Tell me not to!

[millikins]

I am doing that. I know how to introduce horses to each other. They aren't ganging up. After 3 days they are now in the field in a triangle, each one an equal distance from the other, about 20 feet between them.

I was so enjoying sharing him, he lifted my depression, and it's been ruined and now I'm in tears. Please no more advice.

I'm very sorry for upsetting you but don't think my post warranted that reaction. I shall endeavour not to have any views on comments posted on a public forum in future.

 

[Zuzan]

When I called him this I meant that he's moved home, in a new place, in a new routine, young, obviously confused and not yet made friends.
It's not a welfare situation.

Yup totally get that that was a very tongue in cheek remark

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Please don't be upset YCBM. You know what you are doing and I really want to see your updates as he's such a super little chap. They look like they are coming on grand to me.

I wish I had taken videos of how furious my grey was when I first bought my gelding. It really was a sight to behold.

 

[Bellaboo18]

I am doing that. I know how to introduce horses to each other. They aren't ganging up. After 3 days they are now in the field in a triangle, each one an equal distance from the other, about 20 feet between them.

I was so enjoying sharing him, he lifted my depression, and it's been ruined and now I'm in tears. Please no more advice.

You've got this YCBM.
Lovely horse, lovely setup and early days.
I'd love to be able to watch/spy (?) on mine like that!

 

[Rockman]

I couldn't be happier for you. It sounds like you are just what each other need ? enjoy getting to know him!

 

[JulesRules]

@millikins I don't think it was your post that really upset ycbm, it just came on top of unneeded comments from others that obviously did.

@ycbm your set up looks amazing.

 

[Caol Ila]

If it hasn't jumped a fence, it's doing well. My standards have lowered. Actually, they've been low for 20 years. If it hasn't made anything else jump a fence, it's also doing well.

More seriously, I hope my youngster gains the social skills that yours has. He's on the ball with figuring out how to join the herd and so are you. And Ludo is so pretty. I somehow didn't know he was an app.

 

[thefarsideofthefield]

Well it looks to me as though all your horses have excellent social skills ! They are actually sorting things out in a very sensible and civilised manner and doing exactly what you would expect normal horses to do . Give it a few weeks to settle down and let them sort out their place in the order of things and you will have a lovely little herd of happy horses .
You always get that moment with a new horse ( dog/baby/job) , after the euphoria wears off , where you go " Oh sh*t , what have I done ! " but give it a couple of weeks and you won't be able to remember what it was like to only have two .
They'll be fine ! As my OH always used to say " Relax . It's just a horse ( puppy/baby/job) " .

 

[Boulty]

I have got hold of a 5'9 but it's filled and I need unfilled. I am guessing he will fit either a 5'6 or a 5'9 it would be great if you had one.
.

If you still need any 5'9 rugs let me know. I've got an amigo no fill & a PE 200g(ish) t/o with neck. They belonged to the horse BEFORE the orange one & sorta did as spares for him but they don't fit Fergus. Could send them for postage money as don't want owt for the actual rugs?

 

[Marigold4]

FWIW the photos show exactly how a well socialised youngster introduced to new equines should behave .. It's very evident from the body language of all three that it is just a matter of time. I am sure you will have a very happy trio.

I'm sure it is, as you say, a matter of time. I introduced a young companion pony to my two last year. They did exactly what your two are doing. Just sent her away but didn't threaten to kick or bite. Like you I felt sorry for her. She was a poor lonely pony for a week. They were just teaching her some manners and that they were here first. After a week, they stopped doing it and she is very much part of their little herd, close buddies. Hang on in there, I think it will all be fine in a few days.

 

[Clodagh]

Sorry I was abrupt. I lost my horse of a lifetime in a similar set up and am now very paranoid.
Have fun with him.

 

[ownedbyaconnie]

Try not to get upset YCBM, (although the fact you are shows you care deeply so not necessarily a bad thing!).

My mare is always at the very very bottom of the herd bless her and always gets picked on. It’s horrible to watch but they are horses and this is what they do! All you can do is manage the introduction and set them up for success which is exactly what you have done, the rest takes time.

I do still think you should get a 4th though ? maybe a 14.2 connie 4 year old? I know a certain pregnant HHOer who is itching to get one and would happily live vicariously through you...

 

[PSD]

Ycbm, Tilly was in 5’6/5’9 rugs. I have around 40, let me know what you need and I’ll have a good rummage. They’re too small for my fell, I’d love to see them being used as opposed to sat in a box.

 

[ycbm]

Sorry I was abrupt. I lost my horse of a lifetime in a similar set up and am now very paranoid.
Have fun with him.

Clodagh I really appreciate you writing this. Thank you. I'm sorry you lost your horse in a similar situation, I can understand your reaction.
.

 

[ycbm]

Thanks for all the rug offers guys, I'm going to try the filled 5'9 on him for size today and see how it fits, so at least I've got a size guide.
.

 

[ycbm]

I do still think you should get a 4th though ? maybe a 14.2 connie 4 year old? I know a certain pregnant HHOer who is itching to get one and would happily live vicariously through you...

