Here's one to ponder!

Gleeful Imp

Gleeful Imp

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I have 2 retired horses that live in splendid retirement livery. I'd like to strongly emphasise that this post isn't about not being happy with their livery or money! Low fat chocolate mousse if you get to the end!:D

But they are quite a distance away, and I miss them, especially Whisp who was always my baby girl.

My friend's horse now needs to be retired. There is a possibility of a fab field at the end of her road, but she needs a companion for her very laid back boy who is def not a dominant type. Whisp would be perfect, she'd be 2 mins from my yard and back in my life.

But what to do about Tom, my cob who has, shall we say, gone a little wild and ill mannered. He nearly got expelled from his livery for barging through gates, fighting, threatening behaviour in field towards horses and people ....but is now settled as he is no longer the dominant one in the field. I would LOVE to have him back as well, but he could be a nightmare with just 3 in the field as he is very jealous over Whisp (she doesn't feel the same!). Or he may be fine.

But if I leave him without Whisp, that could upset the order of things and he may kick off or things may carry on sweetly.

Eeeeek!!!!!!!!!!!!:confused::confused::confused::confused::confused::confused::confused:

Guess sensible approach is to see what happens with the field and go and chat to retirement livery owner who is lovely .... but mind is whirring ...

Choccy all round :D:D:D:D
 
I would say Tom could be unsettled whether he stays where he is or moves. So for what the risk is worth i would say go for it, but do it at a time where you can keep an eye on them for a while. Hopefully whatever you decide, he will soon settle down again without causing too much mayhem.
 
i would also say give it a go see if it works if not then maybe see if they can keep a space open for Tom at yard so he could go back if things dont work out for him?
 
I would say don't upset them for the sake of convenience your side. If that makes sense. You hear such horror stories of new horses meeting, with two so precious as yours, and so settled, I wouldn't chance it personally. Good luck with whatever you decide though.
 
Thanks guys, the only problem is that to stop his poor field behaviour he had to be removed from the field (with Whisp) for 6 months solitary confinement, and it finally worked with a new couple of horses who were pretty dominant and sorted him out.

He's already been thrown out of about 3 groups, and if I take him out and we have problems I'm well stuck!

Kitsune - I know what you're saying and you're so right. I only see them once a month so the thought of having at least Whisp home is just brill. But I have to put them first.
 
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This field... could you not put up a semi permanent fencing? Like the electric with wooden posts? That way he could be in with Whisp and your friends horse could still have company, but he wouldn't be able to dominate it? Just a suggestion. The owner of my loan horse put up semi permant wood posts/ wire fencing to split her rented field. Now the colt can go out next to the others and it's nice and secure (it's over 5ft high). Was fairly cheap compared to most fencing and easily removed if needs be.
 
I'd consider this too but with Tom on his own and Wisp with the other horse so that it does have a companion. If they seem settled then they could all go in together. Not a criticism of the livery but could his behaviour be because he has been left to go 'feral'? If so he might be better when back in a routine.
 
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