Planning Ahead - Introducing Horses UPDATE Post 12 w/ Photos

[appychik]

I'm planning (pending on my BF and his parents saying yes) on moving my boys to a pasture board situation. Gringo's been to the place before, Gus hasn't. The reason for the move is that Gringo looks to be a permanent pasture ornament at the young age of 6 and Gus isn't ever going to be back into competitions... perhaps nothing more then a glorified pasture ornament too, except he can go for "walks" under saddle.

I was planning on moving Gringo first (both horses are currently at different boarding places) and letting him get adjusted for a couples weeks/month before moving Gus.

However, Gus is very dominant. I think they'd learn to like each other and enjoy one anothers' company but how the heck do you introduce two horses in this situation? To complicate matters, Gus has weak and arthritic stifles, not to mention that he's recovering from a torn ligment in the right stifle. He's notorious for firing away without a care in the world, injured or not. That's part of the reason why we had so many setbacks this summer/fall... Gus has been out by himself, per the vet's orders, since about October/November.

I am prepared to have Gus regress for a bit that first few weeks, but any suggestions on how to ease things along? I'd think having the less dominant horse (Gringo) there first would make things better but, like I've said, I've never had to do this before. Do I just throw Gus in there with Gringo? The boys have met each other, but it's been a couple years - and only then was it for a quick photo op.

I'd appreciate any suggestions.

[appychik]

No one has any suggestions?

[S1969]

What I did when we brought a new guy to my private barn was to put the new guy in the arena for a day or two where they could see each other and nuzzle over the fences, but all of them could get away from each other if they wanted. Then I put the new guy out with my mare who is sound, and separated the since deceased elderly boarder (who was not sound). Once I established that the first two would not fight, I turned them out together in a 4 acre pasture at grazing time (overnight) so they were quite interested in getting their grass, and that kept them distracted enough not to get running around after the unsound horse.

I think it went pretty well, although in the end I did still worry about the unsound, elderly horse (who had suffered some neurological damage from a stroke) because he could not defend himself and somehow seemed to be a "target" for the young gelding to pick on. However, had they all been reasonably pasture sound I wouldn't have been concerned, though.

In your case, will they be the only two out together? If there is a way you can have them separate but near each other for a few days, that might be a good idea so they get used to the place before having to deal with each other.

[Rescue Pony]

If there is plenty of room to run....throw them in! And be prepared with wound cream cause they will have scratches for the first couple days.

Just make sure that if you are subing hay with flakes.....put them in two piles at least 50 feet from each other....less fighting that way.

[cloudyandcallie]

Drink a glass of wine.

Put Gus and Gringo in adjacent stalls if you can, or adjacent paddocks, and let them play with each other over the fence.

Drink another glass of wine.

Turn submissive horse loose in pasture and have dominant horse in halter with a stallion chain on him (or use a bridle and hang on). Walk dominant horse around the submissive horse while they snort and neigh at each other.

Drink 3rd glass of wine.

Turn horses loose together if submissive horse can move around enough to get away from dominant horse. Make sure there are 3 or 4 piles of hay as dominant horse will run off submissive horse.

Drink 4th glass of wine and take an aspirin for headache.

As long as horses are not vicious, then they will be OK, with a few scraps and bruises and bite marks. If Gingo the submissive can be there a couple of days first to get settled in, then he will fair better when Gus the alpha boy comes into his territory.

Good luck. I think it is wonderful that you are keeping both boys and I hope you will be able to afford another horse as well.

[Dunamis]

Drink a glass of wine.

Put Gus and Gringo in adjacent stalls if you can, or adjacent paddocks, and let them play with each other over the fence.

Drink another glass of wine.

Turn submissive horse loose in pasture and have dominant horse in halter with a stallion chain on him (or use a bridle and hang on). Walk dominant horse around the submissive horse while they snort and neigh at each other.

Drink 3rd glass of wine.

Turn horses loose together if submissive horse can move around enough to get away from dominant horse. Make sure there are 3 or 4 piles of hay as dominant horse will run off submissive horse.

Drink 4th glass of wine and take an aspirin for headache.

As long as horses are not vicious, then they will be OK, with a few scraps and bruises and bite marks. If Gingo the submissive can be there a couple of days first to get settled in, then he will fair better when Gus the alpha boy comes into his territory.

Good luck. I think it is wonderful that you are keeping both boys and I hope you will be able to afford another horse as well.

