Severe separation anxiety

[GrecianDawn]

Hi everyone. My 19 year old horse has been semi-retired and he spends most of the time in turn out, grazing. During the last year he has developed severe separation anxiety. Horses have individual paddocks, but they are out together, at the same time. And when some horses go inside, my horse freaks out. He keeps pacing the fence, trotting, cantering along the fence and gets soaked in sweat. Sometimes I cannot catch him. If I do catch him and try to hand graze him, he keeps screaming for other horses. And there are other horses turned out, he is not alone, but he has 2-3 horses that he has his focus on. Those horses are not in paddock next to him, and not stabled next to him, so I don’t know why is he obsessed with them. BO’s solution is to just take him inside, and then he calms down. But it hurts me to see him stabled all day long. I tried to bring him and old gelding that is outside all the time, and they get a long fine, but the moment one of “his” horses goes inside, he acts like gelding does not exist. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know. I’m so frustrated with him, I want him to be happy and enjoy time outside, but this is just getting worse and I cannot ask BO to keep other horses out, just because my is the troubled one.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Individual turnout doesn't work for all horses get him out in a herd or with at least a few other horses.

 

[GrecianDawn]

He can see, touch, and interact with other horses, they are separated by the fence as they have shoes on and most are in training. He is never alone. In order for him to be in a herd, I’d have to move him to another place. Here it takes me 15 minute drive and I se him daily and in the new barn I would see him maybe 2 times a week as it is over and hour drive and then he would be permanently retired to a field only. I thought about it a lot

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

He can see, touch, and interact with other horses, they are separated by the fence as they have shoes on and most are in training. He is never alone. In order for him to be in a herd, I’d have to move him to another place. Here it takes me 15 minute drive and I se him daily and in the new barn I would see him maybe 2 times a week as it is over and hour drive and then he would be permanently retired to a field only. I thought about it a lot

Just touching over a fence is often not enough it's not a natural way for them to live I would consider moving as it will probably just get worse.

If his retired he would probably be happier living out anyway if he can.

 

[GrecianDawn]

Just touching over a fence is often not enough it's not a natural way for them to live I would consider moving as it will probably just get worse.

If his retired he would probably be happier living out anyway if he can.

I know, but I thought I could get 2 more seasons with him as he is fully sound and in a good shape. I’m just financially not able to pay for shows and a trainer and arena right now, that is why he is semi-retired. If it gets worse, I’m unfortunately left with no options..

 

[Arzada]

Sometimes I cannot catch him. If I do catch him and try to hand graze him, he keeps screaming for other horses.

I wouldn't attempt hand grazing while he is so wound up

In order for him to be in a herd, I’d have to move him to another place. Here it takes me 15 minute drive and I se him daily and in the new barn I would see him maybe 2 times a week as it is over and hour drive and then he would be permanently retired to a field only.

Providing the weather is OK all year for a horse to live out (where are you?), that hay is given as needed, that he would be in a herd, that the herd is a settled one with very few comings and goings then I would take this option.

 

[GrecianDawn]

We are in England, and I think he would do well in a herd, but I’m trying to make it work at our current place. Oh and I hand graze him while waiting for other horses to come to the turn out (ones go in, other go out), in hopes that he will be okay, but no

 

[GrecianDawn]

Hey all. I was in a very rough situation, but it is time for an update. As much as this was heartbreaking for me, I had to put him first. I gave him to a friend of a friend, to live out his days in the field with 4 other horses and a donkey. Financially I could not afford to train and compete with him, and although that would change within a year, I couldn’t go trough another day at our barn. He was so anxious and very stressed at times that it was unbearable for both of us. Good days were amazing, but at some points it was so bad that I had to question my sanity. I made a contract. If he’s ever sold or something goes south, he goes back to me. Grass is not the best there, and he sometimes just stands there dozing in the sun, but he is always with the same horses, so he is not panicking. After 13 years together, I miss him terribly, but I hope he will be happier. He deserves it.

 

[Fieldlife]

Hey all. I was in a very rough situation, but it is time for an update. As much as this was heartbreaking for me, I had to put him first. I gave him to a friend of a friend, to live out his days in the field with 4 other horses and a donkey. Financially I could not afford to train and compete with him, and although that would change within a year, I couldn’t go trough another day at our barn. He was so anxious and very stressed at times that it was unbearable for both of us. Good days were amazing, but at some points it was so bad that I had to question my sanity. I made a contract. If he’s ever sold or something goes south, he goes back to me. Grass is not the best there, and he sometimes just stands there dozing in the sun, but he is always with the same horses, so he is not panicking. After 13 years together, I miss him terribly, but I hope he will be happier. He deserves it.

Well done you.

 

[Mrs G]

GrecianDawn, you are to be congratulated- it must have been a very hard decision but you put your horses needs over yours - Im sure he’s very content now and I hope this is some comfort for you.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Hey all. I was in a very rough situation, but it is time for an update. As much as this was heartbreaking for me, I had to put him first. I gave him to a friend of a friend, to live out his days in the field with 4 other horses and a donkey. Financially I could not afford to train and compete with him, and although that would change within a year, I couldn’t go trough another day at our barn. He was so anxious and very stressed at times that it was unbearable for both of us. Good days were amazing, but at some points it was so bad that I had to question my sanity. I made a contract. If he’s ever sold or something goes south, he goes back to me. Grass is not the best there, and he sometimes just stands there dozing in the sun, but he is always with the same horses, so he is not panicking. After 13 years together, I miss him terribly, but I hope he will be happier. He deserves it.

You did the right thing and who knows you can always get him back if need be.

 

[ycbm]

Hey all. I was in a very rough situation, but it is time for an update. As much as this was heartbreaking for me, I had to put him first. I gave him to a friend of a friend, to live out his days in the field with 4 other horses and a donkey. Financially I could not afford to train and compete with him, and although that would change within a year, I couldn’t go trough another day at our barn. He was so anxious and very stressed at times that it was unbearable for both of us. Good days were amazing, but at some points it was so bad that I had to question my sanity. I made a contract. If he’s ever sold or something goes south, he goes back to me. Grass is not the best there, and he sometimes just stands there dozing in the sun, but he is always with the same horses, so he is not panicking. After 13 years together, I miss him terribly, but I hope he will be happier. He deserves it.

That was a great decision, well done.
.

 

[ecb89]

Well done, what you have done is the best for you horse and you should be proud.

Mine is similar, individual turnout does not work for him, even with horses the other side of the fence. I moved recently and he is in a little herd and he is the happiest I’ve seen him for ages.

 

[NR88]

Well done for putting your horse's needs first.

I would urge you to visit, or at least drive by, regularly. There is a long history in here of people having parted with horses, be it gifted or loaned, to friends, and the horses have been passed on or not cared for. There is currently a public outcry over a professional "allegedly" neglecting client's horses.

The fact that your horse is rideable makes them attractive. It is not my business what the arrangement is, but please ensure you have a legally drawn up contract that can be enforced. It is worth the couple of hundred pounds that a solicitor would charge for peace of mind.