We know horses are herd animals and many struggle with separation, however you are: Fed-up of being pulled, walked over, barged into as you horse stresses over coming away from others! We have all been there... losing confidence as you try to manage the horse safely, and keep them willing enough to come in for the vet or farrier? The frustrations of not being able to hack out on your own when you want to, or to bring your horse into the stable and stand quietly? Or having to ensure others are around so you can do want you need to do with your horse? Not enjoying being with your horse, feeling stressed yourself and concerned as to how best to help and support them. At times of change it becomes worse and you know there is no point to get upset. Horses are herd animals and take safety in numbers. If they feel secure, safe and happy then the are less likely to struggle with separation anxiety. So how do you help your horse cope with being away from their friends? At One with the Horse we offer a holistic approach to supporting your horse's wellbeing and happiness. Our Horse Empowerment sessions can help your horse calm their nervous system, lift to a positive emotional state, reducing stress, and bringing relaxation, calm and confidence. Click here to hear a case story - 'Helping P ete with his separation anxiety' Click here for tips on how to support your horse with separation anxiety . Learn more with insights, tips, facts and stories, follow us, click to join us on Facebook or Instagram https://www.facebook.com/onewiththehorseuk https://www.instagram.com/onewiththehorseuk/ Or if you want more help, go ahead and enquire now to discuss in more detail.

Many horses struggle with separation anxiety, some more extreme then others, and it can be difficult to manage. There are ways we can help and support our horses to deal with the overwhelming emotions they may experience. Separation anxiety in horses can be caused by a variety of factors, and it often stems from the strong herd instinct providing safety inherent in these animals. Here are some common reasons for separation anxiety in horses: Social Nature: Horses are herd animals, and their natural instinct is to live in a group. When they are isolated or separated from their companions, they can experience anxiety. Companionship Bonds: Horses form strong bonds with their herd mates. Separation from a close companion, whether it's another horse or even a different species like a donkey, can trigger anxiety. Fear of Predators: In the wild, horses rely on safety in numbers to protect themselves from predators. When isolated, they may feel vulnerable and anxious. Environmental Changes: Moving a horse to a new environment, such as a new stable or pasture, can cause stress and anxiety as they adjust to their surroundings and the absence of familiar companions. Weaning: Foals often experience separation anxiety when weaned from their mothers. The abrupt separation from the mare can be emotionally challenging for both the foal and the dam and can have a lasting impact. Lack of Routine: Horses are creatures of habit, and sudden changes in routine, feeding schedules, or exercise routines can contribute to anxiety. Past Trauma: Horses that have experienced previous traumatic events, such as abuse, grief or accidents during transport, may be more prone to separation anxiety. Health Issues: Pain or discomfort due to underlying health issues can contribute to anxiety when a horse is separated from its herd or usual routine as they feel more vulnerable. Inadequate Socialisation: Horses that have not been properly socialised from a young age may struggle more with separation anxiety. Socialisation helps them develop confidence, adaptability and bonds. Genetic Predisposition: Some horses may have a genetic predisposition to anxiety, making them more susceptible to stress when separated from their companions. One with Animals supports horses who experience separation anxiety through getting to know and understand the individual horse's needs. Providing healing and empowerment through enrichment activities to help them process and shift negative supressed emotions, bringing relaxation, calm, contentment and happiness. Click on the links below to read how 'healing sessions' has helped them with their separation anxiety: Pete's story Cuddy's story Bella's story 

