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
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
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