How do you socialize a new horse into a pasture?

Question

I'm getting a new mare, already have two others. Whats the best way to socialize all three of them without having a kicking contest? I spent alot of money on this new mare, I don't want her lamed on her first day!

PS I already have one mare who is pretty aggressive, IDK about this new girl

"I recommend not paying so much for a horse "

Wtf??? I needed a better horse than I had. Ergo I had to spend more money. Am trying to protect my investment AND make sure she leads a normal happy life. (IE: hangin out in the pasture with buddies instead of locked in a padded stall)

Answer 1

I get a lot of horses in for training so there is always a newbie on the property.
What I do is stall the horse for a day after arrival and then the second day I put them in a paddock next to the herd so the horses can get acquainted over the fence. I do this for three days to a week and then I introduce the new horse to the herd in the pasture. Make sure there is lots of room for the newbie to get away. Especially if you already have an Alpha mare.
But if it is a new horse that is coming from a place that I do not directly know the owners, then I keep the horse in quarantine for two weeks. Just in case the horse has yuckies.

Just so you know in my experience, there is always about two days of kicking down boards with a new horse. And on the third day it magically stops.
Good luck and have fun with your new mare!
:)

Answer 2

When we bring in a new horse to the barn, we walk them around the fence line so they can take a look around and know their boundaries. The wire fences all have day-glow streamers on them that flap in the breeze and help them to identify the locations.

They are then introduced to everyone in the barn, one at a time. When time for turn-out, the new horse is turned out with just one other for a short period to see how they are going to react. Then replaced by another, and then another until all have been acquainted in the pasture. This will go on for a few days. Then more will be turned out as time goes on.

Horses are herd animals, and like the company; however, there is a need for them to determine the "pecking" order of the herd.

Answer 3

I always run my new guys in a separate pasture or paddock next to the old-timers. That way they can get acquainted across the fence. I usually keep them this way for at least a week, then I'll take the newcomer in, walk the fence line with her/him.

You have an Alpha mare, so she will probably run the roost. In the wild it is an Alpha mare who runs the herd as well. All you can do is keep your eye on them. If your new mare is getting beat up on a lot, then you'll have to keep her apart, or put the aggressive mare elsewhere. That part is going to be up to you.
Good luck, and Congrats on the new mare!

Answer 4

No matter what when you mix them in, you will have a "stand off". It is normal and natural for horses to do so. After all, it is their "herding" instinct to do a pecking order.

I recommend not paying so much for a horse who you think will not go lame or get injured. Horses get injured. If not from a kicking fest, can be from something else on her first day that you are unaware of.

I recommend introducing her to them. Possibly in another stall in the arena. (Not sure how yours is set up).

I just let ours run free in our pasture that was large enough they were too into eating and running than messing with each other. Another thing is to keep out there and kind of keep order. So if do get into a fight, you can be on stand by in case of emergency.

Whether her first day or her 100th, they will challenge each other and fight. Mine do it often (7 of them) and they been here for 2 years together.

Answer 5

When we got Patti we walked her around the lot outside of the fence so Dakota could see and smell her but not touch her. Then we let her in the lot with Dakota and watched them. Dakota was used to being the little guy in the bunch so he didn't do anything right away. We put her in the stall for the night and left Dakota outside. A couple days later, I think, he kicked her pretty hard and we had to separate them for a little bit while we took care of her. It's been over a year since we got Patti and now they don't want to leave each other's side! Dakota still kinda nips at her every once in a while and she squeals at him. It just takes time for them to get used to eachother.

Answer 6

You can expect a bit of biting and kicking first off, but if the horse is getting chased constantly you might need to remove her. You can just put her in and see how she goes, but I think it would be better to put her in her own paddock for the first couple of days, then introduce the horses one at a time. This gives her enough space and time to ajust to her new environment, before she has to try and "fit in".

Answer 7

do you might have an older buddy who's out of college and can supply him awareness at the moment, like trip him or brush him. horses who become bored are bored and do loopy stuff on the grounds that they leave out the affection and awareness they're use to getting twenty 4 seven. additionally check out a goat or hen they preserve a horse calm and content material and distracted so that they dont reason harm to yoru fence or themseleves.

Answer 8

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