Keeping a horse alone, how do you feel about it?

[luckyoldme]

Mine was kept alone for a year. He bit other horses quite badly and it became an issue with other owners.
A neighbouring farmer gave me the chance to turn him out with five clydesdales with a view to seperating him if things became bad.
From the day he was introduced he was the alpha , however the larger group of horses sorted him out.
He now lives with two mares a gelding and a yearling filly. The mare was seperated for foaling but reintroduced when the foal was a month old.(im sure a lot of people will disagree with this too!)
I believe my horse had issues because of lack of socialisation before i got him. The foal has run with the mixed herd as i have said since she was a month old.
They are a lovely calm group........but without the help of this farmer my horse would have had to stay alone...and not many people would have done what he did for me.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

Amazing, horses are herd animals and always have been. Yet the number of people who have horses that cannot be allowed with others, or are too aggressive. Too valuable to mix with others. Whatever else
Congratulations, you've driven your horses insane.

Wow your persistant in your gross generalisations and attempts to turn this into a fight arent you. Cant you live without a little controversy?? Every thread you post on you thrust your beliefs in folks faces, your beliefs dont make you right and others wrong you know. Just because you keep yours horses a certain way or train them a certain way doesnt make the rest of the world wrong you know.

This thread has been a great discussion, maybe accept that people are different from you and have different views from you might make you a more pleasant poster in the long run PR, you seen to have the idea that nothing is better than your way and its quite sad really

 

[Aarrghimpossiblepony]

Amazing, horses are herd animals and always have been. Yet the number of people who have horses that cannot be allowed with others, or are too aggressive. Too valuable to mix with others. Whatever else
Congratulations, you've driven your horses insane.

Amazing how you have missed those posts talking about horses who are low down on the pecking order and prefer to be alone because otherwise they are bullied and harrassed without let up.

Did the owners drive them insane too?
Or is it the other horses that have been driven insane?

How have I driven my pony insane when she was out on the forest until October (rising five this spring) and yet I'm beginning to see a pattern emerging of her being constantly harrassed?
If she doesn't learn to stick up for herself, I can see her in years to come preferring individual turnout.

 

[LauraWheeler]

Amazing, horses are herd animals and always have been. Yet the number of people who have horses that cannot be allowed with others, or are too aggressive. Too valuable to mix with others. Whatever else
Congratulations, you've driven your horses insane.

You see this is what annoys me. Ok are you going to put your horse out with Herbie then Herbie was the way he is when he came to me. He is an aggressive pony not just to other horses but anything that enters his field. Am I ment to force him to share his field when he clearly isn't happy doing this. Also would it be fair to the other horse to put them in danger.
As I stated I would rather keep horses with others. Merryn lives out with others and so did Lucy (although she chose to spend all her time on her own)
As I keep saying all horses are indervidules and some need to be treated diffrently. But maybe this is why there are so many "Problem" horses about because people think you treat all horses the same. They are living breathing animals with minds of there own.
Actualy why am I sugesting these people put there poor horses in danger by puting them in with Herbs. They should stand in his field themselves and see how long they servive. maybe then they'll see not all horses are the same.

 

[Wagtail]

You see this is what annoys me. Ok are you going to put your horse out with Herbie then Herbie was the way he is when he came to me. He is an aggressive pony not just to other horses but anything that enters his field. Am I ment to force him to share his field when he clearly isn't happy doing this. Also would it be fair to the other horse to put them in danger.
As I stated I would rather keep horses with others. Merryn lives out with others and so did Lucy (although she chose to spend all her time on her own)
As I keep saying all horses are indervidules and some need to be treated diffrently. But maybe this is why there are so many "Problem" horses about because people think you treat all horses the same. They are living breathing animals with minds of there own.
Actualy why am I sugesting these people put there poor horses in danger by puting them in with Herbs. They should stand in his field themselves and see how long they servive. maybe then they'll see not all horses are the same.

I think that once you have a horsethat has been ruined socially, there is very little you can do. The clue to why he is like he is was given when you said he was a stallion until age 7. Sadly, stallions live very solitary lives in this country, and don't get the chance to live like a horse and learn the social skills required. You are right to keep him separated (though I would prefer it if he was next to others). Some horses can never change once they have been damaged. The cob at our yard who has to have separate turnout has had many chances, but he is such a danger to others that no one wants to risk trying him again with their horse. I certainly wouldn't risk either of mine in with him and so wouldn't expect my liveries to either.

