*More a 'horse behaviour' question- HELP*

My horse, I got yesterday is in the field. He grazed non stop for about 2 hours and now he's galloping around and he's been doing this since 10 this morning its now half 12 :s
I think he's just unsettled being in a strange place, how long will it take him to settle?

Oh and he has to stay in all day tommorow

Is he by himself?
Horses are herd animals by nature and should always have some type of companion whether it be a pony, goat, or another horse. Without really seeing the situation I can only come to some guesses

1) He's lonely and wants a companion, and his galloping around is him trying to find another "herd" to join
2) He's never been in a large pasture (my horse did this when I bought him...he was kept in a stall all his life and when I turned him outside in a large pasture he ran for hours)
3) Something is frightening him whether it be the new place or the scary horse eating patch of grass in the pasture or something like that

Is he calling out also? How is his body? Tense? Head arched? Eyes wide?


As for how long will it take until he settles in, it totally depends on the horse. Some horses it takes a few minutes, others it can take as long as a month to set in.

Why does he have to stay in all day tomorrow? Best thing in my opinion that is, is to keep them outside where it's natural for them and healthier for them :)

Best of luck to you!

Were probably going to get a goat or some goats, our field is smaller than the one he was in at his last home (i think), he's not frightened but I think he is looking for a companion. He winnies when I go out to see him :P

Oh and he has to stay in because we are having our fencing done

He'll quit when he gets tired. Let him do it as long as he's not paniced and going to hurt himself.

As you have indicated, most likely he is missing his mates and he feels very insecure. That is to be expected.

(My mare puts her head down and seems to graze all day)

Tomorrow make sure he has plenty of hay.
Whilst he is excited don't feed him anything heating. Hay should be enough and maybe an apple or two.
(presumably you asked the old owner about his daily routine and what
He normally has to eat - if anything other than grass)
Make sure he has plenty of water.

Try grooming him - but only if he will let you.
Just be careful - he is obviously upset - so he won't be rational.
Keep out of the way of his feet.

It may take some time for him to settle - there is no fast rule.

Give him as much of your time as you can.
Start making friends with him.
Calm, quiet, firm, voice. Stroke him.

Best of luck with your new horse.