Congratulations on taking the first step toward ensuring your equine companion's overall wellbeing. We understand that your horse's happiness is a top priority, and to assist you on this journey, we present the "Equine Wellbeing Checklist" – a comprehensive guide to assessing and enhancing your horse's physical, emotional, and environmental health. Register below to Download Your Free Equine Wellbeing Checklist! In this exclusive checklist, you'll find: Physical Health Assessment: A detailed checklist to evaluate your horse's physical condition, covering aspects such as body condition score, hoof health, and dental care. Emotional Wellbeing Indicators: Behavioural cues and signs that reflect your horse's emotional state, helping you understand and respond to their feelings. Environmental Considerations: Guidelines for creating a positive and supportive environment, including stable conditions, turnout options, and social interactions. Holistic Care Practices: Practical tips for incorporating holistic care into your routine, ensuring a well-rounded approach to your horse's overall wellness. How to Use the Equine Wellbeing Checklist: Download the Checklist: Register below to get a download your Equine Wellbeing Checklist and save it for future reference. Complete the Assessment: Take the time to carefully assess each section of the checklist based on your horse's current conditions and behaviours. Implement Positive Changes: Utilise the checklist as a guide to make positive changes in your horse's care routine, promoting a happy and healthy lifestyle. Regular Check-Ins: Periodically revisit the checklist to monitor your horse's progress and make adjustments as needed for continued wellbeing. Thank you for prioritising your horse's happiness and health. We hope this Equine Wellbeing Checklist becomes a valuable resource in your journey to fostering a harmonious and fulfilling life for your equine companion. Here's to many joyous moments with your happy and healthy horse!

Introduction: Pete, a horse with an apparent increase in windsucking and extreme separation anxiety, prompted concerns from his owner regarding his overall happiness and well-being. This case story outlines the objectives, process, and positive outcomes of our Healing & Empowerment sessions aimed at addressing Pete's emotional struggles and enhancing his well-being. Objectives: Primary Goal: To improve Pete's overall sense of happiness and well-being. Specific Goals: Reduce separation anxiety. Alleviate his sense of loneliness. Address and release emotional pain from past separation trauma, possibly related to weaning. The process: Consultation → healing sessions → intuitive insight arising through the healing process → feedback and guidance Key findings included: Windsucking increased to ease burning sensation causing stomach discomfort. He was later diagnosed by the Vet as having ulcers. Hunger, at times, was a contributing factor, leading to changes in his management for continuous access to forage. Deep emotional pain and loneliness stemming from past separation trauma, causing guarded behaviour among other horses. Healing & Empowerment Sessions: We initiated Healing & Empowerment sessions to help Pete process and release his emotional pain and improve his behaviour and connection with others. Themes of being emotionally guarded persisted, emphasising the need for a slow and trust-building approach to gently support him on his healing journey. Outcomes: (1 - 10 with 1 being very anxious/lonely and 10 being not anxious/lonely) Pre-Sessions Scoring: Separation Anxiety: 2-3 Loneliness/negative behaviour towards others: 2-3 Post-Sessions Scoring: Significant improvement observed in both categories. Separation Anxiety: 9 Loneliness/negative behaviour towards others: 6 Impact: Pete displayed visible transformation during and after the sessions. Post-sessions, he exhibited peacefulness, quiet confidence, and increased playfulness and curiosity. Notable behavioural changes included: Absence of separation anxiety. Comfort in solo turnout without other horses. Eagerness to interact with peers. Positive environmental factors, including first-class care, 24/7 forage access, and veterinary treatment for ulcers, contributed to Pete's improved happiness and comfort. And of course an owner who listened to him, trusted her gut instincts that things were not right and was committed to do her best for her horse to ensure his happiness! Conclusion: The combined Healing and Empowerment sessions resulted in a remarkable positive shift in Pete's emotional well-being. His newfound peace, confidence, and contentment stand as a testament to the effectiveness of holistic approaches in addressing equine emotional challenges. We look forward to continued collaboration to support Pete's ongoing well-being and to capture his final score on the impact post-sessions on his sense of loneliness and interaction with a group of horses once he has completed rehab and is able to integrate again. Owner testimonial: "I asked Carey to come and see Pete, my horse, whilst he was on box rest and in rehab as he was suffering with separation anxiety and had become very inward. After her visits Pete is a lot happier, the separation anxiety is barely noticeable. He is more relaxed and has started to be more playful and inquisitive and has started to interact with other horses. Carey has a calm and reassuring approach and allows the horse to make its own choice. She listens and this enhances the horses wellbeing which aids healing. Thank you Carey". KL Empowering Equines: At One with Animals, we provide a holistic approach to enhance your horse's wellbeing and happiness. Through healing and empowerment, we give them a voice. If you seek to understand your horse better and support their happiness, book sessions now . Ready for personalised assistance? Book a free consultation to delve into your horse's needs and discuss how we can embark on a journey together.