 

[LauraWheeler]

I think that once you have a horsethat has been ruined socially, there is very little you can do. The clue to why he is like he is was given when you said he was a stallion until age 7. Sadly, stallions live very solitary lives in this country, and don't get the chance to live like a horse and learn the social skills required. You are right to keep him separated (though I would prefer it if he was next to others). Some horses can never change once they have been damaged. The cob at our yard who has to have separate turnout has had many chances, but he is such a danger to others that no one wants to risk trying him again with their horse. I certainly wouldn't risk either of mine in with him and so wouldn't expect my liveries to either.

I know and understand, as you do, why he's like he is wagtail I do try to keep him in sight of others. Next to isn't always possable and he still trys to attack them over the fence . He is happy to be kept compleatly on his own but it does make me sad. I wish he was like a normal horse and would live with others it would make my life much easyer.
The attitude I get annoyed with is the poeple who say i'm crule for not turning him out with other horses and horses are hurd animals and they should ALL be kept with other horses no matter what.
I just do whats best by my ponies and keep them happy.
Fortunatly for most people they havn't come across a horse like Herbie so I guess they don't understand. Herbie is a funny little chap who has lots of querks for many diffrent reasons. But I love him dearly and do my best to keep him calm and happy.

 

[indie999]

Not everyone owns a livery yard and if you have a look on good doer and poor one on another thread its not always easy keeping two or three even. The happy herd.

My perfect ideal is to have about 10-13 acres with about 5 or 6 horses, a hired help to do the daily poo picking, muck the stables out if they are shut in, grooming, ragwort pulling and standing with farrier etc, I have someone who will top and roll the paddocks and trim the hedges on alternate years. My tack will be cleaned and saddle soap after every use. I dont have to work to pay for it all and can just hop on board as and when I please. All the horses are well socialised happy in their post and rail fencing, none of them wear rugs as they are horses. I can see them all from my back window kitchen.

My happy herd and perfect world.

 

[Fellewell]

Amazing, horses are herd animals and always have been. Yet the number of people who have horses that cannot be allowed with others, or are too aggressive. Too valuable to mix with others. Whatever else
Congratulations, you've driven your horses insane.

Of course PR, left to their own devices horses would roam over hundreds of acres and forge alliances that suited them and prevented them from being first on the menu for marauding predators.

These other problems are man-made from keeping large numbers of horses in 'artificial' herds on tiny, fenced areas of poor/non existent grazing thereby giving them a hell of a lot to fight about.

I think this thread is about dealing with the fallout from that.

 

[indie999]

Of course PR, left to their own devices horses would roam over hundreds of acres and forge alliances that suited them and prevented them from being first on the menu for marauding predators.

These other problems are man-made from keeping large numbers of horses in 'artificial' herds on tiny, fenced areas of poor/non existent grazing thereby giving them a hell of a lot to fight about.

I think this thread is about dealing with the fallout from that.

This exactly! I must remember to jump on the back of that new forest or welshie or highland pony when I next spot one. That is after sticking a lump of metal in its gob.

 

[tuonodeb]

Not everyone owns a livery yard and if you have a look on good doer and poor one on another thread its not always easy keeping two or three even. The happy herd.

My perfect ideal is to have about 10-13 acres with about 5 or 6 horses, a hired help to do the daily poo picking, muck the stables out if they are shut in, grooming, ragwort pulling and standing with farrier etc, I have someone who will top and roll the paddocks and trim the hedges on alternate years. My tack will be cleaned and saddle soap after every use. I dont have to work to pay for it all and can just hop on board as and when I please. All the horses are well socialised happy in their post and rail fencing, none of them wear rugs as they are horses. I can see them all from my back window kitchen.

My happy herd and perfect world.

This will enableyou too join the ranks of the self appointed standard bearers of horse ownership and even sit on the select comitte of who can and can,t own horses (I,ve already been told to sell mine by the all knowing ). Funny how people who own livery yards disagree with horses been kept alone in paddocks when their owners could be on their yard contributing too the next Range Rover.