Have you seen what they cost these days ? !!

I've had a great idea though, you pay, I'll post photos ?
.

 

[scats]

Has he got a name yet ycbm? He looks like a really friendly, kind chap.

They’ll sort themselves out, herd wise. It’s only been a few days after all.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

I've seen a heard of 3 go far worse. I did have similar thoughts as Clodagh in one corner of my brain. However, as I said upthread, it depends on the horses as individuals. Plus, I figured you know your animals and all that.

I had bad luck with a group of 3 (all geldings) and good luck with a group of 3. So ?‍

Can't really make a blanket statement. Which is true for a lot of horse things.

I think you'll have a great time with this one and I'm looking forward to following along. ?

ETA: almost forgot... I am still of the belief that 4 is better so I await your next purchase. ?

 

[ycbm]

Has he got a name yet ycbm? He looks like a really friendly, kind chap.

They’ll sort themselves out, herd wise. It’s only been a few days after all.

Still Jojo at the moment, though I admit it's a bit juvenile for a horse whose going to look a bit butch. He might become Joe in time.

 

[scats]

Still Jojo at the moment, though I admit it's a bit juvenile for a horse whose going to look a bit butch. He might become Joe in time.

I had a bay gelding called Joe

 

[CanteringCarrot]

I've known a few Joe's and they were all "dudes" as in easy going nice working horses that handled things quite well. A fine name.

I wonder if it's too late to change my horse's name to Joe ?

 

[ycbm]

I've seen a heard of 3 go far worse. I did have similar thoughts as Clodagh in one corner of my brain. However, as I said upthread, it depends on the horses as individuals. Plus, I figured you know your animals and all that.

I had bad luck with a group of 3 (all geldings) and good luck with a group of 3. So ?‍

Can't really make a blanket statement. Which is true for a lot of horse things.

I think you'll have a great time with this one and I'm looking forward to following along. ?

ETA: almost forgot... I am still of the belief that 4 is better so I await your next purchase. ?

I do understand, if you don't live with Ludo and Deza yourself, that the idea of mixing a mare with a horse which has been used as a stallion and adding another gelding seems fraught with more danger than a normal introduction. But Deza is a mare who never even shows in season and Ludo is the biggest wuss who ever sired a foal. I've never seen either of them so much as lift a hoof to another horse.

I'll do a bit more supervised threesome today before his flu jab, and see how things are progressing.

The cob I sold 3 years ago was very dangerous when new horses were introduced. He really hurt the first one I got after him, and meant every bite and kick, before I realised what a monster he could be, so I'm aware what can happen.
.

 

[Trouper]

I think we have all had heart-stopping moments introducing horses to each other but from what @ycbm has said, and what we can see in the photos, my reaction is "where's the problem?". It's right to be extra cautious but at the end of the day you can't stand there all day holding their hooves and telling them to play nicely. It's a bit like counselling people - they have to want to make the adjustments for themselves for it to work.
Thanks to &ycbm's regular postings we can all watch herd dynamics in action and they will be all the happier for it.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

I do understand, if you don't live with Ludo and Deza yourself, that the idea of mixing a mare with a horse which has been used as a stallion and adding another gelding seems fraught with more danger than a normal introduction. But Deza is a mare who never even shows in season and Ludo is the biggest wuss who ever sired a foal. I've never seen either of them so much as lift a hoof to another horse.

I'll do a bit more supervised threesome today before his flu jab, and see how things are progressing.

The cob I sold 3 years ago was very dangerous when new horses were introduced. He really hurt the first one I got after him, and meant every bite and kick, before I realised what a monster he could be, so I'm aware what can happen.
.

Yes, exactly, I figured you knew your horses ? and you have a nice set-up and are very mindful.

 

[Sleighfarer]

Still Jojo at the moment, though I admit it's a bit juvenile for a horse whose going to look a bit butch. He might become Joe in time.

I really like Jojo, I think it totally suits him.

 

[thefarsideofthefield]

Jonjo ?

 

[luckyoldme]

He is an absolute corker.
Well and truly landed on his hooves there with to you!
Personally I love observing a group reshuffle and it's amazing how the dynamics of a group can go in a totally unexpected direction.

 

[Amirah]

If it makes you feel any better, although I've had a very contented herd of three for eleven years now, I had to separate two of them for the first three months as they seemed intent on killing each other. Very early days ? x

 

[ycbm]

Going well today. First jab done. An unsupervised session in the barn with Deza while I rode Ludo, who was very stroppy sixes this morning, and then a supervised session of all three where all that happens is that Ludo flicks an ear at him and he puts himself out in the pen. Then comes back in a few minutes later, so he's not scared, and is in for a few minutes until Ludo tells him to leave again. He's now outside the gate, because I'm going out, and both Ludo and Deza have gone into the pen to stay with him. A few more days, and I think we'll see Ludo and Jojo paired, because Deza really couldn't care less about having friends, she likes her own space.
.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

I would consider that as going quite well in terms of new introductions.