Individual turnout issues

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Podgelover

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Hi All,

My gelding was out with 3 other geldings, he got on really well with one, they were very attached. (he would be a nightmare if he wasn't turned out on time.)

Sadly a new horse was introduced incorrectly (thrown in a field with 4 other horses without warning) and my gelding got quite badly attacked. I nearly lost him due to the infection he sustained from his injuries :(

He is now on individual turn out, I can't bring myself to put him out with another horse and risk this again.
The field he is in has two adjacent fields either side and they both are occupied with horses, however these horses come in really early around 2pm.

My boy isn't used to coming in before 5.30 and I cant get there any sooner to bring him in. I am concerned that he is alone for such a long time?

His behaviour is appalling when bringing in, he will constantly jog and trot. Ive tried standing with him for 5 minutes to make him calm down every time he does that, but he just carries on, ive tried turning around and going the other way, but he is so desperate to get in.

I just wondered if anyone had any tips or advice? He doesn't wait at the gate for me, he seems more than happy grazing until he knows i'm there or coming? He is also in a stable that does not able him to see other horses.

The other horse owners in individual turn out do not seem keen to introduce and have in the same field, likely to be for the same reasons as me!
 
I can see your point about not wanting your horse to get injured, but the long and short if it is, horses are herd animals and they need company.

The fact he is playing up on bring in is a sure sign he is distressed. Do you know if he hoons around when left? He is more likely to hurt himself doing that, than getting kicked.

You need to find a turnout buddy for both of your sanity.
 
HaffiesRock said:
I can see your point about not wanting your horse to get injured, but the long and short if it is, horses are herd animals and they need company.

The fact he is playing up on bring in is a sure sign he is distressed. Do you know if he hoons around when left? He is more likely to hurt himself doing that, than getting kicked.

You need to find a turnout buddy for both of your sanity.
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He doesn't hoon around when out or going out, it really is just going in, can guarantee that, he may occasionally have a little canter about and throw a few bucks, but that's if I am turning him out late and he's excited. He is extremely laid back usually, it just happens hes in such a rush on the way back. I think you're right I need one for my sanity - annoyingly would involve having to move yards, there will not be enough grazing in the field he is in now for two.

I never thought he would be on individual turn out and always thought that it was crazy as they are as you said herd animals! But after a scare like that its so hard to know the best thing for him!
 
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