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  Discussion on Separating bonded youngsters
Author Message
Member:
Gillb

Posted on Monday, Nov 1, 2004 - 3:15 am:

I have recently bought a weanling (5 months) and her herd companion, a yearling. They have become quite bonded to one another and I am wondering what is the best way to separate them? Thy currently live out in the field and panic if one is taken away from the other, but I want to be able to handle them independently.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 2, 2004 - 9:13 am:

This would be similar to weaning a foal Gill see Equine Reproduction » The Lactating Mare, Nursing Foal & Weaning » Weaning Foals from Mares for many different thoughts on separating two horses that are closely attached.
DrO
Member:
Gillb

Posted on Friday, Nov 5, 2004 - 7:46 am:

I have read the articles Dr O, but all seem to suggest a clean break. However I'm not in a position to have one completely out of sight and earshot of the other, as they have to share a divided field with three other horses. It is also not possible for me to completely remove one from my yard.

I did try to put my quiet gelding in with them in the hope that if I took one out, the one left behind wouldn't be as stressed - but they ignore him and carry on going round as a twosome!

I only have this one quiet gelding that I can use as a companion, of my other two, one is ill and the other would be too aggressive.

Any further suggestions?
Member:
Goolsby

Posted on Friday, Nov 5, 2004 - 12:24 pm:

Gill
When you seperate one is it put where it can see the other? When I weaned my colt I could not completely seperate them either. I put mom in the paddock and left the colt out with the other mare. For quite awhile the colt and the other mare hung right in the fence close to mom. Eventually he calmed down and gradually he went further and further away from the paddock. I have another colt with him now although they are not best buddies. When I take the mares out I have to distract them with feed until we are out of site or if I must confine one I use electric wire on top of the fence to discourage them from trying to go over or through the paddock fence/gate. Idont know if horses living on pasture in a herd situation ever become comfortable with being seperated.
Colleen
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Nov 7, 2004 - 12:36 pm:

Gill you seem to be asking how do I teach theses horse to be separate without separating them.
DrO
Member:
Gillb

Posted on Sunday, Nov 7, 2004 - 1:46 pm:

Well the only way I can separate them Dr O is by using stables or a fence! But if I stable them it will still mean one or both may panic if I take one of them out and leave the other one in. What I am saying is that I can't have them completely out of earshot of eachother on the yard, and if they are out grazing they will be in sight of one another even if they are separated by a fence.

I'm just trying to find out what is the best way of coping with each pony individually while not having the facilities to totally separate them, as would happen if one was to leave the yard completely.
Member:
Redmare

Posted on Sunday, Nov 7, 2004 - 6:55 pm:

Hi Gill-

I wouldn't worry too much. This is a normal equine behavior, especially since they have recently moved to a new situation. I had a pair like this; they were a draft team and joined at the hip. It took a long time, but eventually I was able to work each independently, even taking one on a trail ride with the other behind at the barn. I suggest taking each out separately and doing a routine -- they are very young so this is probably just grooming, picking feet, feeding, etc. Make it enjoyable for the one who is out. Sometimes take them out together, for a treat, but more often work them separately. Once they become familiar with their new home and used to their routines, they will be more comfortable apart.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 9, 2004 - 7:41 am:

Considering your situation I think Redmare gives good advice. For more on shaping behavior in a positive manner see Training Horses » Training Your Horse's Mind » Modifying a Horses Behavior: Conditioned Responses.
DrO
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