Anxious Horse

by Linda
(uk)

My 12 year old gelding has started to be severely anxious.

This lovely Warmblood lost his dam in June, he has since had 2 new field companions. However if one of them leaves, however briefly, he becomes increasingly vocal, running madly, rolling and rearing all around the boundaries. Previously , as long as there was a field companion he was reasonably happy.

I have tried to desensitize him gradually, but his behavior fluctuates wildly. We also practice some natural horsemanship, plenty of yielding and obedience, 7 games, one rein stop at which he is an enjoyable relaxed companion.

Having re-backed him from a 2 year injury, he is displaying reluctance to move away from the herd and being nappy and resentful (it seems!!) to be asked the question " Please can you move on".


Answer:

I would like to have a lot more information and specifics regarding your situation. Yet certainly you are dealing with Separation Anxiety along with the changes in his health and environment causing different behavior.

It only makes sense to a horse that being alone is very frightening and for some can feel like a death sentence. They are a herd animal that requires and understands there is only safety amongst a herd even if it is only one other horse. Only when we can prove to our horse we possess the leadership required to lead in all situations can a horse willfully leave other horses and follow us. We do need to recognize they are also innate followers too.


Our ebook called The Secret Lives of Horses will offer you further information on all of this and more.

What we do with our horses (i.e playing the 7 games) has little bearing on how it affects their lives with their own kind in the field. These are two separate subjects for a horse. A horse spends a lot more time with his herd mates than he does with us. Think about a 24 hour period, how much time do we spend with them? Maybe a hour or two? That leaves 22 hours with others.

A 2 year injury is a very long time for recovery and I trust that you feel he is 100% sound again. No matter if we were a horse or a human some injuries we never really recover from. Thus we cannot do the same things as we once were able to without causing pain. Please be sure you have removed all painful stimuli like bits, treed saddles, shoes etc.

When horses become resentful, nappy or unfocused it’s time for us to reevaluate our approach. You and your horse are perfect candidates to start utilizing Clicker Training. It removes resentfulness and puts back in some fun and creates strong bonding relationships.

Our Clicker Training Guide will help you get started. Don’t be afraid to try something new! I guarantee you and your horse will be happy you did!

Elaine