Introducing new fell pony to miniature Shetlands!!

[S.charlotte48]

Hi everyone, I’d really appreciate some advice on introducing a new pony to my existing pair.

I’ve had two miniature Shetlands (a 20yo mare and a 10yo gelding) on my farm for nearly 10 years and last week I brought home a Fell pony mare to start riding again. Because of the size difference I’ve been taking things slowly and they’ve been living next door to each other in the stables for about a week.

There has been some squealing from the miniature mare and a lot of nipping from the fell over the stable door, which I assume is her asserting herself in the pecking order. The Shetlands seem more curious than aggressive, and overall things do seem to be settling a little, but I’m understandably nervous about the first time they are all turned out together loose.

I’ve read advice saying to just let them “sort it out”, but with such a big size difference between a Fell and two minis I’m worried that could risk injury, even if the behaviour is normal in horse terms.

I’m happy to take things slowly and would love to hear from anyone who has successfully introduced a much larger pony/horse to very small ones. What worked for you?

Any advice on the safest way to manage the first loose introductions would be very much appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Nicnac]

I always turn out newbies into an adjacent field for a week or so after quarentining in a stable where they can see but not touch others. . They can get all they're silliness and squealing out the way over the electric fencing. Then turn them out together and walk away. As long as there's plenty to eat they're usually fine.

 

[S.charlotte48]

I always turn out newbies into an adjacent field for a week or so after quarentining in a stable where they can see but not touch others. . They can get all they're silliness and squealing out the way over the electric fencing. Then turn them out together and walk away. As long as there's plenty to eat they're usually fine.

Thank you so much!!

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

Definitely put them either side of the fence for a couple of weeks or more (longer if ground boggy as you dont want to risk slipping injuries).
Then on a day when you have time to stay to watch, after fell pony has had work, try opening the gate between them, fix a rail or 2 in the gateway, so mini ponies can escape back if really feeling threatened., but fell pony can't get through.
I've kept Fells and mini ponies together, tho the odd game of basketball from the last Fell mare on the dominant mini Shetland still occurred on odd occasions.
Good luck, hope it works out x

 

[S.charlotte48]

Definitely put them either side of the fence for a couple of weeks or more (longer if ground boggy as you dont want to risk slipping injuries).
Then on a day when you have time to stay to watch, after fell pony has had work, try opening the gate between them, fix a rail or 2 in the gateway, so mini ponies can escape back if really feeling threatened., but fell pony can't get through.
I've kept Fells and mini ponies together, tho the odd game of basketball from the last Fell mare on the dominant mini Shetland still occurred on odd occasions.
Good luck, hope it works out x

Thank you so much for this! X

 

[dorsetladette]

I do introductions very slowly as I've had a very grumpy cob in the past. Like you say turn out next to each other for a while and when you feel confident they are happy next to each other open the fence and ensure there are lots of piles of hay around for everyone to settle too.

If it's any consolation my grumpy, angry, not friendly cob never managed to catch a mini shetland - they were always to quick and he struggled to turn as sharply as them. Much to the mini's delight, often saw little man prancing round with his tail over his back (like donkey off shrek!) while B was grumpily walking away with his head down, his ears back and a very grumpy expression on his face.

 

[S.charlotte48]

I do introductions very slowly as I've had a very grumpy cob in the past. Like you say turn out next to each other for a while and when you feel confident they are happy next to each other open the fence and ensure there are lots of piles of hay around for everyone to settle too.

If it's any consolation my grumpy, angry, not friendly cob never managed to catch a mini shetland - they were always to quick and he struggled to turn as sharply as them. Much to the mini's delight, often saw little man prancing round with his tail over his back (like donkey off shrek!) while B was grumpily walking away with his head down, his ears back and a very grumpy expression on his face.

Thank you for this!