Eeek! Paranoid owner alert

[MizElz]

Ellie has been turned out for the first time today.....the original plan was to put her in a small corner of the mares' paddock, and let them meet over the fence. However, the rest of the mares are still in another field at the moment, so Ellie has been put out in the new 8 acre field on her own....the plan is then to introduce the other mares, one at a time starting tomorrow, into her field, so that it has become Ellie's territory, and hope that they integrate ok that way.

Is that the best way of doing it? I am just so terrified she's going to be kicked or bitten....pathetic really, as she's been turned out with mares and geldings before and never had a problem, but after four years on her own, and the fact that all the mares at the yard are an established herd, I am really, really nervous! I'm going to put brushing boots on her, and she'll have her full neck cover on to protect her from any nips, but............

Eek! I am paranoid!

 

[M_G]

That sounds like a good plan and I am sure she will be fine although yes it is scary

 

[3Beasties]

Don't worry I'm sure she'll be fine! Sounds like your doing everything you can to prevent her from getting hurt.

 

[MrsMozartletoe]

It all sounds like a good plan. Let us know how it goes. Hugs.

 

[alicep]

yeah sounds like a good plan. def put boots on her all round maybe include overreach too.

 

[MizElz]

Thanks everyone - hopefully it will all go ok!

I was a bit apprehensive the other day - Elz sniffed noses through her window with a little Arab mare on the yard, and - predictably - they had a squeal! I laughed and said 'ah, that's good, they've met then!' but her owner came running across to put the Arab in her box - he said she's 'very sensitive' and 'gets easily upset'

I hope he doesnt worry too much when they squeal in the field, coz that is one thing they are sure to do!!

 

[Colleen_Miss_Tom]

What kind of mare is Elz ?

Personality wise ? That should give you a good indication on how she will react .

I know Missy gets on with anyone, Infact shes a favorite with the mares and geldings that she is out with . I know I wouldn't have a problem with Missy going out into a new herd .

I'm sure she will be fine

Col x

 

[MizElz]

A stressy one!

LOL - no I probably do her a disservice, she actually loves other horses, and always tries to chat to them if we're out riding!

She used to be out with our big old boy, a livery and three naughty (girly) ponies, and was always fine out with them! In fact, the 37 yr old Welsh A used to reign supreme over all - Ellie included

I've never had a problem with her kicking/biting in the field before, and the mares at the yard seem very nice - as long as Ellie stays on the right side of Bess the Boss!

 

[Happytohack]

It's a shame that you can't do what you had originally planned. The trick is to introduce them very gradually. When I got my new boy, we popped him in a separate field next to the others but with a double electric fence between them. Once the others were totally ignoring him, we put him out with them. This took about 2 weeks, but it paid off as we never had a squeal, kick, bite etc. - they just accepted him as one of the gang. I know mares are different, but if you and the other horse owners are prepared to take your time, it should be fine.