2006-11-16 03:01:02 · 18 answers · asked by nickynoodles33 4 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Selling is not an option!!!! - so don't bother suggesting - nor is shooting
2006-11-16 03:09:15 · update #1
We are not on a yard - we have our own farm - The big lad really would injur himself if I just took the other away!!! so that is not an option. Separation is the issue and if you force anything on him, he will just panic more. Gelderlanders are particularly bad as they are in large family groups and they form very strong bonds. We had to stable the old mare last year and we sedated the big lad so we could get her away. He had 10 acp tablets (twice the normal dose) and he still cleared two five bar gates to get to her.
2006-11-16 21:32:02 · update #2
It's pretty normal behaviour. Horses are herd animals. They don't like to be alone. You will need to train them to accept separation. It's a process that will take quite a while and some persistence. Ride the one that doesn't like to be separated. Take him only as far as you can safely manage, and then turn back and ride back to the other horse. Once you get back to the other horse, make the anxious horse do some work (practice sidepasses, or backing, or whatever). Once he calms down and focuses on you, ride away from the other horse. When he gets anxious, ride back and make him work on exercises again.
What you are doing is making the riding away much more relaxing for him than being next to his buddy (where he has to work). It will take time and many, many repetitions. You must also be very strict with yourself. Never ever ride back and just give up. If you are going to give up, do it while you're going AWAY from the buddy horse. Otherwise you teach your horse that going back to his buddy will result in you quitting and an end to both work AND anxiety.
Good luck!
2006-11-16 05:26:57 · answer #1 · answered by irolita 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you have access to very quiet roads, or off road riding, you can ride one and lead the other. Often competition horses are exercised this way, but you can only do this if both horses are sensible - and there is the problem of the two horses becoming dependent on each other and both being difficult to leave.
You could also advertise locally for a competent rider to exercise one of them in return for some practical help with looking after them. I had to do this with a pony I once owned as she was too small for me to ride. The horses can be ridden separately, or go out on a hack together.
If finances, time and livery arrangements allow you could get an older more sensible pony on loan as a companion - that way neither horse will be without company and you would be able to go to shows.
Good luck.
2006-11-16 11:20:09 · answer #2 · answered by debzc 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest either riding one out while leading the other, then switch coming back OR get a goat to leave in the pasture with the one who is having seperation anxiety. Goats are inexpensive to buy and keep, help control weeds, give milk if you get a doe and are used quite frequently as companion animals for horses.
2006-11-16 18:59:02 · answer #3 · answered by seeme1995 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my friend has a horse called Beauty - he is quite old now and she has retired him - her daughter has a horse too - my friend bought a new horse so that she could ride - but had the same problem as you and couldn't leave her other horse on his own - he would get very upset by it all - so she looked around for a pony on a lifetime load - an older pony - and he is now beauty's companion - she does not ride either of them! I believe there is a website that you can look on - search google for it, search horses for sale or horses for loan. My friend can now ride in peace knowing that her beloved old man beauty is happy with Harvey (the new horse!)!!!!
2006-11-16 11:55:54 · answer #4 · answered by Grace - baby No.2 due in October 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it seems he has a dependancy on other horses company.
If at all possible seperate your two horses from each other so he has to get used to spending time by himself - after a few weeks of realising that hes not going to come to any harm being on his own - this should incorporate into his attitude with being ridden alone. I know this may not be easy to do depending on how much room you have - but if at all possible - do it!
If you cant do this - when you try and seperate him from his companion - every step forward he takes - give him praise - if he takes a step back - say nothing at all - if he throws a moodswing - give him a firm sharp smack.
You have to practically retrain this horse into knowing that he can be on his own!!! It will probably be a long journey of training but you will get there eventually! good luck! xx
2006-11-16 11:45:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Agreeing with another answer, if it is financially possible getting another horse will work. I had to do that, My pony would jump the pasture everytime I went to ride buying another horse did work for me she still neighs until we come back but she stays in the pasture. Also ponying is a great idea to if you have an area to do that. Letting the other tag along will keep them both calm although it can be a hasle. Last you might try leaving one in the stall if he/she is not one that will try to tear the barn down. (ive had one of those two)
2006-11-16 13:25:11 · answer #6 · answered by dixiecowgurl85 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This might not be an option for you either, but you could adopt a third horse to be a companion horse for when you want to take one riding. There are quite a few horses available for adoption that would make good companion horses but are unsuitable for riding. Check out www.petfinder.com
Better yet, find a companion who likes to go riding and take both horses. That way you and the horse both have company and both horses get exercised.
Good luck!
2006-11-16 11:14:22 · answer #7 · answered by wyomingJoan 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
its funny cause i just bought a th.bread horse that had the same problem and what i did was take her away from all the other horses and the only person she seen was me for about a week . and i also rode her while she was away from the other horses .this mare is now my best friend and doesnt care to ride by hre self .i hpoe this heips and good luck cowgirl up amanda .ps your horse may be loud and sace alot this is part of it
2006-11-16 11:44:01 · answer #8 · answered by amanda g 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My friend's horse had seperation problems, so she bought her a goat as a companion! it even goes in the stable with her every night! she wouldnt go in at night with out someone in there with her. now she waits to go in. Bud even goes out riding with us down the lane! well funny to see!
getting another animal to keep your horse company, even a sheep or goat will help!
2006-11-16 12:27:27 · answer #9 · answered by Lizzie 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try this link:
http://petcaretips.net/train-horse-separation-anxiety.html
Your horse has separation anxiety, I hope that this helps. You can also seek tips from a horse trainer in your area on how to correct this problem.
2006-11-16 11:10:46 · answer #10 · answered by Astro 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