I have been have huge issues with my horse she just can't calm down she has moved fields but can still see her friends but just runs around and hasn't eaten her feed for 2 days I just can seam to do anything to calm her down at the mo! She cant do anything at the mo as she just stresses all the time tied up in her stable and in the school and I just want my old mare back had her a year and a half and the past 10months she hasn't been what I brought her as I'm I want to help her get back to how she was I want to know what I done wrong please help!!!
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Hi Lawdyloo,
What you describe is real anxiety, your mare seems to think survival is at stake.
Did you try a Join-up with her yet? I don't know how long it is, since she moved from her original situation, she's in great need of a friend. Is she in company of other horses?
Eventually she'll settle down, give her time and good food and company. She might even need something familiar to smell, like a rug or bucket that reminds her of the old situation.
Hope this helps,
Miriam
Hi Lawdyloo - your mare is extremely stressed with huge anxiety problems of being parted from the other horses. Some horses will be very stressed when they are isolated from their mates but usually settle down after a day or so. This reaction is sometimes typical of horses that have been kept on their own for sometime and then had the joy of the company of other horses and then parted again. They just hate being by themselves so much once they have experienced company. Perhaps your horse is remaining so stressed for so long because she can still see her mates but cannot be with them. Is there anyway that she can be returned to her companions or be put closer to them or be given another companion? That is your immediate problem - isolation anxiety. However you mention that your mare has not really been herself for 10 months. Can you think back to anything that may have happened 10 months ago that could have had a significant impact on your mares personality?? Any accident, change of diet, or anything that could have upset her? As you try to solve your mares problems you may consider using some of the mare calmers that are on the market and that have been recommended on other threads in Forum. If my memory is correct Dennis has mentioned a couple in the past that could help. In the meantime do try to get your mare to accept you as her partner by doing join up with her and giving her as much company as you can. If you can't spend the time with her then you may have to consider getting some companion for her, returning her to her mates or re-locating her so that she can no longer see her mates.
Lawdyloo
The fact that the mare can see her herd mates makes it worse for her. You need to get her to where she cannot see or hear or smell them, otherwise she will continue to try to get back to them. Basically it is like weaning a foal It is very stressful. Also are you leaving the food easily available or does the mare have to go to shelter or some other place. Put her hay on the ground and fluff it up so it is each to get ahold of.
If you can get valerian for her that will help calm her. Valerian is an herb and health food stores should have it Here is the recommend dosage for horses
Suggested Dose
Horses 10 - 20 mL as required
Ponies 5 - 10 mL as required
The dose can be repeated three hourly if needed. Some horses may respond better if given a regular dose each morning and evening
You can rub the liquid on the inside of the ears and on the lips as well. It acts pretty fast and is safe. Chamomile can also be given as a calming agent.
Cheers