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Depression in Horses

Hello!
Hi 
I am looking for advise on a mini Shetland. the owner thinks she may be depressed. I am not sure she is I help to look after her.  She lives in a field with 2 goats 2 donkeys 2 sheep ducks chickens and a pig, she is happy to graze /play with them but she will take her self off to the corner of the field and stand there for a while, she can see other horses from hear. 
To me she seems to be having a sleep if you walk up to her she is interested in what you have or are doing and come for a pet. 
She is about 5 years old 
Any help will be appreciated
Many thanks 
Rebecca   
Miriam (Holland&Germany)
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Hi Rebecca,

It is not uncommon for equines to take a nap during the day... so maybe the Shetty is just resting. 
On the other hand all living creatures need a task in life, so my question is: do you work with her at all? Shetties are small, but can do all sorts of tasks. Have you tried to work with her longlining, doing a trailcourse, walking over and around all sorts of obstacles, etc.
She might 'wake up' with something to do, to keep her mind busy on a task.
Your imagination gets free hand here, I'm sure she'll have fun, and you will too!
Let us know how you're doing,

Miriam
rebeccadonovan2011
Hello!
Hi Miriam, 
Thank you for the reply 
I forgot to add that she does work with children in the week and we are just staring to teach her how to long line, with other fun games. 
I will try and up her work and interaction with the children, she is much more awake at the moment often calling to us if we walk past 

Many thanks 
Rebecca