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emily
Junior Member
 England
48 Posts |
 Posted - 28 Oct 2008 : 7:00:20 PM
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Hello All,
Hope someone can help as I really don't know what to do! Right here goes Rysch Has started to behave very neurotically again lately and I have asked lots of people for advice but know one knows what to do.
Rysch seems to have server anxiety when left alone! if I bring him in to his box at about 6.oopm he starts this constant box walking and shifting from foot to foot to foot like an andulician stallion! his tail comes over his back and he starts this constant calling!. He starts box walking then stops looks over this door and goes from foot to foot like a dance its so very odd! he wont let anyone calm him down . He does this constantly till he is dripping wet and you can see the steam coming off him!. The other owners of the two arabs wont bring there horses in till gone 7 and I cant do that as I have other commitments! If I ask them to bring him in its unfair as they have things to do also.
I have left him tonight wet again as I cant keep drying him out for him to get all wet again!
If he is out alone in the field he will fence walk and cut his legs up! nothing will console him unless he is with his friends.
The other two are in together as both bullied him and he was left out so they split him and he is next door.
The two arabs are in the field so he can see them at all time when in which is what people don't understand! why is he doing this?.
One friend said he is shot away and needs constant ACP when in!! I cant cope with this as its making me cry when I leave I know he will be dripping wet!.
One of the other owners puts him out in the morning (without his cream but I cant expect that also) so am is ok but PM is awful. I have suggested me bringing them all in which I have done and , did there beds etc which im happy to do if it means Rysch is happy! but the girls don't want this to be done. I have talked to one of the girls tonight and she said I can see your point but I would rather put my own horse to be ! which is fine but doesn't help me!!Please any advice would be great!!
Thank you all so much.
Emily x
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emmy |
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Timberwolf
Gold Member
England
726 Posts |
Posted - 28 Oct 2008 : 7:13:54 PM
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Hi Emily,
My mare also suffers from severe separation anxiety and there is no solution apart from doing everthing to suit them. They cannot be reasoned with. I have to make sure that she is never alone in the field and always goes in and out with one other. It is the only way to avoid the stress and potential accidents.
Strangely enough she will come in and stand in the yard on her own to be groomed and we can hack out happily on our own.
Hope you can find the answer for your boy.
Jackie. x |
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gossy
Platinum Member
England
3639 Posts |
Posted - 28 Oct 2008 : 7:13:57 PM
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| can you not liase with the others so he is never left alone, i dont agree with a horse on constant acp, some horses just have to be with other horses, or can you afford a little companion for him, in field and stable??? |
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Lindsay
Gold Member
Scotland
944 Posts |
Posted - 28 Oct 2008 : 7:47:13 PM
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jackie my mare is the same. I can take her away from her companion but not the other way around! She hacks out on her own, long reins on her own and will even travel on her own as long as we take her away and she isn't left.
Good luck with your boy Emily. x |
   
Paidir dóibhsean le fiántas ina gcroíthe acu, atá coinnithe i gcaighin |
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Shantu Sequel
Junior Member
England
42 Posts |
Posted - 28 Oct 2008 : 8:10:38 PM
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| HI not sure whether you're in a livery yard or not but would it be possible for someone else to bring him in or, which would probably be better, leave him out with a friend all year round. Maybe even think about getting him a small companion? If he is getting so worked up being in but being out with his friends he is OK I wouldn't ACP I'd just adjust so that he is happy and relaxed. Also, if you kept him out it wouldn't matter too much if you went up at six because he'd be out with his friend all night so it would stop the anxiety. I think if he stays in this current state he will get more and more anxious, so will you! I wish you luck! Just when you think you've sorted everything out...another problem comes along!! X |
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hannah28
Gold Member
England
617 Posts |
Posted - 28 Oct 2008 : 8:18:43 PM
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Hiya Emily
Has your boy always had this separation anxiety or is it just recently? (I think you have said that you have moved yards a little while back?)
If he has been moved to a new yard then he probably has alot to get used to at once, a new environment, a new herd, and with that a new hierarchy, maybe a different yard routine. All of these things can make a horse unsettled and it can take a while for him to settle with such drastic changes going on.
