Planning for some mares sharing field with geldings

throughtheforest

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29 December 2013
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My YO's notified me that two mares are coming to the yard. I asked if they would be separate from ours which they explained they would be initially in another fenced off paddock but explained that their owners want them to go in with my geldings ideally straight away. I'm not massively pleased but as we rent there's not much we can do about other horses coming. I asked if they were shod on their back hooves and it seemed like they didn't know and also suggested that they went in the other field to begin with at least which the YO agreed to. I also asked to be notified of when they are coming if possible so I can be there when these new horses arrive.
The main reason why I'm not pleased is that my one 100% gelded gelding is a bit of a ladies man and can be a fiesty match for another fiesty character which is what I'm worried about. He has jumped out of his field twice to socialise with some other horses, he's the sort to get out of the way quickly just very sociable chap.

So what can I do to make this go as smoothly as possible? If there are any problems we can keep our two separate which I'm happy to do if need be but I would like them to live comfortably together in the large field if possible. Please give me all your suggestions, experiences of introducing mares to geldings and reassurance. Thanks x
 

HashRouge

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We have 1 mare, 2 geldings together very peacefully but both geldings are quite soft. I own the mare and 1 of the geldings and I told my YO that I wouldn't commit to the other gelding going in with my two in advance - I wanted them in adjacent paddocks first and any introductions done on my terms. Fortunately it very quickly became clear they were going to get on and after 1 week grazing in adjacent paddocks (electric fence boundary) they all went in together. We made sure it was a very large paddock with plenty of grass so they'd be more interested in eating and as it turned out there was no drama and they're all firm friends now. I would personally want to see how they are over the fence first and would want to give them time to get used to each other like that first. I would also not commit to them going in together unless I was 100% happy.
 
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