Well-Known Member
For the past 20 years, I have been at yards that have mixed herds. There has never been a problem and all the horses have been happily mixed.
Last year, a few dominant mares came to the yard and have rocked the herd, by 'turning' the geldings, mine being one of them. He has been pinned against the fence by 3 mares all squirting at him! It was vile. In all my years around horses, I have never seen this, they even stop outside his stable and squirt. Geldings have been fighting in order to get a little hareem and mares have been agressive as well.
After much debate, we were able to get the YO to split the fields, but this has caused concern with some as they are worried that the fields will not be rested, not at all worried that their horses may be injured!
If I were to move, I will never go back to a mixed herd and would only consider small group turn out. What do most other yards do?
Last year, a few dominant mares came to the yard and have rocked the herd, by 'turning' the geldings, mine being one of them. He has been pinned against the fence by 3 mares all squirting at him! It was vile. In all my years around horses, I have never seen this, they even stop outside his stable and squirt. Geldings have been fighting in order to get a little hareem and mares have been agressive as well.
After much debate, we were able to get the YO to split the fields, but this has caused concern with some as they are worried that the fields will not be rested, not at all worried that their horses may be injured!
If I were to move, I will never go back to a mixed herd and would only consider small group turn out. What do most other yards do?