When can you leave a youngster out alone?

Sooty

Sooty

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Since we got Beano (he was 9 months then, he is 22 months now), when he has been in the field he has always had Toffee with him. When she is brought in, he is brought in too, and if Troggy takes Toff out to compete Beano stays in. He is quite happy with this, in fact he probably prefers it as he has lots of hay to munch on and doesn't have to go to the bother of grazing! He is used to this routine and likes his own space. However, at some point he will have to be left out on his own, but when? Would it be wise to start off gradually, and leave him out alone for an hour or so while doing something in the yard with Toff?
 
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Would it be wise to start off gradually, and leave him out alone for an hour or so while doing something in the yard with Toff?

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This is what we always do. We have a little paddock actually on the yard - so they can be put in there and monitored without any problem.

However, I have to say that we never leave a horse on its own in its actual field unless they are pretty mature (so usually 6 or 7). I know this sounds a little molly coddling, but having seen several come over, under or through fences as youngsters, it works best for us.
 
That is exactly what I wanted to know! Thank you. I would hate to think we were being over-cautious by bringing him in each time, but he is so mellow at the moment and the last thing we want is him learning to jump out of the field or something. He has a good few years of the same routine ahead of him then.
 
I think you're being entirely sensible.

I hear so many people saying that 'it's got to learn' etc. But unfortunately horses don't think like that - and quite often end up in another field - or in the kennels!
 
Thanks.
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I am a great believer in 'it is ain't broke, don't fix it', and he is not clingy or bothered at being away from Toffee, and always perfectly happy to come in.
 
Agree with AmyMay - depends on the horse really, but if you have the slightest feeling that he might do something silly then it definitely isn't worth it.

Plenty of horses can never be left out alone without trying to go over / under / through a fence. If you have a stable he can stand in then why take the risk.
 
I have the opposite situation - I bring the old one in when I take the young one out! Personally I prefer it that way - I don't have to worry about her tearing about the field wondering where her daughter has gone!
 
I have a yearling, and straight away when the other horses are being ridden have left her alone. She is fine and gallops about a bit and quickly settles, I feel this is the best way and dont stand for any fuss. If we are going out for hours and hours in the box, I do bring her in and generally find she has been laying down and asleep.
 
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