Separation anxiety is not something that you can cure in a day...although I do know that some people have varying degrees of success with different "herbal remedies" added to feed, or as you have tried, ACP...but this should certainly not be given long-term, as has been stated.
If he was mine then I would try to do everything in stages..starting by taking him out of the field (with his pals in there) for a short period of time, keeping him in view of the others, lots of praise when hes quiet and then returning him to his herd. Do this every day, each time going a little bit further before returning him to the field. He will see that going in and out of the field and leaving his mates, nothing bad is happening when hes gone, and gradually it will make his separation much easier for you and him.
It does take a long time, and you do have to persevere, but giving him lots of praise when hes good, and not rewarding when he gets agitated will hopefully work for you.
Let us know how you get on with him, and I hope this might be a workable solution for you.
Han x
Edited for atrocious spelling! |
Edited by - hannah28 on 28 Oct 2008 8:20:24 PM |
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Nicki
Bronze Member
United Kingdom
149 Posts |
Posted - 28 Oct 2008 : 8:19:34 PM
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Poor poor you. I really feel for you. My old mare (23 now) is exactly the same. She goes bonkers if left in the field and flies up and down, getting soaked in sweat and distraught. If left alone in a stable - the same, until she has destroyed the stable and hurt herself (even if she can see the others in the field). But if I bring her in to groom etc, or when I was riding her, to tack up and ride out - absolutely fine. We rode on our own for years. That's ok I guess, because I am with her and she is off to do something.
She broke her leg 2 years ago, and "box rest" after returning from intensive care (4 months) - wasnt working so I made her a small pen at grass on the other side of the road from my main paddocks, only to see a chestnut flying fiend canter (yes canter, broken back leg and all) through the stable yard, past the house, through the orchard, and out to the back paddock. She had Jumped out of her pen, and crossed the road to do this. NEVER again to be left alone. Leg all healed now and mad mare still in charge of the herd (and me).
When I only had 2 horses (pre broken leg) I used to have to ride one lead one, and take her to my friends yard to visit, so I could hack the other horse out, then collect her on the return. (No the broken leg was not caused by seperation anxiety, just a terrible accident)
There seems to be no reasoning with them. BUT whenever she went away, she quickly made new friends so this didnt seem to be exclusive to my horses. But attachment to a or some horses of her choosing.
Good luck - I hope you find a solution that works for you all. I think you really need the yard to help you put Rysch with a friend, whether it's in or out. Could you bring one of the other horses in for them, when you bring Rysch in ?
x |
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phoenixbruka
Gold Member
England
1190 Posts |
Posted - 28 Oct 2008 : 9:18:17 PM
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Oh dear  what a pain foryou to be with people that don't seem willing to help 
I have a yard policy that NO horse is left in the field alone - EVER, I think leaving a herd animal alone is just begging for trouble
If you are on a livery yard, I'd suggest for your horses sanity to move, find a yard with a more consistant routine ?? or a bigger yard where its' less likely he'll be in alone 
Best of luck  |
   
www.liveryatcordwell.co.uk |
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barbara.gregory
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4531 Posts |
Posted - 28 Oct 2008 : 9:38:30 PM
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Try a stable mirror. I have never had this problem but know that they can work wonders for some horses. Mine have all been used to being stabled and don't seem to mind being in on their own if they
have plenty of hay. I give the stallions a haynet outside their stables as well as inside as they love to look out at "their girls" and they munch happily over the stable doors while keepng an eye on everone.
Sultan will only eat the outside hay when the weather is OK but if it is cold, wet and windy he is at the back of the stable with his haynet even though there is a 3' overhang; wimp or what!!!
I would try a stable mirror and hay outside the stable if the yard will allow it to see if will settle him.
Good luck.
Barbara |
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Arachnid
Platinum Member
England
1872 Posts |
Posted - 29 Oct 2008 : 07:45:13 AM
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Yep mine too - but also half the horses on my yard would also go bonkers if brought in alone. My YO has a rule that they all have to be brought in and out together. Could you not ask the other two owners to bring him in for you when they bring theirs in and maybe do it for them at the weekend so they get a lie-in - or work out something else you can do for them in return? They might agree to that..