You are too funny:lol: I would suggest just throwing them out together...and then get yourself out of there. That is how I have always down it, and the "pecking order" will work itself out. Highly second Rescue Pony...make sure the hay is spread WAY apart! We normally walk the horses around the fence line (unless, of course, you have all wooden fence line or a fence that is highly visible) and then throw out two piles of hay (as previously stated...spread FAR apart). Normally each horse goes to their own hay pile and "sizes" the other up while eating. Once the hay is gone, then comes the true introduction. They normally work things out rather quickly and all should be fine. As posted before also, expect some scratches, etc., but I'm sure you're prepared for that! Bless you for keeping them and offering them a good home!

[appychik]

Drink a glass of wine.

Put Gus and Gringo in adjacent stalls if you can, or adjacent paddocks, and let them play with each other over the fence.

Drink another glass of wine.

Turn submissive horse loose in pasture and have dominant horse in halter with a stallion chain on him (or use a bridle and hang on). Walk dominant horse around the submissive horse while they snort and neigh at each other.

Drink 3rd glass of wine.

Turn horses loose together if submissive horse can move around enough to get away from dominant horse. Make sure there are 3 or 4 piles of hay as dominant horse will run off submissive horse.

Drink 4th glass of wine and take an aspirin for headache.

As long as horses are not vicious, then they will be OK, with a few scraps and bruises and bite marks. If Gingo the submissive can be there a couple of days first to get settled in, then he will fair better when Gus the alpha boy comes into his territory.

Good luck. I think it is wonderful that you are keeping both boys and I hope you will be able to afford another horse as well.

I meant to respond back last night, just ran outta time.

But :lol: :lol: :lol:. Least you said wine and not beer. I'll be sure to grab a new bottle and polish it off before I leave the place (cause having an open container is illegal) :winkgrin:.

Totally forgot about putting hay out, that makes a lot of sense. I do plan (I think) on having Gringo out there first. He's pretty dominant too (as in, doesn't put up with crap) but he's also very willing to follow the "rules". He's out with four other horses right now - 3 mares and another gelding. Thank God that Gringo isn't herd bound or a total nut. He'll walk away if someone threatens him, but otherwise he fits in perfectly fine with the other horses (has previously always been either turned out alone or with geldings, never mares).

I guess Gus is the one I'm nervous about. We've made such progress but he's still very much lame. Nothing more I can do. So, if he regresses I guess it's not the end of the world. Just doesn't make sense to pay full board ($300 - I know, cheap) for a horse who can't even use the facilities (indoor, heated arena; baby beg. novice thru novice xc course; stadium course; standard outdoor dressage arena plus another outdoor arena that's fully fenced in). I've never had Gus on pasture board, but I know that being mobile is the best thing for his arthritis... but he's my baby, ya know? And, he's very food aggressive... so those multiple hay piles will definitely be a must!

Anyways, thanks everyone for the suggestions. I'm very blessed to be able to keep both boys, even when we found Gringo's injury intially... it was touch and go, Gus's was even worse (didn't think he'd pull through). I could never sell either of them, even though both of them have given me plently of restless nights. They are worth it. So, keep your fingers crossed for me that the BF and his parents will say "yes".

[cloudyandcallie]

Too cold up there now for beer, altho maybe a couple of beers will make both the boys mellow. If one gets there first and settles in, he'll be less likely to be intimidated by the dominant horse. And you'll have both together so it will be easier to take care of them. Hopefully they'll be buddies.

Just make sure someone knows where you and Gus and Gringo are since if the 3 of you all pass out in all that snow and cold..................................well, maybe a little peppermint schnapps might warm all 3 of you up.

[appychik]

So... THE DAY is Saturday. Both boys will be hauling together to the new barn. Picking up Gus first, as the trailer is there, and then going on to pick up Gringo. I'm worried but I hope everything goes well. I do plan on turning Gringo out first (since he lived there previously) and containing Gus in the smaller corral. Then, tossing Gus out with Gringo. Will definitely have three/four piles of hay scattered about.... so no fighting, but any suggestions?

I'm planning on picking up a big o' bottle of wine, as I don't drink beer, but on second thought maybe I should just drag my fiance's bottle of Jack with me and make a Jack n' Coke?

I'm sick with worry... please tell me the boys will adjust just fine. :yes:

[Janet]

I do plan on turning Gringo out first (since he lived there previously) and containing Gus in the smaller corral. Then, tossing Gus out with Gringo. Will definitely have three/four piles of hay scattered about.... so no fighting, but any suggestions?
...
I'm sick with worry... please tell me the boys will adjust just fine. :yes:
Your boys will be just fine. But I would make one modification to your plan.

After you have Gringo in the pasture, and Gus in the paddock for awhile, I would switch them. And I would lead Gus around the pasture if he doesn't eplore on his own. It is important that the less dominant horse know, before being confronted with the dominant horse, WHERE it is safe to run to.

[appychik]

Your boys will be just fine. But I would make one modification to your plan.

