How long does it take to settle into a new field?

[benson21]

Donovan has been at the yard now for about 16months, but moved into a new field about 3 weeks ago. He has 2 other horses with him, both geldings. He has gone from being quite active in the field. playing with his mates, into this one, where he stands on his own, if he goes near the others he is chased away. I guess it is just sorting the pecking order out, and he will be at the bottom, but how long do you give it before feeling you should do something? He came in tonight looking really miserable, and I felt so sorry for him.
On the other hand, maybe I am just being over protective of my little man!!!

 

[tinap]

Oh bless him!

I moved yards about 6 weeks ago from a field where he was on his own to a yard of 12 but with his own field. He didn't even look at the others & got his head down munching but last Saturday he decided he didn't want to be alone anymore & escaped 3 times!

So after nearly 4yrs of being alone I put him in with another on Monday. He didn't give two hoots!! The other follows him around but mine just ignores him! He has stayed in though

I'm sure yours will settle soon, or is it possible to do some rearranging & try him in with someone else? xx

 

[benson21]

No, the fields are pretty much set. One for mares, one for geldings and one for full livery. he was in the fulls as there was no room in the geldings, but now there is. He is not being physically hurt but I can definatley see a change in him.

 

[Lynne78]

My new mare went in with her new herd last weekend and after about a 5 days/nights she seemed to be part of the crowd. I was worried as to how it would all go as she had been a stabled horse and only had a few hours out on her own in a paddock.

A week down the line and all is good.

Lx

 

[ShadowFlame]

Agreed that about a week should be sufficient. My lad went out into a new herd 2wks ago, a big herd at that (16+ horses). First few days I did worry about him, as he didn't seem happy. Didn't take him long to slot in though