What would you do?

[Black_Horse_White]

My friend will be moving to a new yard soon, Her horse is turned out with mine and is in the next stable. There are 2 other horses on the farm in the next paddock, so won't be completely on his own. What i would like to know is the best way to stop him stressing, when they leave. Should i take him out for a ride, or should i let him see them go? I know he will miss him either way, just want to make it easier for my boy.

 

[Booboos]

If you can take him out before they go he won't know they went, but that doesn't sound too practical. I bring all of mine in when one or two are ridden because they are safer in the stable and over time they have learnt to stay calm.

 

[AmyMay]

Can't you just turn him him out as normal?

 

[Black_Horse_White]

I could i suppose. When my friend rides out on her own normally he just stands by the gate until they come back. I only worry about him as he had colic this time last year. And just wondered the best way to not cause him stress.

 

[Lippyx]

You need to make everything as normal as possible!! Horse thrive on routine, so if you start doing something different, he'll stress!!

I know once they are gone, his routine will be out, but its down to you not to make a big deal out of it, and act as if nothing has changed..... he'll still be feed at the same time, turned out at the same time, ridden at the same time etc.

He will get use to being on his own, but be prepared for it to take a while!!

Good Luck!!