Franklin Levinson's
Horse Help Center
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Good friends now separated
Hi, my name is Pam and I have a 25 year old Arabian named Ribbon and a 35 year old Quarter horse mix named Champ. The two horses were together for about 8 years. Three weeks ago I had to put my Quarter horse down because he was in renal failure. The two horses always would walk through the woods to get to the 10 acre pasture together and now I can't get Ribbon to go back to the pasture by himself. I have tried to lead him back and he turns and races back to the barn. Last night I led him back and as soon as I took the lead rope off he did the same thing and had himself worked up and sweating. I was hoping you would have a suggestion for me of how i can get him to comfortable enough to go back to the pasture and graze by himself.
Pam Nevison
Hi Pam,
Horses get habituated to their lives. This means to their environment and their friends. It is disconcerting to say the least when something changes. When a companion is lost and now one individual is alone, it is traumatic. So, Ribbon is now alone and not happy. He is probably grieving for the loss and this is normal. This period can go on for a number of months. Additionally, any horse alone is a sad critter indeed. This is an older horse obviously and the loss is like having a long time spousal relationship end. Depression and sadness prevail. Consider a companion horse. Not a goat or donkey. But another horse, perhaps retired as a companion. Horses really want the company of their own kind. So, this is what I suggest. In the meantime, spend as much time as you can with your horse. This are his hours of need. You won’t be able to fully fill the void. But any extra attention will help. Blessings to you and Ribbon.
Sincerely, Franklin