HaffiesRock
Well-Known Member
I am just curious as to how long it took your horses to pair bond with another?
My Haffy lived out alone for the last 18 months until I decided he needed a friend (and hand the land and money for a second). He was happy enough alone, but I wanted him to have a friend. I took on loan a New Forest mare about 3 months ago. Well, it didn't start off too well and the new mare bullied my boy something chronic. When I arrived she would chase my boy off, bite and kick him away from me, and feeding time (hay in the field) was a nightmare.
Knowing bonding takes time, I left them too it. Spaced hay out in the field so they could eat separately , brought out the field and separated to fed etc.
The last 2 weeks we have been hacking out with both ponies. The mare is newly backed and has been using my boy for support and leadership out hacking. They have now definitely bonded and it is lovely to see! Out hacking today she followed my boy closely over her first bridge with roaring traffic below, she followed him into the lake for a paddle then happily marched home in front and over the bridge like a confident little pro. My friend, who was riding my mare, needed a wee so hopped off while I held her reins. She turned side on to my boy, rested her head against him and gave out a massive sigh. It was so sweet as she's normally all teeth and pulled faces. I have also caught them grooming once or twice too and they eat from the same hay pile even though there are lots of piles to choose from.
The icing on the cake though, is that they can easily be separated and taken away individually with no issues, which I do daily so they do not become reliant on each other.
So, it has taken about 3 months but they are now the best of friends (mare is still the boss though)
Have your horses instantly bonded with others or have they taken time like mine, or are there some horses, like people. who just cant get on no matter what?
Sorry for the pointless post, Im just really happy and a proud mummy today as I thought I may have to send my mare back to her owners for the sake of my poor boys sanity!
My Haffy lived out alone for the last 18 months until I decided he needed a friend (and hand the land and money for a second). He was happy enough alone, but I wanted him to have a friend. I took on loan a New Forest mare about 3 months ago. Well, it didn't start off too well and the new mare bullied my boy something chronic. When I arrived she would chase my boy off, bite and kick him away from me, and feeding time (hay in the field) was a nightmare.
Knowing bonding takes time, I left them too it. Spaced hay out in the field so they could eat separately , brought out the field and separated to fed etc.
The last 2 weeks we have been hacking out with both ponies. The mare is newly backed and has been using my boy for support and leadership out hacking. They have now definitely bonded and it is lovely to see! Out hacking today she followed my boy closely over her first bridge with roaring traffic below, she followed him into the lake for a paddle then happily marched home in front and over the bridge like a confident little pro. My friend, who was riding my mare, needed a wee so hopped off while I held her reins. She turned side on to my boy, rested her head against him and gave out a massive sigh. It was so sweet as she's normally all teeth and pulled faces. I have also caught them grooming once or twice too and they eat from the same hay pile even though there are lots of piles to choose from.
The icing on the cake though, is that they can easily be separated and taken away individually with no issues, which I do daily so they do not become reliant on each other.
So, it has taken about 3 months but they are now the best of friends (mare is still the boss though)
Have your horses instantly bonded with others or have they taken time like mine, or are there some horses, like people. who just cant get on no matter what?
Sorry for the pointless post, Im just really happy and a proud mummy today as I thought I may have to send my mare back to her owners for the sake of my poor boys sanity!