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Post by TAC on Dec 26, 2005 12:27:41 GMT 1
Have noticed that my five geldings all seem to be rather "depressed" for want of a better word! The past few days they all seem rather quiet - not their usual rowdy selves (they share a field & are always playing) - standing about moping & generally looking miserable. they are all still eating/drinking well & I've taken temperatures & checked pulse/respiration rates & all OK. They are on a field thats got lots of grass & isn't muddy & they are getting their usual ad lib home made hayalge & hard feed - nothings changed in their feeding/routine. My mares in a neighbouring field all seem fine!
Any ideas - do horses suffer from SAD syndrome??
Puzzled???
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nimrod
Elementary Poster
My mare!
Posts: 76
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Post by nimrod on Dec 26, 2005 16:13:12 GMT 1
could just be they sense the weather is getting colder so are conserving energy? maybe they are just having an off day?
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Post by Zebs mum on Dec 28, 2005 13:01:34 GMT 1
Hiya- yes - my 2 boys suffer from SAD- it is a well know common complaint in horses as well as humans - When mine show signs of depression - I feed them a supplement in their feed called Bplus - it is a liquid Vitamin b supplement - very cheap and is a good pick me up for them- I find they are back to normal after a few days. The longest they have ever suffered is about 4 days. I think they feel the effects just like we do.
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ellen
Novice Poster
Posts: 48
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Post by ellen on Dec 31, 2005 21:55:32 GMT 1
Hi, Zebs mum, Can you tell me where you get Bplus from please. I need some. Many thanks
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hebs
Intermediate Poster
Posts: 242
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Post by hebs on Jan 1, 2006 15:01:42 GMT 1
I think they do get it my normally nice and friendly horse who is out 24/7 is getting narky pulling faces and trying to bite me. Am thinking it could be the weather or because hes out on his own (wont put him out with others as he got kicked badly a few years ago on inside of his legs).
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monet
Grand Prix Poster
Posts: 1,423
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Post by monet on Jan 3, 2006 12:38:28 GMT 1
i think its only natural for horses to get a bit fed up with the weather, my lot are spending most of there time in the barns at present, plenty of hay and dry feet!
also if there has been some bad weather horses dont get there quota of REM sleep and will dose in stead for longer lengths of time, they need to lay down and stretch out to obtain this, and this can make them appear as if they are depressed, you see this alot in horses that have been traveling or competing away from home, lack of sleep can make you very grumpy.
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