#192- Attempt to Fix Horse Separation Anxiety - Part 1

Today was my first attempt at addressing Teddy and Gran's issues about being away from each other. This is stage one of what I'm sure is going to be a lengthy process.

I began by tying them within a few feet of each other while I brushed them etc. They are used to this proximity so they were very comfortable. When I was done I moved them a greater distance apart where they could still see one another very easily but it was a clear and noticeable distance (see photo below). They were just on either side of the cow crush. 

To my surprise Teddy called out. At this point it crossed my mind that none of the stuff I had read had mentioned whether I was to reassure the horse while it was getting anxious or not. I decided that as I view them like they are my kids that I wouldn't. I was affectionate and encouraging before and after but not during the anxious moments as it felt like I'd be coddling them and I didn't want to encourage the unwanted behaviour.

Gran responded by pacing a little, then they both settled down. I went away for about 15 minutes and hung some washing etc. From the clothes line I could see both of them and they were quite at ease within minutes.

I returned and then moved then again. This time I took Teddy to about midway around the front paddock and tied him there and I took Gran in the other direction and tied her to a post outside the veggie patch area. I chose these locations as it would seem like they were separated by quite a distance but in reality, if they looked through the trees, they could see each other.

Teddy pitched a fit the moment Gran was out of eye sight and Gran paced about a bit. After a few minutes, although you could see Teddy was anxious he was behaving pretty well, just calling out for Gran. Gran responded only once. I went and did some more chores and left them for about another 15 or 20 minutes. I'd say that minutes 5 to 10 had Teddy calling out every 30 seconds or so then it slowly tapered off. I'd peek to see all was fine and they were both standing there completely ok, then in the last 5 minute they were quiet, no neighs, no anything - just standing.



I collected Teddy first and he was fine, I took him back to the crush to rug him and he was ideal. Gran was watching us and started pawing at the ground but I took my time and then when I was done with Teddy I got Gran.

All in all I think this first time went better than I expected. I was thinking broken halters or lead ropes and tantrums but as you will see from the videos it was pretty tame. I'll do this regularly and hopefully they will become accustom to the time they are apart. then I will increase the times. This is the theory anyway. I''ll give it a good go but if anyone out there has used this technique and has any advise I'd like to hear it.