New to horse ownership need help advice

[paulengland100]

Hi all I have a dilemma we have just bought a new horse ans a pony 2 weeks ago a Tb and a pony this is about my TB he has grown attached to the pony he wont leave him alone and when we took our grandson out on the pony t the weekend my TB went absolutely mental galloping around the field constant neighing until we returned.
Also My TB wont go out on his own now and when we go for a hack with the pony he started in front now he wont lead he has to follow the pony I have tried circling him but no joy kicking him on wont work. He is nervous all the time too.
I've ridden for 25yrs but this is our first owned horses.
So as much advice would be grateful.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Shut the TB in the stable with plenty to eat when you take the pony out and as for the napping TB, I think you really need an instructor who can see exactly what is happening to advise you.

 

[twiggy2]

are they kept near/with any other horses/ponies?

 

[paulengland100]

ok thanks

 

[paulengland100]

just the two of them

 

[twiggy2]

with just 2 of them kept together they do very often bind very strongly, most horses do not like to be left alone. can you keep them with at least one other?

 

[paulengland100]

no as the owner of the field will only let 2 x on field.

 

[twiggy2]

no as the owner of the field will only let 2 x on field.

then I would move to somewhere they at least have horses around them, they are herd animals and do better when they know other horses are about

 

[paulengland100]

im currently looking to move them thanks for your advice

 

[twiggy2]

im currently looking to move them thanks for your advice

It will probably be the easiest way to at least vastly reduce the problems you are having

 

[Shay]

Where did you have your TB before? Could you go back there? Pair bonds are a real pain I'm afraid.

 

[3DE]

3 is the perfect number

 

[wkiwi]

Shut the TB in the stable with plenty to eat when you take the pony out and as for the napping TB, I think you really need an instructor who can see exactly what is happening to advise you.

Agree with this.
You can still have problems with three (or more) horses grazing together, so it would probably be best in the long run to get help with making the TB more trusting in you (rather than just the pony) and obedient rather than trying to avoid the situation. Can also be important when you hack together as there may be times when it would be safer for you to be in front, or (cross-fingers it is never needed) pony goes lame or something else happens and you have to ride for help.

 

[samlf]

You can cope with two horses but you need to put some effort into separating them regularly and preferably making it as non stressful as possible.

It is extremely difficult if you don't have access to stables. I would bring them into stables daily for at least a week for at least 2hrs a day, so they can be separated but comfortable next to each other. Then I'd take one away, but within sight and lunge or ride or whatever (so in the field) then do the same with the other the next day. Then build up to short hacks/walks in hand.