After you have Gringo in the pasture, and Gus in the paddock for awhile, I would switch them. And I would lead Gus around the pasture if he doesn't eplore on his own. It is important that the less dominant horse know, before being confronted with the dominant horse, WHERE it is safe to run to.

Good idea. I'll definitely try that.

[appychik]

Just as the title suggests, the boys made the move successfully. Gus loaded the trailer like a pro (unlike the last time, where he was rearing like an idiot) and hauled pretty well. Gringo, on the other had, was a pill to load but I think that was because Gus was giving him the devil look... but he did finally load, with the help of the fiance.

So, both boys hauled well enough, considering neither had ever really met each other prior. Anyways, we arrived at the new barn and Gringo remembered exactly where he was. He was so happy to be back "home". Gus was very nervous but adjusted well.

Surprisingly, I didn't need any alcohol at all! :winkgrin: We tossed Gringo back into his old pasture right away and he was so happy running around and socializing with the other horses. Gus stayed in the smaller "corral" for about 30 minutes or so (all he carried to do was eat) then we turned him out with Gringo. No squeals or anything. Both just did their thing.

We've seen Gringo going after Gus a few different times, but they are otherwise settling in well. The grass is way greener and more abundant then I thought it'd be... so Gus learned what a grazing muzzle is all about. He HATED it.

Anyways, without further ado, here's some photos...

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cir1lsOQBIdR3fPwVrxZJg?feat=directlink Gus sporting his muzzle
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/P-6D19Sg1rOz6TRuoTv7dA?feat=directlink Another one of Gus with his muzzle
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/u0HkapaVkWsKgy2T1jK7PA?feat=directlink Gringo looking off in the distance...
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mO9eBlxv4JucFF-3BkG0TQ?feat=directlink Gus, Gringo and three of the other four horses. All horses on the property are Appaloosas, Gringo's the only "partbred" :winkgrin:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WcJDgw2TuUJZ_qqyuOuzFg?feat=directlink The old man, Toaster, who's a ripe 32 years young.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GO0ID7EMkO-n5luLCsjqSQ?feat=directlink The other three horses again, from L to R, Buster, Mr. T and Sable.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FZukjpNb90tfXfZz8Laofg?feat=directlink Gus sans muzzle and fly mask

The rest of the photos should be available here: http://picasaweb.google.com/DAEImagery/NewHome?feat=directlink.

Anyways, thanks everyone for their suggestions. I couldn't have asked for a better move for either of the boys. it was such a smooth transition.

Shoot... meant to post in Off Course ;)

[Moderator 1]

Hi Appychik ~

Thanks for the PM re: your thread. Because your thread served as an update for a previous thread about your boys' move, we merged the two together in Horse Care.

Thanks!
Mod 1

[appychik]

Thanks Mod 1.

[MistyBlue]

*sigh* a whole farm of apps, lucky you! ;)
Had to laugh at Gus' first photo with the flay mask and muzzle...my first thoughts were, "With fava beans and a nice chianti Clarice." :lol: :lol: :lol: Horsibel Lector. :D

[Petstorejunkie]

Introductions to new herds can be so nerve wracking! it's probably a good thing they had the ride over to converse and kinda buddy up.

I've found that if you throw a tough blanket on the new horse they wont get any bites that break skin. that saved my horse a HUGE potential chunk out of his rump with this past move to a new herd.

your horses are adorable! you make me want an appy

[CanTango1]

I have a very dominent OTTB I swear, If he was chocolate cake in front of a weigh watchers dieter he still wouldnt make friends. We just got a newcomer 17 hand big old irish horse, Kept them apart knowing one of them would hurt themselves..... Finally put them together and ill be damned if they didnt start grooming each other !!!!!!!!!!!


We fret and worry, but they always work it out ! Im glad your boys are happy !!

I feel like a very proud mother as well, My boy FINALLY made his frist friend !!!

Not to say he doent chase kick and bite him, but they still like each other at the end of the day :) Its a love/hate relationship I guess, Just dont understand why the tank would put up with it, although Im glad he does..He could squash my little TB :)

[appychik]

:lol: :lol: That first photo of Gus is cute... he was like "Mom, PUULLEEESSEEE take this wretched thing off me. I can't eat!" And it's fun being surrounded by all Appys. My future MIL loves her Apps, so my two boys fit in just well.

And I know if I never worried there would have been a horrible introduction on Saturday, because that's just how things work.

My biggest thing now is figuring out a schedule for Gus and his muzzle. He needs to wear it because he's IR and he's out on grass :no: but he's never worn one before. So, we're working on that, but all-in-all, things are great and both boys are SO happy. That makes me happy :D