Herd dynamic question

[Marsha Cassada]

I have two geldings. One is 14 and the boss. The other is a 3 year old and would like to be boss. If I bring home another horse, say a gentle older mare, what could I expect from my two boys? I really need them to all be in the same pasture, though I don't mind seperating them at first. I don't want the mare to be hurt. Is 3 a crowd? Is there any combo I could start with that would make it easier? Can the boy/girl thing ever work?

 

[Katiean]

When I add a new horse I just let them get acquainted through the fence. Once the squealing has stopped, I take the new horse in the pen on a lead. After they smell each other I turn the new horse loose and watch them. If they are getting along, that is it. If they fight I do stop them but leave them together. I am careful that no one gets hurt. But, they need to figure out for themselves who is boss.

 

[Reble]

I have two geldings. One is 14 and the boss. The other is a 3 year old and would like to be boss. If I bring home another horse, say a gentle older mare, what could I expect from my two boys? I really need them to all be in the same pasture, though I don't mind seperating them at first. I don't want the mare to be hurt. Is 3 a crowd? Is there any combo I could start with that would make it easier? Can the boy/girl thing ever work?

3 is not a crowd, but suggest let them get use to each other for a few days or week with something between them. Than put the mare with the big boss the 14 year old, for awhile once they get along than add the last guy. You should be fine.

 

[wcr]

Probably the best thing you can do is to put a mare in with them. Mares don't tolerate the boys silliness and will teach them some manners in a herd situation.

 

[Seashells]

I believe a boss horse or alpha mare tend to be bossy with a new horse if a new horse is introduced on their territory. Neutral ground is best. If possible, put them together in an area that's fresh to all. That way no one is territorial...they could get aquainted on fair ground. The new horse may disturb the peace, as they are trying to figure one another out. But the combo could very well work. In time, the new pecking order will fall into place.

 

[Michelle@wescofarms]

I'd let them meet through the fence and once the mare has her bearings at your place put them together. My geldings out with the mares, can be bossy, but the mares only tolerate so much.

When you feed just make sure you have the feed in 4-5 piles so they can play musical piles.

 

[Marsha Cassada]

Thanks for the replies. Good advice!

 

[Eohippus]

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When you feed just make sure you have the feed in 4-5 piles so they can play musical piles.

That one is key! I have three boys and one little girl. Two of the boys are geldings and the other is a stallion, so often we play "musical herd" for turn out situations. But no matter what trio is together, making sure there is feed in more piles than there is horses is key. My boss gelding will push every one away from their food pile at least once during the course of meal time, if not more. And if two piles are close enough together... Well he rules over both of them and then that extra pile really comes in handy!!

A lot depends on the individual horses too. Some horses just can't mesh with others, because they're both too dominate, or maybe just don't like each other. That's just something you have to evaluate on your own. But, 3 certainly isn't a crowd and getting a cute little mare wouldn't be a bad idea at all! I also second what WCR said; mares can put the boys in place! Unless you get a mare like my biggie. The biggie is gelding crazy and swoons over every gelding and lets them boss her around/keep her away/etc. She's like a love sick teen

 

[hobbyhorse23]

Probably the best thing you can do is to put a mare in with them. Mares don't tolerate the boys silliness and will teach them some manners in a herd situation.

That's what I was thinking! I've said for years that Kody would LOVE to have a mare of his own and would probably let her boss him around without a single complaint whereas he can't stand the least sign of initiative in another male. He beats the tar out of Turbo 24/7 and the only reason they get along at all is because Turbo accepts the bottom position without too much fuss. Pyro never would and I think he and Kody would have battled to the point of injury trying to be Top Horse.

I definitely subscribe to the musical piles theory! The boys will eat together as long as there's more piles than horses and I spread them out pretty well.

The "boy/girl thing" definitely works, often better than the boy/boy or girl/girl stabling arrangement depending on temperments, and the mare is definitely not the one I'd worry about getting hurt!

Leia

 

[My2Minis]

We have two girls and a boy, and the boy gets picked on, so he has his own space for eating. The mares are best buddies and in charge. Our gelding is not a submissive horse but is no match for two bossy mares and has decided that running away is his best plan. If one of the girls is alone, he and the mare will groom each other for awhile, then she will chase him off so he doesn't get any ideas. In summer they were all together with one extra hay pile spread out, but in winter he gets his own shelter to eat in and the mares get theirs.