 

[Wagtail]

This will enableyou too join the ranks of the self appointed standard bearers of horse ownership and even sit on the select comitte of who can and can,t own horses (I,ve already been told to sell mine by the all knowing ). Funny how people who own livery yards disagree with horses been kept alone in paddocks when their owners could be on their yard contributing too the next Range Rover.

LMAO! You should see the heap of scrap I drive about! Every one of my liveries drives a newer car than I do. We have no money because it all goes on the horses. There is no money in running a livery yard, I can assure you.

Yes I think it is selfish people keeping a horse on its own in a paddock. If you can't afford to keep a companion then you should either get a livery in yourself or put your horse in livery. Keeping horses' needs met is expensive. Equine company is one of a horses basic needs.

I know that some people view this as judgemental. It isn't. I want a better life for these horses that live a lonely existence, just as I want a better life for horses that are starved or over fed, or otherwise abused. I don't care if that offends people.

 

[tuonodeb]

No you being judgemental does not offend but the "they should be jailed" and sell your horse from the Head of the Coven does. Has said earlier on in the thread she is insane, " off with their heads and let them eat cake " are all that is missing from her post.

 

[touchstone]

LMAO! You should see the heap of scrap I drive about! Every one of my liveries drives a newer car than I do. We have no money because it all goes on the horses. There is no money in running a livery yard, I can assure you.

Yes I think it is selfish people keeping a horse on its own in a paddock. If you can't afford to keep a companion then you should either get a livery in yourself or put your horse in livery. Keeping horses' needs met is expensive. Equine company is one of a horses basic needs.
the
I know that some people view this as judgemental. It isn't. I want a better life for these horses that live a lonely existence, just as I want a better life for horses that are starved or over fed, or otherwise abused. I don't care if that offends people.

The land I rent is contracted so that I am unable to sub let. Livery yards are expensive around me, and as my husband has the car all day I'd struggle to get there, and I think it would be unfair to move an elderly pony from her home of fifteen years anyway.

I've promised my mare that she will only leave my care when the day comes that she is pts. Getting a companion and the costs of insuring, feeding, vet care, worming, foot trimming etc would be irresponsible.
I keep one so that I can keep her well, we've all gone on about how dangerous it can be collecting horses when there aren't the funds, and how irresponsible it is to sell on older horses.

If the worst came to the worst I could always borrow one of my fathers horses, but not everybody is in a position to do that.

Yes, horses are expensive, and I think you'll find that they will become increasingly moreso, there are lots of people being forced to make difficult decisions, which often involves reducing numbers, and single horse owners are likely to increase I'd expect.

I'd rather see a well cared for horse living apparently happily alone than lots of the welfare cases that there are about. Of course it's not ideal, but it may be a hell of a lot better than some of the alternatives in our society where there are horses overbred and unable to find any home.

 

[Equilibrium Ireland]

Yikes, this got rather heated. For the record I like all horses to have company. Sometimes it's not possible. I get a few client horses in and the mare ones will not go out with my established mare herd. They aren't here permanently and the risk outweighs the good. Having said that they can all chat over fences. I also don't do mixed herds. I have one lone gelding but most of the time he has a client horse for company but I always have to watch closely as he has run horses through board and electric fencing. As he's gotten older he's been better. Occassionally he can tolerate a lone mare.

My mare herd is well established. They've all been socialised since birth but I'm not just sticking horses into it willy nilly to possibly have issues. No one is going to ever challenge the boss mare's ranking. I won't let that happen. I mean if we really think about it herd's can be very tricky. Horses are not the nicest of animals to each other. If you're a one horse owner and your horse is the one injured you aren't going to be feeling to happy about the fact that horse's should always be in herds. And even herds can become stupid and nasty to each other on any given day. During the really muddy times I liked to let the mares out in 2 for a buck, kick, and roll. The two sisters who I've never had any issues with while doing this and living out in the field, decided to square up to each other and start kicking the crap out of each other. Complete with those horrific squeals and legs just kicking the crap out of each other. I was running across the arena like a crazy woman with lunge whip in hand shouting all sorts. I was mortified. Can't blame it on not being socialsed. That's horses and things can change in the blink of an eye. I put a thing on Facebook. Most people were like oh geez don't let them out together again. Well I did in the field as I reasoned it was just a one on one thing without the boss mare and that they'd gotten carried away. No issues whatsoever in the field. The next morning they were sharing a hay pile which they almost never do. However, buck and kicks in the arena are solo.

