buddy sour horses

[mahoneybunny99]

These two horses that we rescued,are totally afraid if one is away from the other.They freak out even if one is out of the stall and the other isnt.I hav ebeen trying to keep one near the barn door and walk with them,but they cant even stand that!I dont want them to hurt themselves but this is a problem that needs attention right now.We have only had them for about a month and i knew nothing about them other than they were once gentle horses.One was a theraputic horse for handicapped children so I know he was trained right at some point.Every day I work with them on something and they are reaaly coming along except I cant work with one without the other tied to a hitching post near the other.Any suggestions?

[bethfornow]

Is there any way to put them is separate pastures but where they can still see each other? Like pastures side by side?

Or maybe put them in stalls beside each other then move them further away as they get used to it???

Sorry I'm not more help.

[mahoneybunny99]

They cant be in the pasture yet....about one more week i think before we can do that...and I only have two stalls....but thanks

[bethfornow]

can they see each other in the stalls??

[mahoneybunny99]

yeah they can see each other...we have started walking away from each other(my brother-in-law and I each take one)while we are hand grazing them...this works for only a few feet away...then they both tense up and "startle" (half a bolt maybe)towards each other....then they calm down again.Its pretty sad actually...if one comes out of their stall and the other isnt RIGHT behind them, they get upset...but we are trying to keep them close to each other until they are more used to people...Any suggestions??

[DixieGirl]

My horses do the same thing when one is alone.

[mahoneybunny99]

What do you do Dixie?We took out the Gelding and the mare went nuts ...she got scratches on both hind legs from kicking and rearing in her stall...but that was the first time out and she hasnt freaked out that bad since

[DixieGirl]

That is what my horse did was she jumped over her stall. But really I don't know what to do. You could get like maybe a goat. Or you could also get like a retired horse probally about 20 years old and put him in there with them so when you take one out the other will still have a horse there. I also was looking in a book and it says that they do this because they feel unprotected because nobody is there with them. Hope that helped. Sorry sooooo long. :)

[Maxers]

Well have you tried walking them side by side in the arena and then eventually walking further and further away. If they start freaking out you can try putting a bridle on them and walking them like that.

[Morgan1002]

put them in ajoining pastures, i you do not have ajoining pastures put them in the stall for several days and take them out periodically and leave them for a little while but position them where they can see and smell one another.

:D :cool:

[mahoneybunny99]

Good thoughts everyone...I will try them all...thanks