New yard move - any intergration / settling in tips?

[kombikids]

Hi there

I am about to move my horse to a bigger yard where there are more facilities and i am wondering if anyone has any tips on how it is best to integrate. I have only had her 3 months and whilst settling in to her current yard another owner fed her horse in the field and a kicking fight insued. She is fine out with the other 3 horses but hasnt been out with this mare again due to the owners wishes. We kept them in adjacent fields for 10 days but on the first day out with this mare they were both injured -and i later found out that the other mare was fed in the field on that day. My horse also starts to wait by the gate from about 3pm - although the field is totally poached so i think that causing it. I am just not sure on how to integrate. I have told the new yard that there was an incident over food so they know. They have basically said i can turn her out with one and then integrate the second or graze her on her own for a couple of days - which i think i will do. Just a bit worried! At least this yard unlike my last one does seperate mare/gelding turnout - does that help?She is very well mannered to handle but does like to come in if another horse does (although i havent seen this myself) She came from a dealers wjere she had been since nov last year so has been moved around a fair bit poor thing. Sorry its long - thanks for any advice!

 

[kick_On]

the only thing i can suggest that would help is, a good structure routine...
so turnout/bring/feed at same time and i personnel would prefer individual turnout as then you can manage your own horses life to fit into you with out having food, gate battles and pushing pass other peoples horses.
If you horse is not keen on coming in by herself have a treat for her in your pocket so once away for other horses make a fuss and treat... but not every time keep her guessing... and once in make a fuss etc... so she locks onto you

 

[kombikids]

thankyou - yes i believe that really helps a horse too and am lucky enough to be at home so i can stick to the same times every day. the problem if - is you call it a problem is that as soon as she sees you coming to the field and hears your voice she canters over to the gate wanting to come in - it just scared someone else at my yard who isnt very familiar with horses! thanks again

 

[Shilasdair]

I'd pop her in with one friendly horse before you start to integrate her into a herd. But she's better in herd than alone...horses are social animals and it is unkind to keep them on their own if you don't have to....
Try to keep the same times, feed her the same stuff, and don't poo pick her paddock for the first couple of days...so she can mark her territory and it smells like her...
I hope it all goes well for you both
S

 

[kombikids]

thanks thats great - she does seem to like other horses company so will try and integrate her quickly - good tip about the poo picking - didnt think of that.