So i moved my senior horse of somewhere between 20 and 25 to a new self care barn and he had been living at a friends farm for the past 5 months and got overly attached to another older gelding. When he got to the new barn the 2 other horses really intimidated him and I’m worried hes getting really depressed. Hes still eating his grain and hay and drinking but I’m just worried about him because hes got some issues (cushings and arthritic issues and has had some recent muscle wasting) any tips anyone had to boost his spirits ? I am going to be there everyday twice a day .so if anyone has any ideas let me know. I know it takes some time for new adjustments , but I really dont want to take him back to where he was
One of the ways to look after a cushings horse is to make sure they are not bullied by other horses. The less stress the better.
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Hes not necessarily getting the bullied, he just fefinetly feels Intimidated and hasn’t quite adjusted. They all live out 24/7
Could you stable him next to other horses, but not in with them?
That seems to make our own older Cushing’s horse happier than having to live directly with others and their little tussles.
He also gets to eat at his own pace, doesn’t has to worry about musical chairs when eating.
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Three months after I brought the old guy home I bought 16 foot panels and created a safe space for him to eat. He was about 22 and it helped him out by giving him peace and quiet at mealtime. Having a pen or stall is also great for the vet, grooming, etc…
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Sometimes it takes a long time for a horse to adjust to a new environment. I think the older ones are much more sensitive to these things. I also agree with the other posters in that giving him his own area to eat would be helpful in reducing his stress levels and I think it would make him feel more safe.
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When my senior was in pasture board, the stress of the situation with 26 other horses affected him negatively. He returned to me more spooky and stressed. The change itself, if nothing else is stressful and your senior lost a friend as well. Make your time with him count by setting a routine he can rely on: grooming, walking, talking… unless any of those suggestions add stress. Also make sure his diet is adequate for his well-being and his water is clean. My Ol Man loves clean water, he will go over to dirty it first chance 
These will help with the stress of change.
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Has he always lived in a pasture care situation or is this a new type of living arrangement? Moving from a stall board situation to a 24/7 outdoor can be very hard on horses. You also ripped him away from his buddy–very hard on some horses! It takes time for horses to adjust to new barn/horses/situation. Be patient and allow him to find his way as long as he’s safe and eating. Sometimes we smother them and don’t allow horses to be horses. Keep an eye on him, and if he begins to be stressed, be prepared to change his environment.
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For raising his spirits you could try clicker/trick training. When my 27 year old isn’t using his brain he rents to be depressed
I don’t have any tips for the other horses, but until that gets figured out, you could can try and give him a little job again!
