Is it worth worrying about?

[Tiffany]

A friend of mine is thinking of moving her horse so that's she's nearer home. She loves the yard she's on and horse is settled. She's turned out in her own paddock with other horses in adjacent paddocks. She hates being alone but in the past has been bullied when out in a group. If she moves she'll be turned out in a group of mares & geldings although she's worried she'll be bullied again.

Is she right to worry?

 

[babymare]

MMMMM she wont know till she tries it - hopefully the herd will be quiet and nice - my mare is out with whats known as the "quiet herd" young old all types but all very friendly and also fun. Baby is very timid but is so settled and has been for nearly 5 yrs. the yard also has herds of bolshy bullies lol is there the chance if bullied she can be turned out on own. your freind maybe surprised
She should ask if her horse can be turned out with th quiestest kindest of field on thier own for a while so hopefully they can bond
and then introdue another 1 or 2 so taking it slow
hope all works out x

 

[Tiffany]

Its just one huge field for summer and a different one for winter. She's not happy on her own and at a previous yard she used to try and be with the gang but always ended up alone. She may have been perfectly happy although think she just stayed away for a quiet life.

Tough decision because she'd hate her to get injured or be unhappy but unless she tries she won't know.

 

[M'n'M]

Maybe try to introduce her slowly instead of just putting her in the field with the other horses right off the bat. I know when I worked at a rescue some horses didn't get along with others but then when those trouble makers moved through they were fine. Hopefully the horse has gotten her confidence up around other horses so she won't be a push over...although that may not be her problem at all Is there any way she could be introduced to one horse at a time? Not sure if this is possible in your friend's situation.

Sorry this post is a bit jumbled. Just some random thoughts that might (or might not) be helpful. I wish your friend luck, hopefully she doesn't need it.

 

[MissTyc]

I run a large herd (in excess of 25 horses usually). I introduce new horses by finding them a few good mates in the form of the funnest friendliest same-sex animals and then turn them loose into the big herd together. My herd is incredibly friendly and playful, but it does take mares a while to find their place sometimes and be fully integrated and accepted. That said, in large herds, I find every horse does eventually find its place!
(Gelding tend to go out and make a new best gelding mate and that's that!)

 

[Tiffany]

M n M and Miss Tyc - thanks for your replies.

If I decided to move my mare I'd have the same dilemma because she hates being on her own, she's never been out with a mixed herd and she's timid. She was out with just one other horse for a long time at previous yard and got very clingy so I wouldn't know what to do for best.

Friend is thinking it through and talking to YO to see if she can go out with just 2 or 3 to start with.