Julia |
   
West Sussex |
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angelarab
Platinum Member
Wales
2876 Posts |
Posted - 29 Oct 2008 : 08:24:59 AM
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one saving grace of the yard i am on is that we don't leave a horse out on its own, unless the owner lets you know its ok, i am lucky in that my stable neighbour works the same ish hours, so i can bring up at night if first up and she does if she is up.
I really wish the other people would let you help out and understand how you must be feeling, your heart must be breaking at the mo, big hugs to ya and hope you get things sorted soon. |
 "Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened."
www.northwalesarab.co.uk |
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emily
Junior Member
England
48 Posts |
Posted - 29 Oct 2008 : 08:50:03 AM
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Hi all and thankyou,
The problem is that the other mare and gelding are in the field together and they have two different owners. One of the owners workd long hours and said its very bad to get horses in to a routine!! which I feel is very important and think Rysch needs routine! she wont let her horse come in at the same time daily as she said its not good for them to have this routine!. The other owner said she would rather put her own horse in at night the mare so they do things together or alone depends on what the feel is right!.
I have Rysch alone next to the others Rysch was with the gelding but then he kicked Rysch as the other boy he is a rig! and rysch being a wimp wouldnt stand up for himself! I was angry at this as the girls then said they would put the rig and the mare together and leave Rysch alone in the field.
Rysch has no friends now as they are out together so why he gets so silly when they dont even like himI dont know (horses dont think like that lol)
The mare and gelding are lame most of the time due to kicks but thats not my prob now just happy Rysch is not getting kicked!!.
I ahve got Rysch his own in stable entertainment system a radio and carrot mobile!! hand made also lots of hay and I hide carrot bits in his bed!.
The girls dont seem to understand and Rysch is wet till they get the other two in but they dont check him (but I expect they feel its not up to them). I have this big prob as im having to live my life around them and will have to wait till late in the evening to get him in!.
I cant keep him out all the time as the fields are so wet he gets bad mud fever!! also the yard wont let me do this!! its a small livery with only the three horses and 6 boxes.
All this and the fact I have no hacking is getting me down .
Rysch can come in and be brushed and tacked up and taken out ok but will mess around and try and pull away when im doing him, even though he can see the others all the time.
The only time I took him out the traffic was so bad!
Sorry to moan its just im worried he will never get better and how with my money worries etc I feel I couldnt sell him or loan him anyway with is problem!!
x |
emmy |
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Zan
Platinum Member
Scotland
3213 Posts |
Posted - 29 Oct 2008 : 09:29:00 AM
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| From your other post about trying to hack out in traffic it sounds like you have only been there for a short while? It sounds like a change of yard would be the answer to both your problems---most yards would work around a horse having company, and he would be much happier and settled in a routine with friends. If he is repeatedly standing wet with sweat in a stable at this time of year he is going to be ill soon. |
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Pixie
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
6586 Posts |
Posted - 29 Oct 2008 : 09:31:56 AM
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Oh Emily i feel for you.....
This is probably not going to help but if you want my advice i would move yards. Where you are at the moment is just not working for you or Rysch. Sorry if that is not helpful. Having horse(s) is supposed to be enjoyable and fun. Yes sometimes its stressful when they are ill etc but its not supposed to be distressing everyday. Move yards..... |
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Emma B
Silver Member
United Kingdom
412 Posts |
Posted - 29 Oct 2008 : 09:33:33 AM
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| you are not alone my horse hates to be left out on his own - although will come in on his own and ride out / travel quite happily. I think most horses hate to be left in the field alone. I am extremely lucky as my friend brings him in and puts him out during the week and I do hers of a weekend... I do have to agree with everyone else you are probably better looking for another yard... Good Luck |
     
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gossy
Platinum Member
England
3639 Posts |
Posted - 29 Oct 2008 : 11:18:31 AM
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| i to think you should move yards, most horses like to have company whether it is in or next to fields and next to stables, and the owner who says about horses not liking routine and its not good for them, absolute poppycock and thats being polite. if the yard and people will not help you then for the sake of your horses health both mentally and physically like zan has said, move him. |
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sarahjo
Silver Member
England
262 Posts |
Posted - 29 Oct 2008 : 11:41:22 AM
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I agree with the others it definately sounds like this yard is NOT working for you and would move asap.
