call a hell of a lot. (Clingy with other horses).

I will be interested to see what info you get and see if this will help Jack.
 
Hi,
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How long have you had him for? Have you moved him recently? He sounds very insecure to me.

I have a mare that used to do this. I spent a lot of time building up a bond with her and working one on one, on our own. I had to really try and keep her attention on me (turns, circles, transitions) to take her mind off the fact that she was alone.

Have you tried a stable mirror to calm him in his box? I have never used one but know of people who have had great success.
 
Sorry, I am another one with same problem - its weird as was going to post about it tonight as is beginning to worry me so apologies for jumping on your band wagon!

Mine is a 12 year old TBx mare. I keep her with one other pony and she goes mad if the other pony is taken out. She even gets anxious if I put a headcollar on the pony. Today my daughter was riding the ponio in the field next to my mare and she was just going ape even though she could see her. I have only had her for 6 weeks and trying to get weight on to her - only for her to burn it all off when she gets worried. She is OK hacking out alone, albeit a bit spooky and neighs a fair bit. I tend to bring my mare into small yard where she can pace but not be too confined and not have the room to charge around like a loony. Other than that, I am trying to work out what to do as well! It seems to be getting worse rather than better...... so please help me as well/ advice anyone!!!!??
 
My mare used to be terrible but as she's got a little older she's gained in confidence. She still hates being in stable on her own but will go in field on her own now if she can see other horses and I can ride her out on her own although she is very tense. I have never had a problem with her moving away from other horses at a competition providing she can still see them. When you think about it, it's normal behaviour for horses afterall, they are pack animals. I would practice at home with other horses and make a BIG fuss of him when he goes forward on his own. Do you think he is doing it through fear or because he can? If you are really struggling maybe ask someone more confident to ride him and see what happens. My girl is never relaxed on her own but the more I do on my own the better she's getting.
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Good luck.
 
I'm also in your club! My gelding goes bonkers if the other horse on the yard is let out into the field first .... infact I have to put mine out FIRST in the morning and bring him in FIRST at night. If his mate is let out before him in the morning, then I am dragged (literally) up to the field gate. I have put a mirror up in his stable, and at first I thought it was beginning to have an effect, but alas, he still turns mad circles in the stable if his friend's not in the stable next door.
My fella has a few issues from his past, and so I made an appointment this morning with a horse behaviourist. He's coming in a week and hopefully he'll be able to advise me on the best course of action!
I'll post the outcome.
 
Well thats the thing, at the competition on Saturday we WERE at home! I was asking him to leave 1 horse and walk about 10m to another horse but he did feel capeable of doing it, his heart was pumping like mad but as soon as I got off and lead him he was fine! But at 16.3 I cant keep doing this!

Its fine the more the merrier lol! Need help, was thinking a herbal calming thing and some 'bobproofing' work to try build his confidence!
 
Hi sorry Arwen, I have had him for 3 months, brought him up to Yorkshire from Berkshire. He can be ok some days but a pig the next!
Naf do something called Easy going "A blend of herbs known for their positive qualities on mood and temperament. To help a nervous or anxious horse feel more able to deal with his environment. Will not sedate. The effects of herbs are cumulative therefore need to be fed daily over a length of time"
http://www.naf-uk.com/easygoing.html
When my friends yard is ready (eventually!) and I move him up there all the stables will have mirrors in so I dont want to go buying him one (and our stable walls are all bars so no where to hang it!).

He is driving me up the wall with it now, we are getting on top of his spooking but the seperation thing and the running backwards is stressing me out! Dont know what to do now!
 
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