Conference noted::equitation

    When I have brought new horses into my barn, I have always kept
    them by themselves for the first week. When you do introduce him
    to the home herd the best way I have found is to keep everybody
    in and lead him around the fence, then turn him loose by himself
    for about an hour. Then introduce the rest one at a time into the
    field with a good hour between each one. This generally keeps anyone
    from getting hurt or the new guy forced into or over the fence.
    During the first week we do a lot of hand walking to get familar
    with the area around the yard.
    
    Sandy
    

    Does the horse like to be alone.  If not, as the majority of mine
    are, I would suggest a paddock by the other horses so that they
    may get acquainted.  Then later introduce the new comer to the
    group.  Is it a group of one?  or more?
    
    I know if any of mine, except for the stallion, when they are left
    alone in their stalls are VERY unhappy.
    
    Good luck...I know the transition will go smoothly.
    

    When we get a new horse, we put him in a paddock that is right next
    to the rest of the herd for at least a week.  They can then get
    acquainted over the fence and get the squealing over with!

    I agree with .3, if there are horses in the barn to keep him
    company I would leave him in his stall the first day after
    moving and hand walk him.  If the other horses are outside I
    would try to put him in a separate paddock where he could see
    the others.  Its hard for most horses to relax at a new place
    if they are in the barn all by themselves.  I feed alot of hay
    the first day, providing it doesn't disturb the other horses,
    it seems to settle them, keeps their minds on their stomach.
    I introduce new horses into a group with a lot of caution, I've
    seen some very serious and unnecessary accidents caused by
    rushing the introductions.
    

    I rode Punch up to the new stables on Sunday,  An area he had not
    been to before, made it very interesting for him.  We stood aroundin
    the yard with him for about an hour, gave him his feed.  He thought
    it was all very fasinating, but was very jumpy.  We then put him
    out in the field, with three other horses.  One was new from the
    day before, the other two were old timers to the yard.  One called
    Brig, played with him, for about an hour, that was so nice to see.
    the other two were not very interested.  We went off, and then returned
    about two hours later. so that he knew we would be returning.  He
    was semi glad to see us, but was still with the horse called Brig.
    we sat in the yard watching him,  and this was when he found the
    electric fence, certainly shocked him, and he ran around for about
    10 minutes.
    
    Last night I went up to feed him.  He was glad to see me, and glad
    to have some dinner, but half way through he decided to go for a
    walk, so off we went around the school.  then back to dinner.  He
    was very jumpy, but I think he needs to get to know the grounds
    first.  I felt so guilty, taking him away from his friends, but
    this Saturday, I hope to meet up with Champion.  How long does it
    take for them to settle don on average.

    Helena
    
    I'm interested in this, because I'll probably be moving my Robbie
    in a few weeks.  Was there any kicking when you turned Mr Punch
    out with the new horses?  Had he met any of them before?  It's been
    suggested that I take Robbie's back shoes off before I turn him
    out with the new horses - did you do this?
    
    I haven't really thought this through yet, but I'll probably turn
    Robbie out in a field next to the others' (two ponies and a donkey)
    for the first few days.  The only problem I can see with this is
    that he is not used to being alone.  I'd be grateful for any comments
    or suggestions anyone has.
    
    Thanks 
    
    Helen.

    Hello
    
    Punch took two days to settle in completely,  He is now the Boss.
    
    We just turned punch out with the other horses.  We did not take
    his shoes off, or take any other precausions, as Punch does not
    kick, at anything. he goes at others from the front end.  But he
    is an extremely tollarable horse anyway.  There was one problem
    with kicking, in that one of the other horses was a kicker.  Punch
    got bored with this, and walked away.  Fortunately the other horse
    was not that violent.  It was really nice to see, as Punch loves
    playing, and the others were willing.  they all seem to sort out
    the initial sniffing, then the playful nipping, and chasing started.
    
    He had not met any of the horses before.  This is why we were worried.
    However,  Punch was really keen on having a look around,  I let
    him, take his time in this,  Just so he can get a feel of whats
    going on around him now,  and being with him, whilst he did this,
    made him feel comfortable.  We also made sure, that he knew we were
    in no way deserting him, and kept on going back upto see him, and
    showing him, were all his things were going, so that he would be
    able to associate parts of the yard, as holding his food.
    
    He has really settled in now, it only took a week, but he is very
    happy.  
    
    Just remember to be patient with your horse.  We left him to sort
    him self out in the field, with the others,  although we did want
    to go in and sort them out, It was better for Punch that he got
    to grips with it himself.
    
    If I can help you any more, please let me know.
    
    Helena
    

    Let me say that you were very luck turning out your horse right away
    with already established friends.  Turning a horse out with this kind
    of crowd lends credence to the motto two is company three's a crowd.
    The dominent horse will often attempt to do bodily harm to the new
    comer so that there will be no confusion on whose friends are whose.
    
    Hind shoes should always come off.  Why risk broken cannon bones,
    shattered knees, hocks, etc. etc.  I always put the new horse in a
    separate field for at least 3 days.  If the horse is a whimp, than that
    usually is sufficient, but if the newcomer will be a threat to the boss
    than longer will be necessary, and hind shoes must come off!
    
    On the day of intermingling, I turn the new horse out first, than
    slowly add one horse at a time until everybody is in and aquainted.
    
    One other note, my fields are separated by natural walls.  Into each of
    the three go groups.  Stronger horses are turned out together, wimps go
    in another field.  Each group has its own pecking order, of course,
    but, the stronger rouges do not wreak vengence on the weaker ones.  I
    have had NO accidents with this set up.  Before I came to manage, all
    the horses were turned out together, and there were some super nasty
    incidents and large vet bills to show for it.  The borders are happy, I
    am happy, and the horses are happy.
    
    stephanie
    

  One may have to keep them separated long if the newcomer is particularly
  uneducated (and a slow learner) about herd-dynamics.

					-Caroline