Horses DO experience bereavement! 4 weeks ago, one of my geldings lost his bosom buddy (they would chew on the same bit of hay from different ends!) to colic. Shiek acted "lost" and depressed. His weight loss was visible. He is now starting to buddy with another gelding in the herd, and gaining the lost weight. Some years back, I had another gelding lose a buddy. "Hardy" did "searching behavior" in the pasture, as well as hanging out by the barn and periodic neighing for his buddy. It was difficult to watch. 12 years ago, my mare and I were in an accident on the trail. She was a 4 year old, and I have owned her since she was 19 months old. In the accident, she jumped on me not once, but twice(caused by bad judgment on my part). When I got out of the hospital, and was able to walk to the corral, I noticed her weight loss. She would try to chew hay, but it fell out of her mouth. She looked depressed. I called the vet. After a complete check up, nothing could be found. Later, I talked with her and hand fed her hay with my good arm (other one broke). She started to eat, and progressed rapidly to normal behaviors. While I know this sounds far fetched, I have no doubt my mare was greiving about the incident, and not seeing me for many days after it happened did not help.

Brenda