I have a small farm and 2 horses. I generally haul out to ride (once I start riding again which I’d like to do soon since my new guy is actually quiet and sound). But, if at all possible, I’d love to avoid taking both horses with me all of the time because it’s not going to be fun or practical. I’m sure my one trainer will let me stuff my gelding in a stall while I ride, but I can’t do that if I want to go on a trail ride.
Chatting with my vet yesterday, they suggested that I start daily legal separation at home. In the beginning, it doesn’t need to be long. One can be in a stall, one can be in the round pen (they can see each other). Then try stall and turn out. Just keep working on it until it becomes something we do. If it’s 15 min, it’s 15 min. Screaming is fine, bodily harm isn’t.
Caveat. My older guy is perfectly fine doing the leaving. As long as he’s the center of attention, he doesn’t care. He just doesn’t like being left. I don’t think the new guy will necessarily care either way. When I picked him up, he was chilling in the barn alone. They’re also not overly fond of each other. They’re fine, but not glued at the hip which may help?
I did the stall/round pen yesterday for an hour while I filled buckets, got dinner ready and they were fine. My older guy was less than pleased (he had hay, other guy had grass), but his theatrics were controlled. But again, they were able to see each other so I don’t think that’s a fair test. Open to all suggestions!
Photo tax of the criminals in question: