An Exercise to Help Relieve Separation Anxiety

[@ajlived6034]

I thought it was so interesting that you didn’t automatically touch her and pet her like most of us would do when she came over. The idea of sharing personal space without moving into hers was really cool. It seems to invite her in rather than grasping at friendship. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@marysinclair897]

I thought the same thing.

[@Ironsmithfarm]

Speaking fluent Equus with no Regional accent.

[@melodyblanchard2017]

this is like suggesting rather than forcing or expectation

[@phoenixx6380]

Thanks Warwick, that was beautiful. I've been doing a lot of connecting with my mare (16.2 OTT thoroughbred) on the ground as you say to do. Walking around with her, matching steps, and playing what I call The Easter Egg game. When we've finished riding she has her small feed, and then together we go looking around the riding school for extra feed - feed other horses have left, bits of hay, licking feed bins, long grass, whatever she likes. I used to have her on the lead and just follow her along as she hunts but now we have no lead and we alternate with who-finds-what. When she sees something, I follow her to have a look next to her and wait for her to eat it, and when I see something (hay or a handful of feed or carrot I've hidden in the grass), I get her attention and point at it, and she follows me. Its made a difference to our relationship on the ground and when riding, and shes more attentive, relaxed, and happy. The other riders probably think I'm nuts. Everyone else just rides and gets on with it, but like you, I want more than that. I want her to be happy, to be relaxed, to listen to me, and to TRY to do what I'm asking of her in the arena (we do dressage). I pay attention to her moods and keep sessions short (10 or 15 mins is fine to understand a concept). We make slow progress but its GOOD progress, and we'll get there in the end. Thank you for all your videos and knowledge, Warwick. Its made a huge difference. You're the best in the world at understanding and connecting with horses in their language. 😊

[@terryst9835]

Good for you for keeping your relationship with her a priority! And don't worry about what the other riders think; your mares opinion of you is MUCH more important! :)

[@randomvielleuse527]

I love this so much. What a lucky horse to have you as her companion!

[@WarwickSchiller]

Awesome stuff!

[@comesahorseman]

Focus on your horse and keep to *their* schedule; when they're ready for a change, you'll see it. Focus!

[@ndopfi-ne8vn]

Beyond words! Das Wesen/die Essenz der Dinge. Großartig 🙏🏻 Mr. Schiller🌹

[@michaelschulze6545]

That is interesting, deep stuff you don't learn in a riding lesson. What it boils down to: you have a plan and a lot of patience.

[@myhillslife27]

Yes

[@FITHERTRAINING]

This is horsemanship...the art of communication.

[@susanboyd3354]

I accidentally did this when I was a beginning horsewoman because I was so happy to have my first horse I would just hang out with my horse more. Everyone would comment on how well the bond was between us but I never realized how I was making it happen so it was a little hit and miss with different horses. Now, forty years later, I will be able to use it much more effectively thanks to your videos! Thank you so much, Warwick!

[@1jazzyphae]

Omg same lol I think some people naturally speak the animal language. It's such a beautiful experience

[@ninabasta5111]

Warwick, just wanted to thank you because of your connection videos. A mare that is not even mine and is 10 years old started connecting with me. Took us 8 sessions of 40 minutes and not every day of consistence. Yesterday she started pooping casually. Never seen her do so before in the pasture. Now I remember you told that the mustang did a similar thing and that it meant he was relaxed with you. It could of just been that she marked her territory for the other horse that was around but then she came to me for the first time and stayed! Then she let me touch her even though other horses went away. It's a big thing for me, because for ten years she only did races and associated humans with work.

[@randomvielleuse527]

That must have been a wonderful moment for both of you.

[@suzithewitch]

I love how you help horses meditate. "Be here now". Thank you!

[@scottc3165]

I'm dealing with kind of the same thing, but in the saddle. From the saddle I've been doing basically the same thing you are doing here to get my geldings attention back to me. However, the subtlety you show here is much greater than what I have been accepting from my horse. I see now that the slightest answer from the horse is the most effective time for release. You just taught me a bunch right here - so thanks! An ear flick - I never would have considered that an answer before. But if a horse is that subtle, then I sure better be too.

[@WarwickSchiller]

An ear flick under saddle works wonders

[@ast5515]

I'm guilty of that too. Never considered an ear flick to be enough. But hey, that's we're here, watching these videos. Making mistakes is fine, you just have to learn from them.

[@KaityWebster]

Attempting this with my 3 year old. She hasn’t been worked with in a couple months so she’s grown really comfy with lazy life with her buddies.

[@CarriePalmer-xb2ie]

My mare does this, too but does a head toss... glad to see these things visually and that I am not alone in my challenges.

[@kimbeyeler6173]

I had great success with your connection advice on an old horse who was born crippled. She could be caught and handled in a small pen, but no one could get near her in the field. I mimicked her for an hour and a half and was able to rub her. Amazing! Thank you for sharing your great talents.

[@marissaolson1121]

Today I brought home a new horse and of course they were both excited and yelling at each other from across the lot. Along with their excitement to see one another, both horses were running around their pen completely besides themselves and full of anxiety. I decided to give this a try and within 15 minutes my gelding went from throwing himself against the round pen panels to laying down in front of me. After he laid down he gave a big lick and chew followed by a yawn. I wish I had a video of it happening. He has never laid down since I have owned him... It really is an amazing and rewarding feeling to bring this much relief to my gelding. Thank you for sharing these videos.

[@isabellamalfo4707]

Summer 2019 I rescued a little Arabian mare with separation anxiety. I did not know what to do with her, so I settled just to give her time with my other horses until I I found a good way to help her. Everything I found before I found this video was too forceful for her sensitive soul. A year after getting her I am finally able to help her changer her mindset, and help her think! Your videos are amazing! #magicinthewaiting ##journeyon20

[@idabrinck-lund9744]

After following you for years, All my horsepeople and I quoting you weekly, this video made me want to support your work, without even needing it because you provide so much value for free. But your open sharing in your transformation is alligned with how we think and we just want you to continue exploring forever, knowing that you have a strong following group in Denmark. Thank you warwick. Really. Dont have telescope thing in denmark so have been outting underoants onto whips or socks. Last week a horse that freezes had such a breakthrough with a sock that I wanted ti write to you. Then you posted this video. Or.. it came in my feed, and I have seen EVERY video you make. and I just thought Dang. i found a copy version of a telescope and will make my own flag from my sailboat. And now I havebought your video subscription and I shall try this with my horse who struggles with a jaw thing that could be a sterotypic behaviour despite me still thinking it probably is physical. But here is the oddest thing. Am beginning to repair issues with my issues through this work, which is quite chocking to me. All in all. This is transformational. Warwick. It is GOOD work and changing growth opportunities for people. Thats something to be proud of. Thankyou! Best Ida, the Dane with a spotty knapstrubber and a gang of horseypeople and a flock os seven horses

[@okhorse6461]

Thank you so much , I have been working with this new 10 yo Andalusian-QH cross since I rescue her a year ago. Same behaviour, fence walker, big separation anxiety. Any place I would put her, she would get in that state of mind and starts the ¨zombie walk¨, even if an other horse would be with her and even tied up in a standing stall with hay and next to an other horse ( she would walk a few steps forward and backward, none stop) . Now after one year, working on mind exercises, little by little, i got her to relaxe and focus more on me. she is not cure of her behaviour but at least, yesterday i was able to tack her pasture body , go for a ride and leave her alone for 45 min in the pasture. She could see other horses from her pasture. I came back from the trail expecting her to be all sweaty but no, to my surprise, she was just eating grass.No sweat. That was a big step for both of us.

[@tinoyb9294]

It's so nice to watch videos of great trainers. You can always see how much they love horses.

[@MrRexeasley]

I really like your thought process. Great to see you sort this out. Solid Horsemanship

[@rochellegrey905]

I am so glad I found this video. This is my new 2 year old all over - has lived most of her life in a stable, walks the fence endlessly if separated from her friends. I love this empathetic approach to helping a horse reconnect themselves ❤

[@JRLHUG]

Hi Rochelle, how have you got on? Have you tried this yet? 🙏

[@littlebrookreader949]

👍. Separation anxiety Help! Refocus attention! 👍. I watch even though I don’t have horses. I love it. Blessings and love to you from America. ❤️ Be safe and well. Live free.

[@avaschanzenbach3865]

i have a horse EXACTLY like this. he’s fine when he’s with me but as soon as i lead away his friend he freaks out and screams and does this pacing thing. i’ve tried everything but hopefully this exercise works!

[@sarahwhitman1026]

Any update??

[@timeenuf4200]

Great lesson in sometimes less is more. Patience and observation are key. Thank you again.

[@RickyJr46]

Yesterday was the first time I ever entered a pasture, and it was to clean the rescue mare's stock tank. Scarlett was an absolute joy to be in there with, she came and went freely then ended up watching me pressure wash her tank from barely a foot away. She was so peaceful and curious, it made the drudgery into something quite delightful. Scarlett even let me know when I was done, by nudging the tank back down towards level. She was telling me it was time for a sip. What a smart creature!

[@pathtopassiveprosperity4433]

I've not had the privilege of watching your work (have heard your name mentioned a couple of times) and thanks to COVID19 where I am allowing myself a few more moments of stopping when something looks interesting. My sincere thanks for the wonderful demonstration, brought tears to my eyes when she rolled, although I was a little concerned initially about the direct intervention to the "zombie" behaviour (perhaps influenced by my reaction to prior video from another Aussie who was quite aggressive towards a fearful horse in a round yard). Your demonstration, lightning quick response to reading her and the genuine respect you showed this clearly troubled mare has filled my heart with optimism. Thank you for making my day and I see I have more viewing ahead. 💕🐎

[@Sara-he4dn]

Holy cow! Just left my mare who has started to do just this! She's just settling into a new barn, has a new paddock mate, etc. She has NO problem leaving and being away from the paddock, even with her paddock mate calling to her. But if I put her back in and her friend is out, she loses her mind! Running up and down the fence line, squealing. Stinks to see her that worked up and inconsolable. 😖

[@MsDormy]

I love that attention to detail - the ear-flick- ‘that’s it right there’ so you immediately take off the ‘pressure’ - I’m thinking that that instant response is a key factor. Bad luck for me, as I can be a bumbling fool! But hopefully getting better!

[@rosalindpaterson2043]

Service to humanity; I m inspired; thank you:)

[@andreamuhlbach9971]

#journeyon20 . Eventough this is a newer video (I have been following Warwick for over 3 years) this has helped me ammensly with my two horses. The way he explains the why and the how in all of his videos really make the difference to other trainers out there. His openness to new ways of communicating (training) with our 🐎 partners is refreshing and commendable. Thank you for being honest and open.

[@adagontier3782]

Wow, this was really impressive, Warwick!!! You've acted as a horse psychologist, amazing progress...! I'm into "transition" of "liberty training" and I want to do sth without using so much pressure and the whip, I find difficulties finding a new method/solution, wanting to be more with connection. I mean exercises like "whip lielding", circles... Thank you for making me not giving up!

[@justtanartist2257]

we've got a three year old Mare that we only just halter broke, and if I hadn't have watched your videos and had known to step back when she showed that she was stressed out and match her steps I don't think we would have been able to catch her when she was in the wrong pasture Edit: I think she's an Arab but I'm not sure I'll have to ask my mum later

[@amandausher2874]

This has helped my mare that came to me after severe trauma actually "see"me and totally changed how we interact. Thanks Warwick. #journeyon20

[@skyrocketcoast219]

Absolutely spot on! Got a bratty/ pushy mare 6 years agi: hung out with her for days to weeks & helped her immensely. What I did was like that 9 year girl technique that you talked about years ago.

[@louisecassidy5991]

Terrific exercise well demonstrated. I feel that "separation anxiety" and "barn sour" are both symptoms of a deeper issue, usually to do with the rider/carer. With confidence in their human, they can relax. One mare here screams and fights and carries on when she gets separated out working cattle and the other horses get out of sight, or away on the other side of the cattle, fusses and carries on. I think she's screaming for help! When the job is done and they're wandering home together, all is calm, just how she wants it. Walking along with her mates is her only idea of calm. With me she is mostly calm, the boss uses rings, I don't. I give her an chance, show that I trust her and can be trusted. I refuse to fight. I vehemently hate rings (running martingale) which are only ever a compensation for bad hands, but they make a horse pull. Great video Warwick, thanks. Greetings from Australia. Stay safe.

[@pattirockgarden4423]

Carolyn Resnick did this same method back some 10+ years ago. Thanks for bringing it back, & making it your own! Great!

[@emerwatchorn6971]

Great video. Thanks Warwich

[@katemcgauly3920]

I have a mare that has a lot of anxiety. She has gotten a lot better, but it still pops up. I got her late in her life and I’m not sure what she has been through. I’ve owned her for about 2 years now and I started rewarding when she acknowledged me. I noticed she started laying down. She hasn’t done this in the 2 years I’ve owned her. Long story short she let me sit with her in her stall while she laid down. Eventually she laid flat and dreamed pretty heavily. She rolled back up on her side after 7-10 min and and rested her head on my leg. Absolutely thrilled with the dramatic change in her. Thankyou Mr Schiller for your videos. I want to be a trainer and implement what you teach. I’m praying I get to audit your clinic in Texas this year!

[@WarwickSchiller]

Great work Kate.

[@Originaljelly77]

I love this video, so special and one I will remember ❤

[@Originaljelly77]

Watching it again coz I forgot lol ❤😂

[@Ullabrittnielsen]

I love, love, love your calm. 🙏🤠

[@emmanuelcambier4578]

A real Horse Doctor !!

[@meganpahl3612]

I have a VERY similar situation and I would greatly appreciate your response here. I have a mare who is incredibly smart as well as gentle BUT, she refuses to lead away from the other horses. She will lead anywhere and once finally in the pen with me, is calm and focused and receptive to training. Here in Idaho, we have had some bad weather so there was a few weeks in which I did not take her to the round pen(where she cannot see the other horses) so now when I took her, she had an all out fit! Snorting, whipping her head, pacing a groove into the ground ect. Like I said before, this is usually NOT the problem once we are in the pen. I am scared she will see her one on one time as a negative experience if I continue to make her go but on the other hand, I have to maintain my lead mare status and have her respectfully obey me. I want to maintain the close bond we have and watch it grow even more. We love her like one of this kids really. Is there anything I can do (other than short walks a bit further each day-i've tried) that will help her both with the anxiety and following my lead?>

[@kathykellison4421]

I have finally started climbing into this project with my 14 y.o. OTTB who really has a tough time being separated from the other horses on the property when I am not with him. Fortunately, there are some panels in one of the turn outs... so I can start by asking him to be there where he can't just run around and maybe goober up his shoes on the irrigated grass. I am distracting him with a sudden noise of the flag when I see him get uptight or destination seeking by raising his head and looking to see if the other horses are coming out. I think we are making progress, but it is going to be much slower than your mare I think. He still sees himself as a stallion... so the separation anxiety isn't just about being alone it his need to know that the other horses are all good. This seems to be a common problem with a lot of folks. I feel like you need to know your horse and maybe have control over the turn out schedule, so, a horse with this tendency is also moved around with intervals of being out on their own? So, the problem never gets traction in the first place?

[@chandrikaji]

this is so utterly convincing - wel done Warwick for this fantastic work..

[@krissand12]

What a lovely sensitive mare she is! Wonderful video

[@rhene1548]

Thank you. What I saw is that slower can be faster with observation and patience. I will pay attention to the horse's body language in closer detail with quicker response time and more restraint and be patient with my goals for her behavior.

[@TamiVroma1]

Someone told me about your videos after a traumatic pony cart crash. Bridle came off he lost both my husband and I and when we got home pony was laying on his side with cart attached...i thought he was dead....he was actually physically fine....but we both have PTSD now. I haven't even watched this whole video but your first sentence was exactly what i was looking for...how to get him to keep his attention on me as I walk this timid scared pony who used to be awesome..I am excited to watch the rest.

[@Healinghorsemanship]

This was extremely helpful, thank you!!

[@tacetlupus2510]

Thanks so much for this video, Warwick! I'm relieved to know this is something that will help horses monitor themselves and not just work on changing their focus towards the person/tool. I have a 3 year old filly who gets extremely bothered when she's by herself or the two 'moms' are taken out to graze and she doesn't get to go with them. I'm excited to see where we end up with this work.

[@dualseelenprozess]

So beautiful to see. Thanks a lot. Greetings from Austria

[@daveanderson8776]

Thank you so much for your videos !

[@kathleenkayk]

Your videos have been wonderful and so helpful. Truly appreciate this lesson as high anxiety in a horse can make it dangerous to handle.

[@HorseMuse]

I like how you demo experimenting with kindness. This arena has no feed, forage or friends, so bored, yearning, and wanting those. She’s starting to emotionally include you as a friend. Taking out and riding out may not be friendship to her. So you enter that yearning needs all the stuff you are doing. Are you her friend? Seems she is starting to feel a connection. I am of the heart, we create friendship first equitation. What do you think?

[@cherylrice8668]

This is what I needed today!! we have 12 horses that some have this behavior when ridding away from the home base, I was happy to find this on u tube...Thank You .

[@VersatileHorsemanship]

Crazy, head bent, zombie walk 😂 That’s a perfect description. Poor gal. It’s hard to see horses develop these odd habits. Nice video and good changes.

[@WarwickSchiller]

Thanks.

[@channongard4396]

Wow, big changes in a short time!

[@rebeccaprader4791]

#journeyon20 I love this video because it showes such a huge difference in the horses behaviour through the change in focus. It makes it so clear, how important it is to be seen. It makes my heart melt, to see how you can help horses out of their head into the present. Since I have my mare, I love to start our day trough this comunication. Thanks to you, I am able to built the connection I always dreamt of. We journey on 😁

[@carmenslee6234]

Wow! What a change!

[@susanknox3045]

We have had these behaviors in the past.. this is definitely something I will try with a new horse coming this week if this is needed..thanks

[@valeriehudson7276]

Excellent examples making this lesson clear and easy for me to understand - - always thank you - - v

[@brittanyritenour4695]

She seems to be a very sweet horse

[@meganleech4014]

Love this video, I have just started working with a very nervy gelding who I didnt want to shut down on me. This video has helped me realise if I can just break his negative thought process with any of his anxious episodes, it gives him something else to focus on. He is responding really well. #journeyon20 . Thanks Warwick!

[@edcravens5373]

Outstanding horsemanship.

[@WarwickSchiller]

Thanks Ed

[@marinakruppe9326]

What a brilliant horse and trainer. Love it!

[@thejaclynpaige4082]

I have a gelding that is just like this ! I’m at the point where he can redirect his own attention away from his friends without my help but he cannot maintain it if I leave. He switches back to pacing , calling until I return . Looking forward to learning and watching this mares progress!

[@sewingstoryprojects6178]

I'm currently working on an experiment out of necessity, based on this philosophy. I will check back in as soon as I see the result.

[@Teaally1913]

Wow… that’s excellent!

[@kellyjones154]

Love the patience.

[@nickybyrne2341]

Amazing transformation, she must feel so much better now.

[@leahmellor3015]

Awesome been doing meditation and rethinking how I think and have noticed a huge difference in how my three horses now respond and interact with me to even just following me round the farm loose, love your videos and thank you for all the information love this mares reaction to you. Leah from the uk.

[@magdalenagauderon3754]

Very interesting. To facilitate her change within her own mind .love that.I could never quite befriend the idea of letting a horse just deal with it .surely if they are frightend to be on theyre own that fear wont change all they might do is surrender.with this method they learn to adapt by changing theyre focus.il give this a try with my welsh as she has a problem being left on her own which I dont do but would like for her to be able to be .the connemara has no problem with that at all.they are like cheese ad chalk.😊

[@dianereiser6417]

She just wants companionship. ❤️

[@comesahorseman]

Fascinating, subtle stuff. Thanks!! 😀

[@eviekiwi245]

I love your training method!!!! This is extremely helpful!

[@kimberlysmiley316]

That was really cool! I am working with several horses right now with severe separation anxiety, older horses who the owner has not really trained at all. They are Thoroughbreds and are very big and pushy! At a certain distance,this is leading not riding, usually only around 100 ft., they go ballistic and pull very hard to gallop back. I am going to try some other things, you have inspired me, again! Thanks!

[@WarwickSchiller]

I would recommend watching the Working with A Barb Stallion in Morocco, where I first realized the power of this exercise. They were all big and pushy as well.

[@aureoangelicasanctuaryreha7987]

Excellent

[@stinahumana]

Beautiful thanks for sharing. So nice you helped this mare.