Maybe look for a yard that is slightly busier - although wouldn't go for a really big yard I as always find with the really big ones, is that people come and go all the time and the horses never have chance to settle. Horses do like routine although I think it's good practice to occasionally do something different (but only gradually)ie left on own for say 10 mins. or not always being the first one to go out for example.
Good luck
Sarah
x
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saraholdershaw@hotmail.com
www.arabianhalternatives.com
Nottingham |
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Suelin
Platinum Member
England
2514 Posts |
Posted - 29 Oct 2008 : 11:51:55 AM
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| I agree with everyone else. Move yards to somewhere more sympathetic to your boys' needs. Horses are hard work without making other problems. Poor chap and poor you what a horrid situation. Hope you get it sorted soon. Whereabouts are you? |
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emily
Junior Member
England
48 Posts |
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gossy
Platinum Member
England
3639 Posts |
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Merlot
Platinum Member
England
3260 Posts |
Posted - 29 Oct 2008 : 12:37:38 PM
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Hi Emily
I live in Tadley, near Newbury and know some of the livery yards on the link that Gossy posted - great link by the way !
I don't have my horses here (they live in Somerset on my friends farm) but did used to have them up here until a couple of years ago. I always had them on part livery, so don't really know any DIY yards if that is what you need but I am happy to ask around for you with the contacts I know. Where are you in Newbury by the way ? How far are you prepared to travel to a yard ?
I can sympathise entirely with you about the separation anxiety as Merlot suffered dreadfully with this when we first got him. He was so insecure, he would fence walk (trot/canter more like), box walk, tap dance at the stable door, you name it, he was like that. I could ride him out on his own OK although he was always tense. I also think it was compounded because he lived with only one other horse and became totally dependent on him. Not a good idea at the time but the only option I had. I would be inclined to look for another yard with a few more horses (and better hacking) and also another vote for a stable mirror if you don't get anything sorted.
Really hope you can find something more suitable for both of you in the near future. Good luck and please feel free to contact me if you like. |
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angel2002
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2502 Posts |
Posted - 29 Oct 2008 : 1:52:03 PM
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Hi Emily,
If I was you I would move to a yard where people actually care about their horses, sounds to me that the other two owners don't care too much for theirs.
Good luck
xx |
Angel
Passion Arabians
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ashabarab
Gold Member
England
1378 Posts |
Posted - 29 Oct 2008 : 4:41:51 PM
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l agree with everyone else
move yards
in fact your yard sounds like a nightmare, the other horse owners have no consideration of you, your horse or even there own horses if they are constantly lame from kicks
dosent sound like your chap is happy there either..acp is not the way to go!
just my opinion
ash |
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Mrs Vlacq
Platinum Member
Wales
3776 Posts |
Posted - 29 Oct 2008 : 6:19:25 PM
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Get him somewhere you can establish a routine so he feels secure - if it means moving to a quieter yard, do it
Also.... STABLE MIRROR! |
    
- V Khazad - V Calacirya & V Sulime - Quarida(L) - V Boogie Knights - V Hamra Tofiq |
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phoenixbruka
Gold Member
England
1190 Posts |
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LYNDILOU
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
13976 Posts |
Posted - 29 Oct 2008 : 9:00:08 PM
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The answer is simple he NEEDS a companion, one who will be with him all the time ( unless you are out riding him ), he is suffering seperation anxiety which is normal for herd animals, that is what they are programmed to be, it is WE !who take their friends ( herd ) from them and expect them to except it. I am constantly amazed that people are surprised when horses disply this behaviour. how would you feel if you were taken from everything you have been brought up to know and understand? and he has the added sense of instinct! ( sorry I dont mean to sound hard ) |
   
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3pm and he's at the gate