OLD FRIENDS

Augie, Eddy and I were out on our daily walk when we happened upon our neighbor. She was riding her older horse, one that I thought had been retired in favor of her new, younger horse.

"Out with the older guy today, huh?" I said.

"I don't have Ben any more. We sent him back to the people we bought him from," she said, a sad look creeping over her face.

"Why?" I asked the obvious question. She went on to describe a thing that is remarkably common in horses and is somewhat common in people. It is called Agoraphobia, specifically with separation anxiety. It is a form of Panic Disorder. Horse people call it "herd-bound" or "barn sour" but let's break it down:

In human therapy, we can ask the person what they feel. They describe palpitations, shortness of breath, feelings of light headedness, sweating and chills or hot flashes. The person can describe fear bordering on terror (panic) and a feeling of being out of control. Why do we think that we can "train" this out of a horse? Most people use the exposure therapy technique- just doing it over and over. Eventually that can work, to a degree. But I don't think it addresses what is going on.

The horse she had came from a fair distance away- about an 8-hour trailer ride. He was a young horse, three years old. He was inexperienced and insecure. When he came to his new home, there was only one other horse there. Because horses are herd animals, their security and safety come from the "herd" even if the herd is only 1 horse. She expected to be able to ride him out on the trails, alone, right away. This violated Sandy's #1 rule: Build rapport/trust with your new animal BEFORE you do anything else. This is true for dogs, cats, horses, you name it.

My sweet little Fjord filly, Bergie (my first ride story to come soon) first lived in an area where she could see the other horses, but was not in with them. I was the one who handled her, gave her treats, brushed her, everything good. We went on long walks together so she could learn to trust ME. Now she spends her days with the other 2 horses, but she knows I am the Herd Master. She respects (not fears) me and knows that I am the source for all things good.

This concept is the "alpha animal" rule. All animals want to be in the good graces of the alpha person/animal. They know their survival depends on trusting this entity. When we finally do go out for a ride on the trails, she will rely completely on me and my judgment. This is the way it should be. Animals in fear are animals who do not trust their person to really be in charge.

I'm sorry about the neighbor and her horse. It must have been scary for both of them. I wish I could have helped, but didn't learn of this until it was too late.
Keep in mind about the symptoms instead of just jumping to the usual diagnoisis. All of you can do this kind of therapy. Give it a try!