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katewebb

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I have just bought 2 horses but they don't like going out without the other one, so its a bit of a nightmare when i try and hack out because they are always trying to bolt back to the stable to see the other one. Any advice of what to do? I though maybe seperating them for a while so they aren't in the field together might make it easier? Any advice would be great because it is proving to be a nightmare to ride them at the moment!
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I assume you mean your two are kept together, with no other horses around ?

Unfortunately if you give the average horses a choice, they will prefer to stay with their friend. You have to grit your teeth and not give in to the tantrum, whoever you leave behind should be left with some grub, to try to keep them quiet, then get on the other horse and ride ! If they really bolt back, you will need to carry a stick to make sure you get away on your hack and even if you resort to a stronger bit for a while, you have to insist on them walking back home.

I never do anything other than walk back to my home, I could canter across a field, and its very tempting, but you can bet that my TB would start to be silly about it, because she can hear her pal calling.
 
I am considering changing their bit because he is in a snaffle at the moment and i don't think it is strong enough while he gets used to leaving his friend at the stable. They have always been ridden together by two sisters before i got them so they haven't ever known any different.
I always walk back to the stable too but Monty was jogging and pulling so much and i don't want him to do that and must learn to walk properly and not keep napping and being naughty.
They are at a livery yard and one of the girls has offered to ride out with me until to get used to not having their best pal with them.
 
Riding out with someone else is ideal, especially if you can leave the other horse on a yard with other horse, if you see what I mean. Turning them out with a third horse might also break up the pair bonding a bit.

Good luck, it's a tough one and it can take a bit of time to sort out!
 
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