Bringing horse home

[Jacksie]

I may be in a position to bring my horses home but a bit worried with how well it will work having just two horses? Is the companion likely to settle whilst you’re out given there will be no other horses around? I know this will depend on the horse but how realistic have people found it

 

[cauda equina]

My horses are at home and usually I've just had 2, and they've been fine
Sometimes there has been a bit of calling or running around but eventually the one left behind gets to know that his friend will be back eventually and settles

 

[maya2008]

Depends on the horse, entirely. Some can never be left, even with other animals in sight. Many get used to it, some never care.

I always have some spare youngsters so I don’t have to worry about this. Cheaper than vet bills! When we first moved here away from my friend’s horses, I thought the alpacas next door would be sufficient company to leave my retired TB at home while the others went out hacking. Nope. Sweaty, stressed horse who was churning up the ground in panic, getting worse not better as time went on. So I purchased a small 2yo companion. Instantly, all was ok, peace once more reigned!

 

[darcip]

Mine are on my own land and my 2 are very attached to eachother, they dont like being taken away from eachother. Would recommended getting a 3rd if your having to split them often

 

[AutumnDays]

I have two at home, one is so attached to the other he stresses even if she's the other side of the gate, let alone out of sight. She couldn't give a hoot if it's the other way around, so I agree with the above statement, it depends on how yours are

 

[nutjob]

I have had 2 at home for 25 years. Some are OK, some call and are unsettled and one I have now was totally distraught when left. I have done a huge amount of training so he's now OK if left in a stable with plenty of food. I had to start with the other horse being taken away for about 2 seconds then brought back gradually increasing the time. It was a lot of work but not as much as getting another horse!

 

[suebou]

I have two at home, one gives not a care if the other goes, the big horse can be a bit dramatic sometimes. She is left with hay, I sometimes shut the top door if she’s being ridiculous ( the stable is very light and airy, escape proof though. She settles about five minutes after I leave, according to OH.

 

[94lunagem]

I have two at home and both are also fine on their own. Although it entirely depends on the horse and it’s difficult to second guess how it will go.

I had a friend’s two on grass “livery” temporarily for a while to help her out. One of hers would have a complete separation anxiety meltdown even if she brought her other in to ride and groom where it could still be seen. That would have done my head in long term and not something I could cope with with my own.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I have 2 at home and they are both fine being left alone as long as they are in the stable I can't take one out of the field they always get brought in together and get ridden and have hay and they are settled, the other horse I had previously with 1 I have now was also ok as long as she was in the same routine.

On occasion both have stayed at the vets and once I have returned alone the other one is fine to put out alone for that day, they call a bit but are generally ok as its only been for a day or 2.

 

[marmalade76]

I have a yard with only two, had several that I couldn't leave out alone but none that I couldn't leave in a stable alone. I probably wouldn't risk it with a youngster, though.

 

[Marigold4]

I usually have 3. I quite often go out for half a day with one. Having 3 makes going out less stressful. I know that the other two are OK and don't have to worry about what I will find when I get home. I have enough land for 3 though. If I didn't, I would do the training Nutjob suggests. I wouldn't leave the other alone in the field, only in the stable with anti-weave bars over the door. I did once have a companion pony that was happy to be left alone - providing lots of food kept her happy.

 

[kathantoinette]

I’ve had two at home for about 14 years…about 4 different pairs over the years. Never had a problem. I keep the routine the same with the companion staying in the stable whilst I’m out with the other.