Stable Training Behaviour
We need to dare to think outside the box when we train with trailers
Line Hummel
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Few horses enjoy being separated from the herd. Fortunately, most can learn to cope with it, knowing they will see each other again. However, there are horses so fearful that they actually suffer from separation anxiety. Dealing with a herd animal, it's not always easy to change this behavior. But with patience and the right understanding, it might be possible. Here are the editorial team's best tips for helping your horse overcome its separation anxiety.
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If you want to teach your horse to be separated from its herd, the way you do it is certainly not trivial. The first step could be something as simple as having it remain calm just outside the paddock, still able to see its friends. Here, you could set up a jump rail or tie the horse to a tree, so you can groom and pamper it. This way, you can gradually remove the horse from the herd.
If the horse starts getting anxious as soon as you pull it away from the others, give it some of its favorite treats. This can divert its attention and associate the situation with something positive. Then, you should only stand with it for a few minutes outside the paddock – while petting and giving treats – and then let it out again. Only when it's completely comfortable being pulled away from its friends should you move on to letting it stand on the other side of the paddock for longer periods.
Once your horse is completely accustomed to this, you can try to bring it into the stable where it can't see the others. Here again, it's important to give plenty of pats and treats, and only keep it away for a very short time – perhaps seconds. Over time, you can try to bring the horse inside for longer periods. If it experiences a setback, it's crucial to listen to it and take a step or two back in the acclimatization process – and this certainly requires patience.
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There's no doubt that when a horse gradually learns to be isolated from its herd, it signifies trust in its human. In other words, your horse believes you will take care of it. But it's also about building confidence and slowly learning that it can manage without its friends occasionally. It becomes more independent.
A good tip is also to return the horse to the spot where you picked it up when you're done. For example, if it was in the paddock when you arrived, it's better to release it back into the paddock to its herd, rather than having the herd come to it, for example, at turnout time. This way, your horse will perceive that the herd seeks it out when it's not there. However, if the horse experiences a completely neutral reaction from the others when released back into the paddock, it will also know that it wasn't a big problem that it was away for a while.
Also, when you ride with others, it can be beneficial for the horse to practice being alone. Horses suffering from separation anxiety will likely struggle with someone leaving the riding arena, riding house, stable, or paddock. Even though it might feel overwhelming as a rider to provoke the horse's anxiety, it may become necessary to build its confidence. Only by practicing all the situations where the horse is separated from its friends can you strengthen its sense of being able to manage on its own momentarily. This creates a mentally strong and trusting horse, knowing it will always return to its beloved herd.
