yearling with severe separation anxiety

[midnightride]

Hi racing folks- posted this question in Horse Care and someone recommended asking you guys.
I have a race bred yearling gelding that just can not grasping the concept of being in a stall by himself (or turned out for that matter) I have tried all over the counter calming aids, Ace etc... and nothing is helping. He just screams and slams himself in the front of the stall. Long story short, he was a great baby and then when i went to wean him he tried jumping out and ended up hanging by his stifles from the top bar (5 ft) he was Ok all winter out with the babysitter mare and other babies.... started bringing them in about 4 months ago and at first was putting the babysitter mare with him in the stall and then after a few weeks started taking her out and he went nuts so I just tied her outside the stall... it sorta helped but not much... now he is just alone in the stall but has friends next to and across the isle way...
any ideas?? dont say a goat because my dogs would eat it ;) and he is on UlcerGuard...

[Fairview Horse Center]

You are unfortunately just re-weaning. I would make sure the stall is secure (he can't jump out or get hurt) and just let the routine of staying in, and going back out with his friends let him know that life will be ok. He should settle to the stall in a week or so. Don't leave the mare outside his stall to prolong the weaning agony.

With a very insecure youngster, I bring them in (almost) last, and put them out first for a few months. Then after a month or so, if you can catch him middle of the day, and bring him in for a VERY short "lunch" by himself, he will begin to think of it as his special time, rather than torture.

At first, I may just give a few treats, and pitch them. Gradually, that becomes a pound of grain, and then a 30 second brushing, while they are allowed to hand graze/nibble cleaning up the hay scraps in the aisle, after they eat their lunch in their stall.

[On the Farm]

Good advice from Fairview.

If problems still persist, maybe try a mirror in the stall.

[Jessi P]

What Fairview said. :) :)