2 New ponies in a new field

PettitS

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Hi Everyone

Its my first post, but I've been stalking the boards for a while and loved the advice and ideas on here :)

I have been lucky enough to have horses in my life since I was small, but took time out after my boys were born. They are now 8 and 9 and I have been slowly getting back into riding, and had a horse on loan last year. A friend offered me access to a paddock FOC as he needs it to be grazed and I have two lovely ponies arriving next weekend - YEY!! One 13.2 to be ridden by me and eventually the kids, and a shetland as a field companion. They are both mares.

My question is... as they will be new to each other as well as the field (no other horses in there at the moment) should I just pop them in together, or create separate areas using electric fencing to allow them to get used to each other first?

They will be arriving together on the same box a week on Sat.

All advice welcomed - thanks in advance! x
 

9tails

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I'd put them in together, though check the fencing carefully as small ones love to see if they can escape. Good luck with your new ponies!
 

DuckToller

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What applecart says! By the time they arrive on the same box, they will probably be best friends.

Bit like two new girls at school, they will stick together so before they have bonded like superglue take the 13.2 away even if just for 10 mins. The first few days they might be a bit fearful of being separated and there might be some vocalising, so just make sure fencing is secure etc.

Good luck!
 

PettitS

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Thanks for your comments Ladies. On final countdown to their arrival. Excited much?!? Will be sure to get them to spend time apart from the off. Even if its just a few mins as you suggest x
 

Mince Pie

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Ya know, I'd be thinking about another shettie! Also I'd also be putting a track system round the field, if the field needs grazed it sounds like there will be too much grass for ponies. I used to do a track in the summer then use the middle during the winter :)
 

PettitS

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Ya know, I'd be thinking about another shettie! Also I'd also be putting a track system round the field, if the field needs grazed it sounds like there will be too much grass for ponies. I used to do a track in the summer then use the middle during the winter :)

Do you know I was seriously thinking about another Shettie! I've got electric fencing, so planning to do a track system after reading up on all the debates on strip grazing / muzzles / tracks. What a hard balance! Super cautious about either of them ending up with lami (though neither have any history)!
 

Mince Pie

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Do it! That way one always has company when you take the other one out, plus you could show them or learn how to drive and have a driving pair ;)

Ps shetties are notorious escape artists so make sure you have at least 2 if not 3 strands of shettie height fencing and a well charged battery!
 
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