Best way to introduce horses?

[Magic mummy]

Hi all well I'm taking the plunge and moving my horse to our own home yay!! I'm also going to loan another who is 16 a lovely gentle plod for me and also company for our mare (our mare is not the novice ride we thought, my daughter rides her).
Just wanted some ideas on how to introduce them such as do you think it's best for them both to arrive on same day or shall I bring my mare first for a couple of days then bring other horse down, I'm a little reluctant to do the latter as I know my mare won't like being alone especially in new surroundings.

Any ideas guys
Thanks

 

[claribella]

I would bring them both down but put them in separate sides of the field for a few days so they can see each and smell each other over the fence and then introduce them properly after about a week.

 

[dogatemysalad]

As there'll only be the two of them, bring them the same day. If possible, you could have back shoes removed.

Perhaps keep them separated by electric tape for a while, if not, ensure they have plenty of space to run around. I like to introduce newbies by hacking them out together, particularly in a new area, but its not always possible.

 

[PolarSkye]

As there'll only be the two of them, bring them the same day. If possible, you could have back shoes removed.

Perhaps keep them separated by electric tape for a while, if not, ensure they have plenty of space to run around. I like to introduce newbies by hacking them out together, particularly in a new area, but its not always possible.

This. Remove back shoes (if feasible), have them arrive on the same day, keep them separated by some fencing for the first little while and (if you can) hack them out together - it's great for bonding and I'm sure it's why Kal adores his horsey friend O even though they don't share a field.

Best of luck!

P

 

[Brightbay]

I find introductions go best when neither horse has staked a claim over the field - so two horses who have never met are more likely to pal up when they're both in a completely new place.
On the other hand, when one horse is introduced to a horse who has already spent some time in the field, you're more likely to see some resource defending behaviour, especially if the field isn't very large.
Keeping them on separate sides of the same field can also work - and I agree, introductions while being hacked out together are also a good idea - they get the idea of following each other, which helps them think of each other as herd mates.

 

[Magic mummy]

Thank you for replying ! The shoe issue isn't a prob as one isn't shod and the other doesn't have back shoes on. Also the stables I have have a partition which enables horses to see and groom each other . Hacking out is an option but the only prob I may have with that is my mare gets a bit nervous and frets if on a hack straight off with a horse she doesn't know, I was thinking maybe we could walk them both with head collar and lead rope instead of riding what you think?