Box rest, as we know, can be challenging for horses, as they are naturally active animals that thrive on freedom, forage, movement and social interaction. If you notice a change in you horse's mood and behaviours after long periods of stabling. Or are worried about their mindset and falling into a depressive state. We can help... We offer a holistic approach to help your horse’s wellbeing and happiness during box rest. Providing healing and enrichment, helping them to shift their emotional state into a positive one, reducing stress, bringing relaxation and calm, leaving your horse feeling empowered and better able to cope.

Helping a horse on box rest with the psychological wellbeing. Stress and anxiousness to being relaxed and happy.

Meet Bertie, a spirited horse on his fourth week of box rest, feeling a bit down. His owner, concerned about his changing mood, called for help. Here's how we turned things around and brought joy back into Bertie's life. Identifying Stress: Bertie's anxiety was palpable - alert, frantic, and exhibiting cribbing. Unsurprisingly, his history revealed a predisposition to anxiety. Our goal? Reduce anxiety levels both inside and outside the stable. Getting Acquainted: Our horse empowerment sessions provided good enrichment time for Bertie and enabled us to understand him more and to help him calm his nervous system. Initially full of nervous energy, he calmed down and relaxed, allowing us to connect purposefully. In addition to the horse empowerment sessions, short walks were introduced, under veterinary guidance, this revealed some anxiety, especially around farm animals. Adjustments were made to his routine, enriching his stable time, and walks continued as part of his rehabilitation. Better able to cope: By the third session, Bertie was a different horse – relaxed, happy, and coping well. The owner noted significant progress despite four weeks in the stable. Reduced anxiety levels allowed us to build his confidence for the future and enabled him to access ongoing training to support him further. Measuring Success: We track progress with pre- and post-session scores. Bertie's owner saw a remarkable shift: (on a score of 1 - 10 with 1 being very anxious and 10 being not anxious) In the Stable: Pre-session 7, Post-session 10 Out of the Stable: Pre-session 1, Post-session 7 Owner's Testimonial: "After health scares and hospital visits, Bertie was anxious and jittery on box rest. Carey's considered and gentle approach transformed him. Now, he's calm, confident, and even playful. Thank you, Carey, for giving us tools for our rehab journey." - KD Healing & Empowering Horses during box rest: At One with Animals, we provide a holistic approach, to empower your horse, especially during challenging times like box rest, supporting their emotional well-being and happiness. Helping them to be relaxed, happy and contented, and better able to cope.

Whether we are a happy hacker, a competition rider, a professional working with horses or just enjoy our time with our horses as a companion, we want them to be happy :). Happy horses = quality of life = better relationships = better performance! Sometimes things can get in the way of that and have an impact on our horses wellbeing and happiness. A stint of box rest! A negative experience causing fear or worry The unease of a change to a new environment or the a loss of a friend The stress of a new arrival to the group Or just being tired of what they are asked to do! There may be many reasons that effect our horses happiness. Tip - one way to know if your horse is happy is to look to see if their eyes look bright? Do they have that spark in their eye? You know the feeling of when something is ' a little off' with your horse. You have a hunch they are unhappy and you are not sure why? You may have noticed a behaviour, attitude or mood change that is concerning you or just have a little niggling voice that things are not right! It may be that you have had physical checks done so you know there is no pain. You are keen to get to the bottom of your concern... At One with the Horse I offer a holistic approach to supporting your horse's wellbeing and happiness, empowering them through communication and play. Giving them a voice. Click here to hear a case story - helping horses go from unease to happiness Learn more with insights, tips, facts and stories, follow us, click to join us on Facebook or Instagram https://www.facebook.com/onewiththehorseuk https://www.instagram.com/onewiththehorseuk/ Or if you want more help, go ahead and book a discovery call to discuss in more detail. Interesting reading: 13 Signs your horse is happy - https://www.yourhorse.co.uk/horse-care/horse-behaviour/13-signs-your-horse-is-happy/ Investigation into equestrians perception of their horses happiness - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34416986/#:~:text=Happiness%20is%20a%20subjective%20feeling,in%20this%20area%20is%20limited. Understanding the horses happiness as key to quality of life - https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/understanding-horses-happiness-is-key-to-their-quality-of-life-776126