Stockyard Horse Discussion Forums - View Single Post - Co-dependent Horses

Trojane · 30-07-2008, 12:06 PM

I've been following MyLittlePony's thread on the problem of a co-dependency. I'd like to hear from others who have had this with their own horse, and how - and if - they overcame it, as now am suffering with my own horse.

Three months ago my gelding (also called Red) was moved from a large herd situation (approx 25) to a new property. At the new place, there are only 2 paddock mates (both mares) who came from the same big herd. One is an older, dominant mare and Red shows little interest there. The other is same age as him (13) and a fairly highly-strung TB. Red has become excessively attached to her.

Before the move he could be taken out of the big paddock and into the barn or arena and worked without a fuss.

Now when I bring him in he is constantly looking for the other mare and it is difficult to spend much time grooming and handling, even with a feed and carrots on offer. He is constantly distracted, watching out for her in the paddock. When she is taken for rides without him, he works himself into a frenzy and bolts about until her return.

I can assume it will take a while to settle in, but on the other hand I believe some horse have stronger herd instincts and it may be tough going. Any comments???

30-07-2008, 12:06 PM	#1 (permalink)
Trojane Advanced Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 637	Co-dependent Horses I've been following MyLittlePony's thread on the problem of a co-dependency. I'd like to hear from others who have had this with their own horse, and how - and if - they overcame it, as now am suffering with my own horse. Three months ago my gelding (also called Red) was moved from a large herd situation (approx 25) to a new property. At the new place, there are only 2 paddock mates (both mares) who came from the same big herd. One is an older, dominant mare and Red shows little interest there. The other is same age as him (13) and a fairly highly-strung TB. Red has become excessively attached to her. Before the move he could be taken out of the big paddock and into the barn or arena and worked without a fuss. Now when I bring him in he is constantly looking for the other mare and it is difficult to spend much time grooming and handling, even with a feed and carrots on offer. He is constantly distracted, watching out for her in the paddock. When she is taken for rides without him, he works himself into a frenzy and bolts about until her return. I can assume it will take a while to settle in, but on the other hand I believe some horse have stronger herd instincts and it may be tough going. Any comments???