Livery and keeping a pony separate from the others

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Jules44

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Hi,

Wondering if anyone could offer advice! I've just taken in a livery at our home (this is the first livery I've had) he's a 4 yr old gelding pony who has previously sired a foal and was cut late. I have a mare who's kept with my gelding in a separate paddock and they've lived together for 6 years.

The problem I have is that the pony has brought my mare into season and she's not showing signs of coming off (it's been nearly 3 weeks now), in addition, he's become very stallion like, chasing his owner round his paddock and being very dominant which obviously isn't very pleasant for them.

They've since asked if they can keep him stabled during the day and turn him out at night to try and keep them more separate. I can see the logic in this but my concern is that he'll be left stabled on his own during the day and won't be able to see mine when they are out in the paddock and whilst I'm planning on keeping my two turned out 24/7 over the summer, there will still be the odd occasion when I'll bring my two in and he'll be out on his own overnight. He's only been with us for a month so I don't know whether to give this new routine some time to see if it'll work out or whether it would just be best if they found a more professional livery set up where it would suit their needs better? Any advice greatly appreciated or if you've coped with a similar situation.

Thanks
 
Well presumably it's up to them how they manage their pony. And as long as it fits in with you, and the pony thrives then that should be fine.

However, keeping a herd animal isolated 24 hours of the day is quite simply cruel in my book - so maybe a rethink all round might be needed.

Three is actually a nightmare to manage.
 
As AmyMay said, although I can see why you are concerned, it's up to them.

Why not let them give it a go and see how he copes? If he gets very upset then have a re-think. We kept my pony at home with just sheep for company and she was perfectly happy.
 
He is gelded so he cant make her pregnant. She will eventually stop being in season, the first season is longer than the others which are usually for 4 days and every 14 days, he cannot be blamed for bringing her in to season. Just let them get on with it, nothing bad will happen, imo it is really sad that a herd animal is locked away, they are animals.
 
My horse is a bit of a ladies man, and can be very riggy - especially if turned out on his own next to his girl (too much time on his own thinking about her!). We managed it by turning him out with the mare, and leaving them to it. He soon got bored with getting himself all worked up, and despite her being a complete harlot when shes in season, he just ignored her advances after a while.

We had to be very careful about turning any other geldings out with them though, as he was very protective of her and had no qualms about attacking any other horse who came near her. He's normally very mild mannered, and wouldn't dream of biting or kicking, but was a different horse when he had a bird to look after!

I moved him to a new yard last week, where he is out with a gelding, and he has reverted to being Mr Nice Guy again.
 
I am afraid I hate the thought of the horse being isolated, I really think it's emotional welfare is as important as its physical wellbeing. I work with humans with mental health problems and isolation in horse or human has a terrible impact on their wellbeing. A friend who works with rescued horses once told someone to subsitute 'cage' for 'stable' and see if it still feels ok to keep the horse there for long periods.
 
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