If I had one horse and was in a livery situation most likely I'd ask for separate paddock. Reason, I don't want my horse responsible for injuries to others nor injuries to mine. I can do as I like with mine and I'm very pro company, but it's really not that simple. And at times I split groups sometimes and all can go away from the herd to have things done and then go back out. I also can't stand horses that can't be alone for a second without losing the plot. I'm not raising wild horses. Also I've had a foal killed by another mare, not the mother. So all this fluffy fuzzy warm feelings you're supposed to have with horses getting along like a 60's love fest really isn't very accurate.

Oh sure I'll be told I've done something wrong for my horses to act this way and that's fine but there are lines. Again, I really don't like gambling with client horses. Most are not here very long and they aren't here to form bonds and friendships. They can scratch over the fence and are in the presence of horses at all times. Maybe that's wring but I have more to think about.

As far as the OP's original topic. No it's not right. They had a crap situation to begin with and needed each other. They had zero stimulation and no one is all alone. Totally wrong.

Terri

 

[Holzdweaver]

My boy is a loner for a few weeks as his companion pony has gone to be a companion elsewhere. Im moving my boy onto livery at the end o the month (as well as moving house and 12 other pets to another county!) and cant take two there. Usually, id be totally against it, but there was no way to move them both to separate locations on the same day as the new livery is the next county along, i dont drive and if pony hadnt have moved this weekend she couldnt have gone at all. He has horses in sight and he can touch noses over a section of fencing, but he doesnt even bother to do this. Hes quite happy to chase them away from 'his' fence

Thats just short term though, like i said only for a few weeks, i wouldnt leave him alone for a long period of time, thats just mean, even if he has shown no outward signs of missing the little one or even noticing that she has actually gone!

 

[angelish]

that is very sad
i recently found out a horse i used to ride (my old mares sister) is now kept alone there were three of them in the field and they lost one to colic and then the older gelding was pts leaving the now 23yr old all alone
it makes me very sad to think she is by herself now , they visit once a day to make sure she's ok but don't spend a great deal of time with her
i don't know if anything can be done about it as she has her needs met she must just have a miserable existance with no company

 

[doriangrey]

Yikes, this got rather heated. For the record I like all horses to have company. Sometimes it's not possible. I get a few client horses in and the mare ones will not go out with my established mare herd. They aren't here permanently and the risk outweighs the good. Having said that they can all chat over fences. I also don't do mixed herds. I have one lone gelding but most of the time he has a client horse for company but I always have to watch closely as he has run horses through board and electric fencing. As he's gotten older he's been better. Occassionally he can tolerate a lone mare.

My mare herd is well established. They've all been socialised since birth but I'm not just sticking horses into it willy nilly to possibly have issues. No one is going to ever challenge the boss mare's ranking. I won't let that happen. I mean if we really think about it herd's can be very tricky. Horses are not the nicest of animals to each other. If you're a one horse owner and your horse is the one injured you aren't going to be feeling to happy about the fact that horse's should always be in herds. And even herds can become stupid and nasty to each other on any given day. During the really muddy times I liked to let the mares out in 2 for a buck, kick, and roll. The two sisters who I've never had any issues with while doing this and living out in the field, decided to square up to each other and start kicking the crap out of each other. Complete with those horrific squeals and legs just kicking the crap out of each other. I was running across the arena like a crazy woman with lunge whip in hand shouting all sorts. I was mortified. Can't blame it on not being socialsed. That's horses and things can change in the blink of an eye. I put a thing on Facebook. Most people were like oh geez don't let them out together again. Well I did in the field as I reasoned it was just a one on one thing without the boss mare and that they'd gotten carried away. No issues whatsoever in the field. The next morning they were sharing a hay pile which they almost never do. However, buck and kicks in the arena are solo.

