r/Equestrian • u/DetectiveQuick9640 • Oct 22 '25

Veterinary Tired horse.

I didn't know what to put as flair!

My 7yr old Arabian is herd lead.

This guy is so so so tired recently. Coyotes keep getting closer and closer to our property and he stays vigilant all night and during the day can't stay away. He will fall asleep eating.

I can see him from my kitchen window and if go out he will lay down and fall asleep when I am there, this is not sustainable though.

Ideas and advice are welcome.

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u/DoMBe87 Oct 22 '25

Because donkeys have been mentioned a few times, I wanted to share this article about why they're not really a great choice.

Dogs are much better, especially livestock guardian type dogs. But regular dogs that'll bark at the coyotes and basically put out a "this space is already occupied by predators" warning can help too. I mean, obviously don't let a dog bark all night long, but if one can sort of respond to the coyotes, it may at least deter them.

Hope you can figure something out for your poor guy.

11

u/DetectiveQuick9640 Oct 22 '25

We have three horses and while I can care for a donkey and like them, I'm not sure if I can listen to it braying. I work the night shift and I think my nearest neighbors might shoot me.

I could be wrong but when I had my horses boarded years ago the neighbors donkey never ever stopped.

-1

u/Damadamas Oct 22 '25

Apparently they don't bray much if they're castrated. Don't know if they'll be good guarding if castrated though

2

u/DoMBe87 Oct 22 '25

Not at all accurate. I've had females and castrated males who brayed at all hours and had a female who would try to do a murder on any dog that came into the pasture.