How to get my gelding to be calm around other horses

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inthehills

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Hiya

first post so hope I've put this in the right place!

I have a 4yo highland gelding, who I've owned since the summer. He's currently kept on his own and when he is on his own is very calm with lovely manners.

however- different story if other horses are around- completely distracted by them- whinnying, napping when going away from them including throwing tantrums with bucking and small rears and generally being very silly.

I don't blame him in the slightest- as he's on his own most of the time he's bound to be mega excited in company and not want to leave.
What I'm after is some advice on is how to get him to the point where he's calm in company.

Do you think a field companion plus getting him used to horses at events would be enough? I'm a bit concerned that the first event I took him to might blow his mind and leave me struggling to control him at all.

Or would a spell at a livery yard where there is always lots going on be a good idea?

any suggestions would be much appreciated :-)
 
I would suggest moving to a bigger yard, if you get a companion you might have the opposite effect and he will get upset being separated from them! or the companion might not like being left behind!
 
He sounds like he would definitely benefit from at least one field companion, probably two or more. If you plan to move him to livery, it will need to be a permanent move. They really shouldn't live without other equine company.
 
He really needs an equine companion they are herd animals, the reason he gets excited and not wanting to leave other horses is that he needs to live with other horses permanently.
 
I would also say get a companion (I'm not a fan of any horse/pony living alone although some seem to cope to be fair) but if you do you will need to set out your stall as it were from the outset that he must leave his new friend and that its a non negotiable. As a 4 year old Highland he's also still probably going to be very immature about "life" in general and does need some social interaction my lot all still play and goon around (all Highlands of various ages).

In terms of getting him used to being in company then there is no quick fix its just about getting him out in company, find someone to ride with, go out to a few shows even if its just to do an inhand class or ride around, try an organise some joint lessons with friends, go to a clinic, speak to a local riding school and see if you can join in a group lesson, hire an arena with friends, go to a camp, etc. Just keep getting out and doing it and he'll get used to it.
 
many thanks for the replies...I will gear up for a very sociable 2016!

my biggest problem is my other half (should probably re-phrase that haha!), it's his field that I keep him in and he doesn't want me to get another pony- it's been quite a bit of arm twisting to let me have this one- although I did say from the start that I didn't want him to live alone long term.
Do think a shetland would be enough company (i.e. hold it's own with boisterous play) or would it end up getting hurt? I might be able to convince OH to allow just one more tiny pony....

it's that or decamp to a livery yard as a couple of extra ponies would push him over the edge!!
 
Let him read this thread and explain they are herd animals and are much happier with those of their kind, the only other issue you have if you get one other horse that could get upset when you go hacking, this is the problem I had so I rented my other stable to a friend so got three now but I do understand that may not go down to we'll with oh:)
 
I would have him at livery. The comings and goings will make Gina better horse all round. However turnout on actual pastures would be one of the more important things. I wouldn't give up turn out for company.
 
I would keep him at home - livery is too expensive if you have a free field - but get a companion. You may well be able to find someone who wants to pay you to have the horse there? My best companions have been older geldings who don't mind being left, will play a bit but keep the youngster in check. Shetlands are a PITA and a nightmare to manage, ideally you want somethnig the same size ish.
 
thanks everyone, lots of ideas and things to think about which is great. I'll definitely have an ask about to see if someone would like to field share as I'm sure some money would swing my OH's opinion!!
 
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