[@GoogleIsRuiningEverything]

Hopefully this will help me create a feeling of safety and less anxiety for my mare when I take my gelding out for a ride :) It's only been about a month of having them both at my house, so they are not super confident haha. It's the trickiest part of having only 2 horses I think, if I wanna take one for a ride, I must leave the other alone! But they shall learn and gain confidence to be alone in the pasture for a little while, and hopefully they learn that their buddy will ALWAYS come back to them in the end

[@WarwickSchiller]

With this mare, we made sure she was not too far away from her friends when we did this, if they are too worried you cannot bring them down.

[@morganmclane4264]

I do this with my girl! It's a working progress, but we work on relaxing on the lunge line, and then we move to more meditation through leading from the side drive position etc.

[@dinnerwithdan-anamericango9719]

This is also a common trait, the Exact pace and head turn, plus head roll, is exactly what my Arab does.

[@Shane_Chappy]

Great video mate

[@HorsesinCP]

Very interesting and useful information. Would love to see a lesson to teach a horse to not have separation anxiety while tied up at the horse trailer.

[@myhillslife27]

That is very very cool!!!

[@goettling]

My mare goes ballistic for at least 10 minutes when separated in paddock or arena. Rearing, bucking and running amok. I will admit that I get fearful and rather stay out of her way at that point. She has reared when being led as well, enough to elevate my hear rate. She calms down on her own after a while. Is it of value to try this exercise at that point? Thank you so much for an amazing video. You possess something more than just skill, I can be happy to just gain sufficient know-how. She is the most difficult horse I have ever owned, a little much for this old lady. Thanks for your input. Your fan!

[@Natural-Causes]

Warwick I totally see the change and I almost would expect it in that mares particular case of anxiety where as redirecting her mind changes her behavior however I can’t help but think and I’m almost certain that if you or someone else for that matter didn’t go out there every day to redirect her mind that she would go right back to the same behavior in a short amount of time if left to herself. I would think working the horse physically and mentally more often would alleviate the anxiety in a more satisfactory way. Your thoughts?

[@dakotahlavender]

She is beautiful

[@hanshuman1382]

Great video. I learn so much from this.

[@annasimoni9212]

Thank you

[@irenecoermann2439]

Truly amazing! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@destinationaddictionsamsar7894]

This can also be used to catch a horse in pasture, - the flag. I've been using a similar method to catch my instructor's horse in pasture. I'd walk towards him and when he flicks an ear or looks at me I'll pause, when he looks away I'd repeat. Eventually he walks right up to me☺

[@sandrajones6468]

Thank Warwick. Would this work in a situation where machinery ( several large trucks and tractors ) earth works and fires with thick white smoke from green burns ( went on for a week night and day ) occurring next door... where she can see and hear all that goes on.... has my mare too nervous to calmly walk up to the round ring, stable, water trough and mounting area as we have done for years. These areas are only across a narrow dirt road from the neighbors property where the disturbances are. Normally I call and she comes at a canter....she stops now at the gate leading uo to the stable and makes it clear to me that it is no longer comfortable for her to proceed. Due to her fear I have set up an alternative water trough and handling area while the noise continues. ( 2 weeks so far, another one to go. ) I was reticent to load her up more by insisting she be in these areas as she is normally a brave and willing mare. She has only in the past few months transitioned to not having a paddock mate, but does have a small herd on two neighboring properties where she can see and hear her friends. She cannot however sooth herself by being up close and grooming with these horses as they are separated by external and internal fences with 3 mts for safety in between each. She will come up to the stable etc., at liberty if i ask, but she is quivering and jumpy and runs back to her safe areas when it all becomes too much. I've have a " vitreous detachment" in my eye which coincidentally developed after she quite strongly bumped into my shoulder from behind while on a walk out a few days ago...this has never happened before ( I have had her 23 years) and to me it seems her nervousness is remaining with her while these scary things are in her domestic area. Due to the eye damage i do not want to put myself into a situation where i might receive another knock during the 6 week period i have been told to avoid such things. But I am curious as to whether or not this method would be suitable for me to use if i were to put her in the round ring and trial it? Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Sandy Queensland Australia

[@centaur923]

Brilliant! Thank you x

[@maoraevans4333]

#journeyon20. This has helped me so much with Bentley! He’s so buddy sour with Romulus and Oliver and we’ve been making huge progress using this example!!

[@abethomas8625]

Way to go

[@morgana2816]

Amazing

[@judyweinmann8236]

love how you train horses...hooked on watching all of your KZbin presentations! You really do become one of the herd with the horse/horses. I also would really like to purchase one of your "collapseable" flags. Where can I get one? Thanks for showing you your skillful and successful techniques!

