Turnout question

[golddustsara]

My new horse isn't happy at his new yard being stabled from 5pm-9am and has started weaving in his box or trying to bite passers by in the American Barn. I have decided to find somewhere quiet where he can live out. Found a perfect yard at someones house with just a couple of stables for when the weather is snowy or awful BUT he would have to turnout with mares. He was cut a few years ago and doesn't act at all stallion like in any way but I don't know whether its worth risking injury etc. Obviously proper introductions would take place and if there was any problems I would be given enough time to find somewhere else but I'm worried I'd then have to move him again unsettling him. Trouble is not many places round here offer mostly grass livery with assistance

 

[Ladylina83]

IMHO you shouldn't worry. It's natural for them to live together they will establish a pecking order just as they would if they were split. We run this risk with introducing our horses to any new group but by the sounds of things it is worth a go as he is clearly not happy now, however are you sure he just isn't taking his time settling into his new routine ???

 

[Booboos]

One gelding with many mares is usually fine even if the gelding is a bit randy still. I find it's more of a problem to introduce a second gelding, as the males will then fight over the females.

 

[miller]

Personally I've experienced more problems in same sex groups than in mixed herds - introduce them correctly and you should have no more problem than with any other horses

 

[golddustsara]

Just realised I phrased that in a misleading way. Meant to re-iterate that he used to be a stallion (is now 18) and has covered mares in the past but obviously has been cut a few years.

 

[badgerdog]

[ QUOTE ]
Personally I've experienced more problems in same sex groups than in mixed herds - introduce them correctly and you should have no more problem than with any other horses

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Same here. Mine have always been in mixed groups and once a pecking order is established they're fine. Your horse will be much happier, it can't be any fun standing in a box for 16 hours. You're definitely doing the right thing!

 

[Ziggy_]

I think he should be OK providing he's the only male in the group as he's more likely to fight with another gelding over the mares. Also, that he will not pester the mares constantly when they're in season as the other owners won't be happy if he does.

 

[jaynedoc]

I agree one male with mares is fine, it is not the male who is herd leader even with a mixed field the alpa mare will be in charge. Of course his priority is the learn which is alpha mare and where he fits in to the heirachy. so I am sure all will be settled in about 48 hours if that!