If I had one horse and was in a livery situation most likely I'd ask for separate paddock. Reason, I don't want my horse responsible for injuries to others nor injuries to mine. I can do as I like with mine and I'm very pro company, but it's really not that simple. And at times I split groups sometimes and all can go away from the herd to have things done and then go back out. I also can't stand horses that can't be alone for a second without losing the plot. I'm not raising wild horses. Also I've had a foal killed by another mare, not the mother. So all this fluffy fuzzy warm feelings you're supposed to have with horses getting along like a 60's love fest really isn't very accurate.

Oh sure I'll be told I've done something wrong for my horses to act this way and that's fine but there are lines. Again, I really don't like gambling with client horses. Most are not here very long and they aren't here to form bonds and friendships. They can scratch over the fence and are in the presence of horses at all times. Maybe that's wring but I have more to think about.

As far as the OP's original topic. No it's not right. They had a crap situation to begin with and needed each other. They had zero stimulation and no one is all alone. Totally wrong.

Terri

As usual you are the voice of reason and common sense and I look forward to your posts very much. LauraWheeler, too, has explained her position very well and better than me! I always try and bite my lip, but I'm sorry Pale Rider, I don't believe that you see horses as individuals at all and would quite like them to fit in your idea of what is right - and not what is right for the individual. Quite clearly, from some posts (including mine) some horses are happier by themselves whether you agree with it or not .. you know nothing about these animals but you don't mind remarking on and insulting the people who manage them.

 

[Littlelegs]

Lmao at tunasomeone. Ditto everything Wagtail has said too.
Laura, I have one that was as you describe herbie. She was kept alone from 3mnths to one, & attacking anything that moved was a survival instinct. But, she was too tiny & weak to be a physical threat. And, the big, life changing fact was my mare. Who is the only horse I would put out with something like herbie, it wouldn't be the first time. And in addition is a born nanny. She literally adopted the pony. She's relaxed enough now that provided my mare is in the field she doesn't chase anything unless it gets close. But still has no concept of herd hierarchies. Being young & playful by nature she does do well with youngsters, but without my mare as buffer she would cause havoc with anything not wanting to play. But she's constantly improving, & at 5&1/2 for the first time she prepared for flight at something she was unsure of, rather than preparing for a fight. So I'm confident in time she'll be no more trouble than the average horse. And I don't for a minute mean it in a 'if I sorted ours you can sort herbie'. Because her age made all the difference. And I'm very aware of the fact that actually my mare caused the improvement, not me. And nor do I mean you should source the perfect older mare to sort him, I know full well that my mares ability to go out safely with literally anything safely isn't exactly common. I genuinely would turn her out with herbie, & I don't mean that as an offhand clever answer to your question, I really would do it in the hopes of improving herbies life. But, while she can & has been out with others like that no problem, a few days or weeks isn't long enough to change, its taken her years to get ours where she is. And I think horses like herbie, our pony, other aggressive horses mentioned, just prove how wrong keeping a horse isolated is, given the effect on the horses whole life. And fwiw, I wouldn't count an aggressive horse like herbie kept nearby, but not with others as cruel. The selfish people who keep horses isolated & cause extreme effects in horses more willing to express their unhappiness? Cruel everytime.

 

[tuonodeb]

'd rather see a well cared for horse living apparently happily alone than lots of the welfare cases that there are about. Of course it's not ideal, but it may be a hell of a lot better than some of the alternatives in our society where there are horses overbred and unable to find any home.

Says it all really .

 

[Littlelegs]

And just how do you find out whether its one of the ones that develops obvious issues, rather than the type that tolerates it? Wait for signs its got major issues? Give it company after 6mnths & see whether or not it develops separation anxiety or aggression problems? Unfortunately its impossible to tell what damage might be done to any individual until you've already caused the damage. Anyway, off to search the classifieds for a third horse I can't afford to provide basic needs for, if anyone has any objections I'll just call them judgemental, that's apparently an adequate defence.

 

[Aarrghimpossiblepony]

The land I rent is contracted so that I am unable to sub let. Livery yards are expensive around me, and as my husband has the car all day I'd struggle to get there, and I think it would be unfair to move an elderly pony from her home of fifteen years anyway.

I've promised my mare that she will only leave my care when the day comes that she is pts. Getting a companion and the costs of insuring, feeding, vet care, worming, foot trimming etc would be irresponsible.
I keep one so that I can keep her well, we've all gone on about how dangerous it can be collecting horses when there aren't the funds, and how irresponsible it is to sell on older horses.

