Is it fair to keep youngster on individual turnout?

[MyBoyChe]

Whilst I do agree that unbroken youngsters need to play together and be allowed to enjoy the freedom to do so, I think once they are broken and working the issues become slightly different. I tend to agree with PS, you do need to think of injury/accident and the safest scenario for all. What will happen if you pair up and then the other owner decides to ride/keep stabled? Would your mare be more upset by the other horse being taken away than she is with her current arrangement where she has other horses around her and the chances of actually being left alone are pretty low. I keep my own horse on DIY, we all have our own paddocks and no horse is ever left out alone, there are always at least 2 turned out within sight of each other. Sometimes they can touch, sometimes they cant but all are settled and not stressed. As your mare seems OK at the moment I wouldn't be rushing to move, wait a while and see if her behaviour changes. My own boy is quite content grazing by himself, I can bring him in to the yard alone, hack out alone and take him out in the lorry alone. He isn't dependant on another horse for support in any situation which after having a TB who was dangerous if he ever got left alone or behind is a blessing.

 

[Prince33Sp4rkle]

agree, you could be making a rod for your own back if she then pair bonds very strongly.

 

[Joyous70]

Whilst I do agree that unbroken youngsters need to play together and be allowed to enjoy the freedom to do so, I think once they are broken and working the issues become slightly different. I tend to agree with PS, you do need to think of injury/accident and the safest scenario for all. What will happen if you pair up and then the other owner decides to ride/keep stabled? Would your mare be more upset by the other horse being taken away than she is with her current arrangement where she has other horses around her and the chances of actually being left alone are pretty low. I keep my own horse on DIY, we all have our own paddocks and no horse is ever left out alone, there are always at least 2 turned out within sight of each other. Sometimes they can touch, sometimes they cant but all are settled and not stressed. As your mare seems OK at the moment I wouldn't be rushing to move, wait a while and see if her behaviour changes. My own boy is quite content grazing by himself, I can bring him in to the yard alone, hack out alone and take him out in the lorry alone. He isn't dependant on another horse for support in any situation which after having a TB who was dangerous if he ever got left alone or behind is a blessing.

Thank you - yes she does seem settled, just having the other horses nearby, she doesn't call or seem to stress at all, she is backed and doing small amounts of work now, so come spring this will increase as well.

I am dubious of putting her with something else as you say there is the risk of injury to her or the other horse.

I feel less stressed about it now thank you.

 

[Joyous70]

agree, you could be making a rod for your own back if she then pair bonds very strongly.

This had crossed my mind also, at least she is learning a little independence, i have seen how difficult life can be when you have two horses that cannot bear to be apart, i would not want this at all.

 

[rara007]

IMO no it's not fair. I don't think any horse should be kept alone, and youngsters do clearly benefit from group turnout. I think yours is probably old enough to be past the most basic stage of learning, I shoudln't think she'll be unable to turn out with others as an adult- a problem some youngsters kept alone develop, though I expect she'd still enjoy a play. Lot's of horses are kept individually of course as practicality/economics/different views on what is important to horses welfare/different temperaments of horses do have to come in to peoples consdierations.