Last Updated on January 10, 2022 by Sam
Horses are a major part of many people’s lives, whether it be their own horse or just around the barn. If you’re looking to give someone else an opportunity to take care of yours while they’re gone, here is your guide on how to introduce them into that new life.
Introducing a horse to the yard can be stressful and confusing. It is important to remember that it will take time for your new horse to get used to everyone in the barn, so don’t be discouraged if they seem hesitant at first.
Check out our best tips and methods if you’re bringing a new horse to an existing herd and want to make sure the transition goes well.
Perhaps you’ve just purchased your first horse, or just a new one, and need to introduce them to a herd that already exists.
If this is your first horse, have a look at our postings for new horse owners:
This may be nerve-wracking since horses are unpredictable and can easily injure themselves, each other, and you.
Introduce a New Horse to Your Herd: Tips & Tricks
1. No Shoes in the Back
Horses are known to argue a little when establishing the new herd order.
Even after the first introduction, the herd may take weeks to settle on its ultimate shape.
As a result, if anybody in the herd is wearing hind shoes, I don’t bring new horses into the herd.
I just don’t chance it since a well-placed kick with a rear shoe might break bones.
2. Meet Across a Barbed Wire
Bring the new horse to the paddock fence with a long lead when first introducing him.
Allow them to meet on the opposite side of a fence made of wood.
There will almost certainly be some screeching and probably some front-foot kicking.
Make sure that a horse’s foot does not get trapped in the fence when they are demonstrating.
I also suggest using a long lead line so you can stand far away from the action and avoid being caught in the center.
3. Grazing in Close Proximity
Following the first greeting and squealing, the new horse and the herd will most likely begin grazing, which is what horses do best.
During the first meeting, I prefer to wait long enough for everyone to meet, shriek, get bored, and then graze.
They often alternate between “meeting” and grazing.
Anything that mirrors what they’ll most likely do after the new horse has been adopted by the herd is beneficial.
4. Allow them to sniff each other
Horses, like dogs, will likely sniff each other to get acquainted.
Horses have been shown to have a greater sense of smell than humans, but not as good as dogs.
They generally scrutinize arm pits and intimate places, in my experience.
Allow the new horse to smell the herd horses’ poo or farrier clippings if at all feasible, and vice versa.
This will be a gentle introduction to each other, without the pressure and drama of a face-to-face encounter.
5. Numerous brief introductions
Spread the introductions out across many days if at all feasible.
If you can make a series of short introductions, perhaps five or ten minutes at a time, it will reduce everyone’s stress levels and make the transition seamless.
Watch This Video-
The “introducing geldings to mares” is a process that should be done slowly. There are five easy steps to introduce a new horse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to introduce a new horse?
A: Introducing a new horse to your current stable can be very stressful, but it is much easier if you have already built up trust with them. You should start by introducing yourself and make sure they are comfortable with the situation before attempting to introduce another horse.
How long does it take a horse to accept a new horse?
A: It is not known how long it takes a horse to accept another horse, but studies have shown that horses can be difficult to integrate into herds after they are introduced.
How long does it take for horses to get used to each other?
A: Horses can take up to two months or more to get used to each other.
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