If the worst came to the worst I could always borrow one of my fathers horses, but not everybody is in a position to do that.

Yes, horses are expensive, and I think you'll find that they will become increasingly moreso, there are lots of people being forced to make difficult decisions, which often involves reducing numbers, and single horse owners are likely to increase I'd expect.

I'd rather see a well cared for horse living apparently happily alone than lots of the welfare cases that there are about. Of course it's not ideal, but it may be a hell of a lot better than some of the alternatives in our society where there are horses overbred and unable to find any home.

The same conditions are attached to the land I am now on, the owner is not allowed to charge rent under the contract/lease..
But they are allowed to have a friend keep a horse there.

So I get a free field in return for doing all the afternoon feeding, haying, pooh picking ect. and it allows them to get away for a break every now and then.

We became "friends" very quickly.

 

[florette]

Hmm, So what about the people who can only afford the needs for one horse? And cannot afford the needs for two?
What about the people who cannot travel to livery yards daily yet have their own land for the horse?

keep it at livery, or not have the first horse. I'd sooner have no horse than keep one on it's own, really hate to see it

 

[doriangrey]

Lmao at tunasomeone. Ditto everything Wagtail has said too.
Laura, I have one that was as you describe herbie. She was kept alone from 3mnths to one, & attacking anything that moved was a survival instinct. But, she was too tiny & weak to be a physical threat. And, the big, life changing fact was my mare. Who is the only horse I would put out with something like herbie, it wouldn't be the first time. And in addition is a born nanny. She literally adopted the pony. She's relaxed enough now that provided my mare is in the field she doesn't chase anything unless it gets close. But still has no concept of herd hierarchies. Being young & playful by nature she does do well with youngsters, but without my mare as buffer she would cause havoc with anything not wanting to play. But she's constantly improving, & at 5&1/2 for the first time she prepared for flight at something she was unsure of, rather than preparing for a fight. So I'm confident in time she'll be no more trouble than the average horse. And I don't for a minute mean it in a 'if I sorted ours you can sort herbie'. Because her age made all the difference. And I'm very aware of the fact that actually my mare caused the improvement, not me. And nor do I mean you should source the perfect older mare to sort him, I know full well that my mares ability to go out safely with literally anything safely isn't exactly common. I genuinely would turn her out with herbie, & I don't mean that as an offhand clever answer to your question, I really would do it in the hopes of improving herbies life. But, while she can & has been out with others like that no problem, a few days or weeks isn't long enough to change, its taken her years to get ours where she is. And I think horses like herbie, our pony, other aggressive horses mentioned, just prove how wrong keeping a horse isolated is, given the effect on the horses whole life. And fwiw, I wouldn't count an aggressive horse like herbie kept nearby, but not with others as cruel. The selfish people who keep horses isolated & cause extreme effects in horses more willing to express their unhappiness? Cruel everytime.

That's a very big ask LL - and I think LW is in a better position to judge than you.

 

[Wagtail]

Hmm, So what about the people who can only afford the needs for one horse? And cannot afford the needs for two?
What about the people who cannot travel to livery yards daily yet have their own land for the horse?

That's the whole point. If you can't afford to meet the horse's needs then you can't afford a horse. Company of its own kind is a basic need.

 

[Wagtail]

I had better sell Jack now then, as i'm obviously such a neglectful owner!!!

Oh wait, he's happy out in the field eating grass ...

What do you expect him to do? He has to eat to live. You ASSUME he is happy.

 

[mandwhy]

I don't like them being on their own long term. I accept that some horses tolerate or don't mind it for a while, but its never ideal and I think a lot of that is because*of how they are raised in the first place, just as separation anxiety can be caused by periods alone as in 'please don't make me be on my own again'.

My horse came from a home where she had one field neighbour and the owner felt she needed to go somewhere with more company as she got stressed when the other one went out. She came here and was on individual for a while with horses all around, she was happy enough mostly but not good enough for me (she would run the fenceline often) so I got a companion on loan. she tried to kick and bite and rear at this little pony and lunged at her for a week over the fence, but they were eventually put in together, she still bosses her and grumps at feed time (thankfully just biting no more kicking), but I know she is much happier now and they are cute together, and that makes me happy too.

