Turning a new horse out in these conditions???

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ponyforever

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Hi
I have a new horse coming tomorrow and I keep my horses at home. The horse hasn't been turned out due to the weather in his old home for the last few days, although he's been on the walker.
Mine are turned out 24/7.

Intially i wanted to stable him overnight but i then wanted to turn him out for few hours and building it up. Because the paddock is covered in snow would it be safest to fence him a very small area, turn him out alone so the others don't run around at the site of him or turn him out sepratly but next to the others??? Would do you think is the best way to keep him calm because i don't want him getting to excited stabled all the time but i don't want him injured as a result of running around the field! We don't have a walker or an arena!

Thanks
 
Hopefully if the paddocks are flat, and not too rutted, the new one should be fine. I'd fence off a smallish part- perhaps 20x30m where it can touch the others over the fence and get to know them. Make the fence high enough to put it off junping over. Put hay out. The horse is sure to have a mad five minutes if its not been out for a few days. Perhaps put over reach boots on to be safe?

Enjoy your new horse!
 
I would put him out next to the others, unless the temporary pen fencing was very good. They might get more excited if they (as they will) know he's there but not be able to say hello over the fence. If the fence can be electrified it would be a good time to make sure it's on max zap and noone has too thick rugs on to feel it.
 
Agree with using the electric fencing and turning out next to your others.

I personally would boot up all round just in case there are any knocks if he does have a mad 5 minutes.

If you have a horse who doesn't get too excited about company maybe put them out with your newbie so he doesn't feel to isolated.
 
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Good advice about the small fenced off area. I would add that it doesn't sound like the new horse is aclimatised to living ut 24/7 and this is not really a good time of year to get his body used to it. Personally, I would stable him at night until the weather warms up a bit.
 
Booted up to the eyeballs sounds like a good idea - unfortunately you have to sort of take the bull by the horns because IMO out is best.
 
Personally, i'd bring in yours for an hour or two, if possible, and leave him out by himself. he will gallop, but it wont be as crazy so less chance of getting hurt. then bring him in, put out yours and then put him back out. They prob will still gallop, but it will only be for a few mins. I hate adding new stock, as I worry too much about them all getting on!!!!
 
Muchadoaboutnothing said:
Agree with using the electric fencing and turning out next to your others.

I personally would boot up all round just in case there are any knocks if he does have a mad 5 minutes.

If you have a horse who doesn't get too excited about company maybe put them out with your newbie so he doesn't feel to isolated.
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Agree with this, unfortunately not the ideal time or weather to do it - so much easier in the summer! BTW- Good luck with getting the fence posts in!!!!!
 
fitzaud2 said:
Personally, i'd bring in yours for an hour or two, if possible, and leave him out by himself. he will gallop, but it wont be as crazy so less chance of getting hurt. then bring him in, put out yours and then put him back out. They prob will still gallop, but it will only be for a few mins. I hate adding new stock, as I worry too much about them all getting on!!!!
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I agree with this- let him out on his own so there is nothing extra to wind him up and let his steam off- booted all round too!
 
fitzaud2 said:
Personally, i'd bring in yours for an hour or two, if possible, and leave him out by himself. he will gallop, but it wont be as crazy so less chance of getting hurt. then bring him in, put out yours and then put him back out. They prob will still gallop, but it will only be for a few mins. I hate adding new stock, as I worry too much about them all getting on!!!!
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Katd66 said:
I agree with this- let him out on his own so there is nothing extra to wind him up and let his steam off- booted all round too!
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I agree with both of these but I would add yours one at a time, give it time until they settle then the next one; will take longer but could be safer for him as you don't want him sent over the fence!
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Personally I would talk to the vet and get sedaline for everyone just to be on the safe side! It doesn't work perfectly but it might take the edge off the worst of the excitment.
 
I would boot up to the eyeballs and put in a smaller paddock next to the current herd. I would keep them like this for the first week or so and then slowly introduce them to each other - put them in from lowest in the pecking order to highest.

I would definately not put him out alone unless he is used to being totally on his own as he could go completely mental.

As long as he is well rugged and has access to lots of hay he may well be warmer being out as he can keep moving, I'd play it by ear :)

Good luck!
 
Ditto what Leg-End said, my horse was not used to going out over night but is at the moment and is probably warmer than being stuck in his stable not being able to move about. Is the horse fully clipped? Do you know what it's temprement like?

Good luck! How exciting!
 
Hi
Thanks, because of the weather we are waiting until Sunday when it's supposed to warm up here! We've decided to turn him out next to our calm pony and leave my other nosey and more excitable 17 year old tb in!

Hadn't thought of booting but i will boot him up all round would over reach and brushing boots on the front be ok? With brushing boots on the back too?
I also have westropp (sp?) hacking boots which come over the knee to, would they be better for his fronts?

He seems to be a chilled chap but i think he could be nosey but i will put lots of hay out for both to distract them. Do you think when the pony and him seem calm in their fields next to each other i should then turn my horse out?

thanks for the replys so far! This is an awful time of year!!
 
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