[@rachxuereb]

Hi Warwick, I am wondering, does this eventually help horses when they are separated and you aren't there with them? I have practised this technique with both of my horses and now they are both able to focus on me and relax when I am with them, however when I leave, they go back to calling out and fence pacing. How do I help them get better at soothing themselves? Thank you for everything you do for the horse community. Rachelle

[@WarwickSchiller]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGXLqKqDd6yAmKs

[@rachxuereb]

@@WarwickSchiller thank you for the link.

[@kayehandlon7268]

About 2 years ago I adopted a 3 year old OTTB filly from one of the larger adoption centers here in the US. I had a vet do a pre-purchase exam and then had the horse shipped to me. I was completely at a loss when all this poor filly would do when out in pasture (with other horses, with grass, with hay) was walk in figure 8s. I would have to take her to the barn and literally tie her to give her rest from doing this (she would also do this in a stall if she was not tied). She looked absolutely defeated. Both her hind hooves' toes were worn to nubs from this behavior. She wore infinity symbols into my pastures from her non-stop walking. I consulted my vet who had experience with track horses and she told me about stereo-type behaviors. She said she could prescribe medication, I believe it was prozac (not a short term sedative) much like humans take such medications for 'tics' or OCD issues, to go hand in hand with rehabilitative type therapy. The filly was also showing lameness from doing this, and at that point I decided to send her back to the adoption center. It's sad that we cause these issues in horses to begin with. I am, however, using similar connection techniques with my current horses to enrich my program.

[@maritaandcats]

Today I did this with a new warmblood mare at our barn who had been neighing for her friend (in the next barn over) for the last four days. This evening I found her pacing in her stall with super worried eyes, sniffing the air as hard a she could, neighing every few minutes. Her head was so high she almost hit it on the top of the stall window. So I started approaching her to see if she wanted a nose pet. (I know that’s not part of the method but I couldn’t resist her soft nose 😅 and she was happy to let me give her some slow, gentle strokes. Face massages are relaxing, right?) I would stroke her, then ignore her for 15 seconds, then look at her again and make sure she looked at me in return. She started to blink more and lick her lips, which I was really happy to see. I started standing farther and farther away from her stall, ignoring her for longer stretches, but still checking in, sometimes going up for a stroke, sometimes not. After about 20 minutes I got another horse out and groomed her in the wash stall nearby. I would peek around at the warmblood every few minutes and if she didn’t see me immediately, I’d make noise until she looked at me (didn’t take much). Then I’d go back to grooming the horse I was working on. After an hour and a half, when I was done grooming, the warmblood was eating her hay, snorting occasionally, and hardly neighing at all, even when her friend neighed from the other barn! I hung around the property for an extra 15 minutes to take pictures of the sunset, and I only heard her neigh once. Thank you so much for teaching me how to help a scared, sad mare be a bit more at peace in her stall. I was so proud of myself for being able to help her! I don’t own any horses-I just volunteer-but I’m sure this won’t be the only horse I help now that I understand how. 💖

[@BreakneckRanch]

I have a mare and gelding only. When I take one away from the other to work with them, etc., they have become nutcases. The one being left behind is the worst, but the one being worked (in either case) is also distressed, doesn't want to leave the property, etc. I have considered getting another horse, a mini, or something. I would love to be able to train them through this though so that is not necessary. I would welcome any advice. Perhaps just taking one out at a time and tying them and working with the one that is left behind will be a start?

[@WarwickSchiller]

Or, you could do what I did in this video

[@The_mare_stare]

Can this be transferred to riding? I have a gelding that’s very concerned about his mare buddy and will balk even just on the ground. Want to ride away? Forget about it. I would LOVE to have you come out to me in San Antonio.

[@WarwickSchiller]

"and will balk even just on the ground. " Why would you want to try to solve it riding, when you havent solved it on the ground first? There are ways to solve it under saddle, but if its happening on the ground and you want to skip that and get on and ride, that's just asking for trouble.

[@WarwickSchiller]

I have videos on here on how to solve it under sadle.

[@lazygardens]

Rolling puts a horse in a very vulnerable position ... so they need a reliable member of the herd to stand guard while they roll.