calmers for sensitive ponies?

[Gilbertus]

We have a cob x exmoor. He's a lovely boy but gets very stressed loading and has completely pair bonded with our other pony. He can be nappy in the ring also. He's a dream to hack out though and nothing seems to phase him. He's dd2s pony and she is a complete stress head/drama queen. She's desperate to do a sj comp in a couple of weeks but because our last outing with them was such a nightmare, I'm reluctant. Thinking of giving her rescue remedy and trying him on top spec calmer for a couple of weeks. Any tips on how to turn down the tension??

Sometimes you have to say no. How have things been going at home since then?

I bought the calmer and we'll see if it makes a difference. She has a couple of rallies before the show jumping thing so we can see how he goes then.

He was an 'only pony' in his previous home and actually I think that would suit him better behaviourally - he is obsessed with dd1s pony and it actually makes him quite hard work sometimes - naps back to him, gets stressed leaving him. Might have suited him better being an only pony where he could bond with his rider rather than another pony. Seems a bit mean though.

Are you in a position to borrow a couple of sheep, or even a goat? Sometimes another animal in the herd can neutralise things a little.

Not many horses are happy alone. Two can be a problem though. I'm currently down to 2 from 4 so I'm expecting some separation issues! Can u get/afford to keep a third pony? Maybe a non ridden rescue pony. 3 can be better. Shetlands are notorious escape artists and goats are as well (l love goats but have decided not to get any!) hope it goes well with the calmers

we need a thrid pony really for dd3

just dont think I can afford it - even if we got a loan pony then theres another lot of shoes/insurance

Well he's had a week or so of top spec calmer and he definitely seems lots more chilled but is really happy and forward going. Took him and dd2 to a very low key show today so they could do clear round. Gave them BOTH rescue remedy just before He went round perfectly with ears pricked, very happy boy. Loaded well too (although we did take dd1s pony with us ). Fingers crossed that it continues.

Great news

Fab - pleased it went well.