Bringing a yearling to live with a middle-aged gelding gentleman

[Leitrim]

The anticipated filly, a Connemara / TB cross, has until now been kept with two other foals; one her own age - which is chronologically only 9 months - and another youngster aged 21 months.
The sole horse with whom she will live is a very well behaved 13 year old gelding of the same breed.
Should I have concerns about her 'missing out' on the developmental experience and the fun of being with youngsters or might there be benefits in the companionship of the gelding gentleman?

 

[Tiddlypom]

Ideally, she would have the company of other youngsters for a couple more years yet. They can play and lark around as a group, and generally be babies together.

Its no bad thing having an older horse or two in the mix, though, to instil manners. Your gelding may get a bit cheesed off, however, if he is continually being pestered to 'play'.

Would she ever be left on her own if the gelding is taken out to work?

I fostered an RSPCA rescue filly for 15 months as a weaning companion for my homebred filly, and the arrangement worked very well. The two of them were turned out together 24/7. The foster filly went back last summer, and my then 2.5 year old has been turned out with her mum and my 7yo gelding since then.

 

[Leitrim]

Thanks for replying, Tiddlypom.
I'll look at the RSPCA site.
The yearling would be alone for about an hour each day but it would probably feel like forever to her. Local, helpful, experienced people have said that she would probably be more settled if in her stable and settled with a haynet laced with carrot and apple pieces to provide diversion while alone as the stable would be a secure, quiet environment.
I'd also thought of a donkey foal but realise that there's some serious research to do in relation to that 'option'. It seems that some horses find donkeys quite frightening and the yearling has not had donkeys in the home in which she was bred.
The gelding positively loves donkeys.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Mmmm, I'd hesitate to do it TBH. Tried it with my old boy when he lost his pair-bond and it wasn't the best choice of fieldmate I could have picked for him.

Think respectable elderly gent paired up with a noisy ASBO youth for e.g.. Not the best idea.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Good luck with it. The RSPCA foster mostly youngsters out, which would suit you. They are fully health checked and have been quarantined before they are allowed out. The RSPCA pays for any vet bills but you have to pay for everything else including feed, wormers, farriery etc.

Its a good arrangement, and you don't have to worry about rehoming the youngster yourself once you've no more need for him/her.

My foster filly went on after leaving me, to Your Horse Live 2013 as part of an RSPCA demo, and has been rehomed to a forever home. It was very rewarding having her.

I know nothing about donkeys, I'm afraid! Good luck and enjoy your youngster.

 

[Leitrim]

Thanks MiJods ....
A donkey foal and the yearling could become a formidable gang, I guess. Point taken!

 

[Leitrim]

My foster filly went on after leaving me, to Your Horse Live 2013 as part of an RSPCA demo, and has been rehomed to a forever home. It was very rewarding having her.

You must have been chuffed at having given her such a good start. Three cheers!