Can a horse obtain depressed during the winter?
i know this is kinda of a silly question but could it be true?...my horse that i bought in june have well ever since it started getting cold well he seems discontent hes eating his oats unbelievably slow he walks around with his organizer down and just seems sad..zilch has changed at my house we havent sold any of his buddies or anything. so could it be true that he is depressed cuz of the winter weather like humans?
Absolutely. I have a mare that gets hugely depressed in the winter. We've had her for 18 yrs. and had bloodwork done etc... to insure it wasn't anything medical. I would recom. a exam done by your veterinarian first to rule out any medical issue but yes it is possible for horses or any animal to capture depressed.
You didn't mention the age of your horse...I would think possible arthritis whether he's 15 or more, or has been 'used hard' previously. Cold would cause a flareup. Maybe he's be put out to pasture his last several winters and is just bleakly anticipating his going to be exiled from human company, grooming, treats, etc. and depressed because of the weather change and what surrounded by his mind may inevitably follow. If this sounds possible I would just show him a little additional attention, keep his mind engaged and erudition. Always ensure vacc's r up to date, also Cushings can cause lethargic behavior...but again that is within older horses.
some horses just don't like winter. like us :]
My little rescue horse stern home gets depressed when im gone :] I've had him a long time. He cant be ridden but he loves to travel on walks.
Yes they can get a little depressed it is more of a boredom than a depression. Try giving your horse some toys such as a ball that have a ring to tie it up in his stall.
Answers: Anything is possible. Animals have emotion and have attachements just like we do. Having said that, I'd be more inclined to reckon it is something medical first. Make sure his teeth don't need to be floated etc.
Could be. Try playing with him; give him a Jolly Ball or Likit to play with. Try rubbing those hard-to-reach spots; he might of late cheer up.
I'm rooting for you.
firstly i would check that he is not ill!.and check he is warm adequate, well fed. but my horse too gets reasonably down and quite uppity in the colder months.i think it does affect them similar to it affects us.
