Solving separation distress
Please don’t attempt to deal with separation distress by simply separating your horse from their companions for short periods in the hope you can increase the time apart. Doing this risks your horse injuring themselves or becoming more traumatised by separation.
Separation distress is a complicated behaviour issue that requires a more complex solution. Each situation is unique, so to reduce separation distress, we need to focus on three key areas that work together to increase the horse's capacity to accept short periods of separation. These periods can then be expanded, but safety must always be of primary concern, and training must not make the situation worse or risk the safety of horses or humans.
Please know that you can get back the freedom to enjoy your horses again they can learn to accept separation.
Is separation the right thing for your horse, donkey or mule?
Separation distress is complicated. Your horse's experience of separation distress is unique to them, you and your environment. You may have horses who can't be separated from companions by a gate or fence, while others can't be left alone but can ride out with you. Some are reliant on a particular horse, others on just any horse. Some can't reduce their distress at being separated from a companion, even if you are there with them.
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I use a holistic process that will teach you to think about your situation through your unique animals and their environment. If you have worked with me previously, you may need every element or be more familiar with some parts. Then, depending on the levels of distress your horse experiences, history, environment, and relationship, you will build your path to a calmer, safer future.
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There is no magic bullet, or one size fits all approach. Instead, we must use a holistic approach working on various areas such as trust, patience, shaping correctly, resilience and working with emotions; this way, we can build a comprehensive approach to solving separation distress.
For total transparency and equine welfare, please consider that separating your equines might not be the right or them. Donkeys can develop a potentially fatal condition called hyperlipaemia if separated for longer periods. I would love you to check out the free lesson in the ebook, Just because we can, should we? Then, carefully consider if your animals' lives could be enhanced by reducing separation distress. Are your goals for separation suitable, achievable and practical?
Sam Evans asked a question on Solving Separation Distress | Final thoughts.
Finally got going... and absolutely loved this course...wow so much more than I was expecting - huge thank you ... it has given me so much food for thought, raised my curiosity more and made me question my practice... I've realised my steps had been too big -and at times I wasn't starting small enough... I've started the trust plan with my rescue and loving the journey.. Ben I've loved your style, approach and explanations - they have been clear and simple - and logical - thank you 😊...
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What an absolutely brilliant course, if you have anything to do with equines, why haven't you done this course already, it is an inspirational MUST DO, a totally enjoyable, positive, pro-active, engaging course to build an enhanced equine relationship through building trust, confidence and problem solving - simply brilliant, I can't praise, or recommend it highly enough. Anthony Bolton
Next steps
You can use this website to find the answers to your next steps with me, whether that be to resolve a behaviour issue, learn about behaviour in general or read more or find the shaping plan you need. There are free podcast links on working with behaviour and building relationships on the free resources page to see if I am the trainer for you.
