How to Separate Two Bonded Horses

by joanne
(victoria)

I need to separate 2 horses they have only been together for 4 weeks but have bonded strongly, one is my friends and found her own place closer to her house.
They are both Standardbreds aged 5 geldings.
I don't want to be cruel about it or get them to upset but I am at a loss of what to do so they don't get hurt while doing this,hoping you have a good idea.
Thanks
Don't really know to much about their history for I have only had them 4 weeks
Thanks again,
Jo



Hi Jo,
Unfortunately when two horses bond this closely there is no "Nice" way to rip them apart. It's much like asking a young child to leave all their friends and family to go to a new school far away. It's very emotionally unsetting.

Is the horse left behind going to be alone? If so, honestly I would be getting another horse in there quickly and even before the other one leaves, but if this is not possible then you will have to witness the results.

When it comes time to load the other horse, make sure the trailer can start going right after the horse is on. Don't wait a moment standing around talking to each another. The movement of the trailer will help a bit for the horse to concentrate on something else. Sometimes for loading purposes it helps to lead both horses to the trailer. Once the one who is leaving is one, return the other quickly to a safe strong pen and have the trailer get going. But only do this if you feel you have control of the horse to go back to the paddock.

Preparation (and good experiences) for these horses can help by separating them for very short periods at a time with human contact so they learn to feel safe even when away from another horse. However I don’t know if you have the necessary time frame to do this.

In the end we need to become very aware about a horses natural herd instinct so we can prepare them or avoid putting horses in traumatic experiences.

Elaine Polny