So I just wonder if people who think their horse will be aggressive have really tried to introduce them over time?

I did ride a horse who lived on his own before I bought one, he was challenging to handle sometimes and would bite all the time resulting in many bruises on my arms, it wasn't my call to make but I did have him on loan eventually and moved him down the road, individual turnout being the best I could offer. He found it rather exciting (!) and wasn't sure if he was noticeably happier, but when I fell off and injured myself I sent him back to his owner who had since acquired two more horses so he was at his happiest in his little herd which was a real joy to see

If you can't afford two, find a livery, go on a yard, rent land next to others, there are options. It makes me happy to know they are happy and feel safe when I am not there.

 

[Bills]

That's the whole point. If you can't afford to meet the horse's needs then you can't afford a horse. Company of its own kind is a basic need.

Completely agree with this!!

 

[Littlelegs]

What's a big ask dorian gray? And what on earth makes you think i'm judging Laura wheeler? If there's any confusion, I'm certainly not offering to lend my mare out for the several years it would no doubt take to make any permanent change to an aggressive horse.
That's simple wigwam bam, I simply wouldn't have one. Just like both my daughter & I would like guinea pigs, but circumstances mean they'd spend 23hrs a day in a hutch, or a tiny hutch sized run. So despite the fact they would be in a clean hutch, well fed & basically have all their physical needs met, as I can't offer adequate space for their mental needs, I won't get them.

 

[doriangrey]

Lmao at tunasomeone. Ditto everything Wagtail has said too.
Laura, I have one that was as you describe herbie. She was kept alone from 3mnths to one, & attacking anything that moved was a survival instinct. But, she was too tiny & weak to be a physical threat. And, the big, life changing fact was my mare. Who is the only horse I would put out with something like herbie, it wouldn't be the first time. And in addition is a born nanny. She literally adopted the pony. She's relaxed enough now that provided my mare is in the field she doesn't chase anything unless it gets close. But still has no concept of herd hierarchies. Being young & playful by nature she does do well with youngsters, but without my mare as buffer she would cause havoc with anything not wanting to play. But she's constantly improving, & at 5&1/2 for the first time she prepared for flight at something she was unsure of, rather than preparing for a fight. So I'm confident in time she'll be no more trouble than the average horse. And I don't for a minute mean it in a 'if I sorted ours you can sort herbie'. Because her age made all the difference. And I'm very aware of the fact that actually my mare caused the improvement, not me. And nor do I mean you should source the perfect older mare to sort him, I know full well that my mares ability to go out safely with literally anything safely isn't exactly common. I genuinely would turn her out with herbie, & I don't mean that as an offhand clever answer to your question, I really would do it in the hopes of improving herbies life. But, while she can & has been out with others like that no problem, a few days or weeks isn't long enough to change, its taken her years to get ours where she is. And I think horses like herbie, our pony, other aggressive horses mentioned, just prove how wrong keeping a horse isolated is, given the effect on the horses whole life. And fwiw, I wouldn't count an aggressive horse like herbie kept nearby, but not with others as cruel. The selfish people who keep horses isolated & cause extreme effects in horses more willing to express their unhappiness? Cruel everytime.

Sorry LL, if I'm not understanding you correctly. I know that internet isn't the best way for conveying how one feels and I think that reading from the above I thought you were offering an older mare to kind of rehabilitate Herbie. Sorry for any misunderstanding.

 

[Littlelegs]

Lol no, I didn't mean that at all. My mare isn't going anywhere. If Laura wheeler lived next door, then yes I'd put her in for the day, or to share land/turnout time as I have with her in the past. But as I say I think deep problems aren't solved in a matter of weeks or even months, if they were though, or I shared a yard with herbie anyway, then yes I would have offered. And I don't think its just a case of sticking an older mare out to sort it. As mine has got older she improved her ability to run a herd & nanny youngsters. But her ability to go out safely with anything is something she's just always had, & isn't anything to do with being an older mare. And I don't think its a quality you can easily find, even if you had unlimited time & funds its not something you can easily know or prove a horse has unless you've owned it years & discovered it along the way. So no, not offering a solution at all, but if I could do practically, I would do.