WEAVING PLEASE HELP

[Walder]

i have discovered yet another problem with new pony - she weaves!!! - Another livery told me that when they put their horses out this morning she went mad and weaved like crazy (she wasnt left alone there was another mare still in) when i bought her in tonight she weaved only stopped as the comings and goings died down - have informed the seller (she is on months trial) - can anyone advise if this could be just because she is unsettled with the move or 'once a weaver always a weaver' ??? owner has said 'she has never done this before - ia m inclined to believe her, but the yard they are on is very quiet and she was never the alsat to go out or first to come in - also lived out alll summer.

 

[Natalie_H]

My Mum's horse used to weave a lot when we got him. He would do it if separated from the other horses, or in the stable, or if at the gate waiting for feed. He rarely does it now, but is turned out all year round, and is only ever in the stable if required by vets for any reason. I have no doubt that if he is put in a stressful situation, it will occur, but now he is settled, and we have tailored his living situation to suit him, he is much happier.

 

[eventing_chick]

TBH i'd Send it back!
You'll be stuck with it, people won't buy weavers
Alternatly make a low offer for it , get a weave grille and live with it.
I own a weaver but i could't care less as its not severe and she'll stay all her days with us.

 

[Ferdinase514]

Finni never used to weave but started last winter (he's 17) when he was stabled for long periods. He now only does it occasionally when he wants to go out.

Is the horse everything you want otherwise? Do you plan to sell it on in the future?

Personally, a bit of weaving doesn't bother me really.

 

[paulo]

I recently moved my mare which I have had for 11 years. She has never box walked, however at new yard she has started doing it for first time in her life at age of 15. I think these type of things are generally triggered by stress. Hopefully it will be the same with yours and as she settles she will stop, when she does this do not give her any attention simply ignore her.

 

[Walder]

thanks everyone - i have now had 2 full days of absolute stress! have spoken to my freind who has said it should settle as soon as she does - but i am seriously thinking of getting a stable mirror as i have heard they help with stress in the stable (perhaps i could benefit from one!!!!!) does any one know where i can get a cheap one please x

 

[paulo]

I wouldnt bother with the stable mirror at the moment give it a couple of weeks, try bringing her in every day for a short spell, groom her and try to get her used to being in alone. If she does weave just ignore her. And dont get stressed by other people or let them stand and watch her this will only make her think there is something to stress about!

 

[wonkey_donkey]

Once a weaver always a weaver even if it's only a mild case. I would be very surprised if the pony had only just started doing it with you ... i think the owner is likely to be telling you porkies or they don't know the pony at all well!!
It is very common for weavers to start after being at a new yard for a couple of days as they have usually started to feel at home by then.
It wouldnt put me off buying if I loved the pony but the price would have to be right ie cheap . Good luck with your decision.

 

[Skhosu]

It will always weave, without fail but I have a v. mild weaver, he just does it when he wants attention/feed. Doesn't affect him but he is a stressy type naturally. I would not be totally put off buying, but a little bit.

 

[Tinypony]

I would get a stable mirror. They are really cheap on EBay, and why not give her the best chance of settling in and being happy? In a way once a weaver always a weaver is true, because weaving and other stereotypical behaviours trigger and endorphin rush, and the horses get used to that feeling. But on the other hand, it may be that you will only see the behaviour in certain stressed circumstances. This mare has had a move, she is in a strange place, she might not like the extra activity, she might feel too close to the horses next door, she might be getting less turnout than she's used to, she might always have been turned out first at her last home... If you can I would move her to a part of the yard where there is as little footfall past her door as possible. I would get her a stable mirror. I wouldn't get a grill (because that addresses the symptom, not the cause, and the behaviour may just displace). If it's no bother to anyone, and the mirror didn't solve her stress, I might even see if she could go out first. But that would be a last resort, in case on the odd day she can't.
Most of all I'd try to avoid her seeing either me or anyone else getting stressed about it. Because horses are so sensitive to moods, you will sort of confirm her fears.
If you plan selling her on and the affect on her future value bothers you then maybe you should send her back, because weaving has to be notified to future buyers. If you like her and want to keep her then it might be worth trying to help her.
If you're into slightly alternative things, try buying some Bach remedies - Walnut and Star of Bethlehem, and give her about 4 drops of each in every feed. Valerian 30 homeopathic tablets can be good as well. Just one in each feed, don't touch them by hand, and don't increase the "dose".