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3K views 17 replies 10 participants last post by  equiniphile 
#1 ·
how do you Introduce horses to each other? I have one paint qh now and I am getting a arabian tomorrow, what is the best way to introduce them to each other? They will be in the same pasture.
 
#2 ·
well, i don't know all the details on introducing them, but i do know that you want to have them (to start) in seperate areas. Then you can move them to seperate areas where they can reach over and get to know eachother. then once you see that they do ok, you can supervise the visit, and if all goes well, turn em loose. sorry don't know much, hope that helps!
 
#3 ·
ok, thats helps a little, but the thing is I only have one pasture, so I was thinking... putting my horse ( Koda)I have now in the stall, and letting the new one (Pharoah) loose in the pasture because I will be bringing him home late at nite. So do you think they will be ok, I will probably be out there all nite.
 
#4 ·
ya that would probably be better.....you just have to be careful mixing the two because they need to distinguish their places in the "herd". can the horses socialize through the stalls?

when i brought my gelding to the barn, they kept him in a stall by himself until he settled in for about a week, then they moved him to a stall that was next to another horse, then to the turnout where he could reach over on both sides to other horses. it's a great way for them to slowly find the pecking order.
 
#5 ·
introducing horses can be tricky. Just remember that its completely normal fo them to squeal and do a little kicking and biting. They will be ok and soon settle down. Its best not to interfere unless one is getting bullied excessively. Plus, they could accidentally kick you if you get too close when they're being silly.
 
#6 ·
Does your horse(s) have shoes on? If so, be extra careful. If they kick eachother, even barefoot, it could be bad. Are the horse(s) dominate? Be extra careful, if so.
What I like to do is let them sniff noses through a fence or something & do this several times (REMEMBER to stay away from their hindquarters and chest-area..you don't want to be kicked or striked at). When I know that they won't bite or anything, I'll turn them out in the arena (or a smaller pasture) and one will have a preferably breakaway halter (just in case). Then, turn them out and let them play around and I'll watch 'em for few minutes.
If everything goes smoothly, I'll turn them out together.
Good luck!
 
#7 ·
Good advise but I would change just one thing. I'd put the new horse in a stall instead of the old one. I would not want a new horse, who is just leaning a whole lot of new things (people, places, horses, noises, etc) the freedom of a pasture on his first night.

The Arab is a hotter blooded horse then your paint and may react to things and noises that your current horse may not - especially at night.
 
#8 ·
thats what I was thinkin, iridehorses: put the new one in stall.
No my horses don't have shoes.

My other question if ya'll can help me out is... the new horse (Pharoah- like saying fair-row) is on pellet feed that is called 11% reliance I'm not sure who makes it but will find out. I can't found that feed where I'm at, so I was going to pick some up down there when I pick the horse up, what other feed should I switch him over too? I know I have to do it over a (about) month time period. He is 7 yrs. old gelding 14.1 hh, he gets one scoop 2 times a day and on pasture 24/7 thanks
 
#9 ·
Is this new gelding broke to ride?
Are you going to be working him?

Generally, if a horse isn't working, especially Arabians, I would not suggest putting them on such a high protein feed UNLESS they are having issues with keeping weight on.

If he is not being worked, I would suggest slowly weaning him OFF the feed, as opposed to keeping him on it, partly because it will make him more hot if he is not working it off, and partly because of Azoturia (tying up syndrome), especially if he'll be kept in a stall for a bit.

How is the temperment on Pharoah? Is he a pretty laid back guy, a little more hyper?

I would love to see pictures as well! :)
 
#10 ·
WSArabians: yes Phoroah is broke to ride and I will be working him, once he is settled in. as far as his feed, I could not buy any down there where I got him from, and the old owner said she didnt have anymore to give me:-x.So I had no clue what to do, I went to my local feed store and told them the story..and she said to try 10% feed-pellets, (dont know the name of the feed, sorry I'll get back to you with it) and to give him a handful at a time and increase it a little a day so he doesnt get colic and he is also getting coastal hay,and pasture.I only keep him in the stall at night for the first few nights.So far he is doing good on this feed.:D
Sorry for a dumb questions, but what is Azoturia?
His temperment on a scale 1-10,10 being high, I would say a 4, he is pretty much laid back.
 
#12 ·
What about quarantine? I know some folks like to quarantine horses for a couple weeks before introducing them to the herd......Have you had the new guy vet checked??? Just thought I'd throw that out there... :D
 
#13 ·
in my experience it doesnt matter how long they can 'see' each other before they are introduced they will still carry on when they are put together. they do this to establish rankings within the herd and is necessary for herd heirachy. most of the time they sort themselves out quite quickly and get on with their grazing and pooping lol

i usually let them sniff each other through the fence to get the initial first time smell out of the way and then let the new horse into the paddock making sure the others are away from the gate and you have room to get the horse in and detach the leadrope etc before the other horses make their way over.

i usually watch for some time while they establish everything. i rarely step in and if i do its usually only with a crack of the whip if someone is getting to boisterous. usually it doesnt take long and at the first sign of calm everyone gets some hay to munch on (at a reasonable distance from each other of course) and usually after that things are ok. unless the new horse wants to challenge the alpha male for his position in which case they are going to fight whether they know each other over the fence or not. its just how it is.

if the new horse is really nervous and edgy though keeping it seperate for the first day or so is fine. this is more so that the horse isnt overwhelmed by everything espcecially if its already wound up about the new surroundings. many horses take these things in their stride but many dont. its best to judge your horse/s and your situation and decide from there :wink:
 
#14 ·
I will get pics asap,have to resize them.Yes I had a vet check, she said all he needed was his teeth floated and feet done, the farrier is coming out Thursday..I did introduce them though the fence first, put the one horse (Phoroah) in the stall cause it was late 9 pm, gave me some hay and checked on them though out the nite til 2 am.I fed them in the morning,waited til each were done and they were ok, bumped noses a few times nothing real bad.Now 3 days later they follow each other around, like they have been best buds.
 
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