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Girlie1998

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I have just bought a new horse but didn't want him on his own so I have bought a retired companion. They still haven't settled properly but I cannot separate them as the mare goes nuts which in turn upsets and stresses the gelding. They are stabled at night and turned out through the day. I haven't been able to ride my gelding yet as his saddle doesn't fit but the saddler is coming out at the weekend.

Any advice and tips so I don't end up with a horse I cannot ride? Thanks
 
I had this problem with my two when I first moved them home after always being on busy livery yards. I couldn't even bring one in to groom in full view of the other without chaos breaking out. It did just take time for them to settle in their new home and feel comfortable being apart. I was stuck only being able to hack the TB and leave the ID at home as the TB hated to be left alone and the ID won't hack alone but the other way was fine. I eventually added a pony companion who is happy staying home alone if the other two go out.
Hopefully they will get better with time, it can take a whole for them to settle. Are there any other horses in neighbouring fields?
 
Thanks Lynn fingers crossed once they settle it will get better. There aren't any other horses in the near by fields. I will give it a few weeks and see how it goes, might need to get another companion like you have. Oh dear I'm sure that will go down like led balloon with my husband. :mad:
 
My TB is particularly bad about being left alone as we also don't have any neighbouring horses. She will now stay alone whilst the others are being ridden in the school but either of the other two are fine alone once they had both settled in.
I just kept at it bringing them in one at a time most days and eventually they settled down. A section of hay in the field also helps as a distraction at first but honestly the first 2-3 weeks were by far the worst. I did also wonder if I would ever get to ride one of them alone but started by staying in view of the other. After 3-4 weeks the ID was happy to stay alone whilst I hacked the TB.
 
Girlie1998 said:
Thanks Lynn fingers crossed once they settle it will get better. There aren't any other horses in the near by fields. I will give it a few weeks and see how it goes, might need to get another companion like you have. Oh dear I'm sure that will go down like led balloon with my husband. :mad:
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You cound consider taking on a young rescue horse/pony as a short term adoption/foster from a charity, they are really desperate for people to do this at present and free up space for other equines to be given a chance of recovery. This way you would be returning the youngster when they are old enough to start their training and you could review whether you needed to take on another or your two have got used to being separated whilst you ride.:)
 
A goat or a small retired pony might be the answer. Or have you got any space for a few sheep from a farmer?
 
I would defo stable other horse while your out riding, I do this with mine. They would jump the fence if not. They do settle eventually , now it's no problem to my youngster to be left in stable by himself for a hour or 2.
 
Try stabling the other horse and fit a proper horse mirror in the stable (they really calm some horses) and a haynet. Then start by taking the horse you want to ride away for a few minutes. Over the next few weeks, increase the time that they are parted. Slowly, slowly is often the best way, as the left behind horse needs to learn that his/her friend will return.
 
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