I take it this is at a boarding facility and a pasture to herself wouldn't be an option? Wow, I've heard of horse abuse, but this is certainly different...

If there is one thing I've learned in my time with horses it's this: they're gluttons for punishment.

The unhealthy relationship has happened on my turf, too. My mare and gelding have become inseperable. If you try to work with Pistol too far away from Lacy, he'll have a fit, and if you try to work with Lacy too far from Pistol, he'll have an even bigger fit! Funny though, he's the only one truly having the fit... Lacy just gets a little headshaking attitude, but nothing dangerous.

Another thing. A pasture to herself may not be all that bad. All three of my horses actually do MUCH better when they are by themselves. Pistol likes people more, he relaxes more because no one's around to pick on him, and even looks happier and calmer in the eyes. Boo is the same way, but he is already the type to instantly ditch the herd for me. Lacy is OK with the herd, she's in charge, but really, when she's by herself, she couldn't be more peaceful and calm. They all eat slower, lay down and relax more often, are happier to see us, eat healthier, and just seem to be so much more at peace. It's funny how it worked out too, because a horse that actually enjoys being alone is supposedly rare! And no, they're not depressed, they're quite a bit happier. Trainers, farriers, and vets alike were all surprised when they visited the different isolated ones. Boo in particular likes to be alone because he doesn't like his herdmates. He's very pokeymosey and laid back, while they are high strung and always pushy. Maybe that is your mare's problem.

Sorry to ramble about my own, but I'm just assuring you that maybe being by herself would be good for her. It will be tough at first to get her away from Jennings, but she needs to learn that yes she CAN survive when she's more than 10 feet away from him.

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Hide Replies ]