My New Mare Is Coming~~Suggestions

[cowgirldude]

In about 10 days, a mare I'm buying from my Appy friend who lives outside of Chicago is coming. I would like suggestions on how to introduce her to my 2, mainly Gypsy. I don't think I'll have a problem with Dude unless the new mare doesn't like him, but Gypsy, since we have moved, has become pretty pissy with him. I keep them separated at night since an incident before we even moved in here.

I have the ability to separate 2 horses+I have a round pen. What should I do? Just keep Gypsy and Dude together and put the new mare in the smaller area which is closer to the gate so I can get her in and out easily, or perhaps put Gypsy in the round pen, but I'll need that eventually for getting used to Siya.

Feeding will be another issue, but I'll just have to throw enough hay and hope Dude gets his fill.

HELP!!! LOL!

Thanks everyone.

[vicklynn]

Ill tell ya what i know from someone else, who just went through this.
She started with one, ended up with 4 horses.
She just built on a smaller, I think 70 X 100 area. So she has the big pasture, a med training area, and a small area.
She has two that can be kept together, keeps the new one in the med training area, and who ever is the problem at the time in the small area. They all inter connect.
All finally run together now, but the option of separating is there.
I have my horses separated for good now, and only leave the gate open during the day, on occasion. NO eating together. My gelding will starve and my mare be fat as a cow.
As far as introductions, I say introduce the low man on the totem pole first.
Good luck. Cant wait to see pics.

[Mercury]

I introduce the low man first generally. If you are suspecting a problem between the new horse and your mare I would try and seperate them but if possible have them in connecting areas so they can get to know each other across the fence. As far as feeding... if being fed together I would make the piles as far apart as possible.

[Remali]

If you think Dude would be better, I would try and introduce Dude to the new horse first....that way the new mare will have a buddy, and when you do put the three of them together maybe by that time Dude and the new horse will have bonded enough that the new mare won't be the odd one out. Usually the first day I like to leave the new horse alone in a separate corral and let them sniff over the fence a bit, if you can do that.

[AppyLady]

You could put Siya in the round pen for a day or two to let the horses get to know each other. Then if all goes well you could put her in the larger area with Dude. They should be fine together, and she can get to know Gypsy over the fence before you put them all out together.

When I get a new horse, I put her in the round pen first, just in case she decides to be a stinker about being caught. After a day or two, I move her out into the large corral by the barn. That way she can get to know the horses in the pasture, and even sniff through the fence (if they're careful about the hotwire!). I'll usually put another horse or two in with her during the day. Once she's catchable in the larger area and seems to be settled in well, I'll turn her out to pasture with the others. It's large enough that they can establish pecking order without any serious injuries.

[cowgirldude]

Those are great ideas! I think I'll start out in the round pen, which is where I want to work with Siya anyway. I might let Dude over the fence closer to her at first. Then after watching Gypsy, move her to the larger side, then both, then move Siya into the small paddock area. Oh boy. Ring around the horses:)

Gypsy was low mare on the totem pole when I bought her, but of course she's the boss now. She's still not mean except during feeding time, and is still pretty gentle, but during her time of the month is when I've noticed she can become really crabby. She just kicked a hole in the tack room wall that is on her side of the barn:mad:

I'm thinking~~why did I get another mare:doh: And BTW~~for those who don't know, Gypsy is for sale so hopefully she will sell soon.

[offgridgirl]

You've got some great advise! The only thing I can add is to maybe pull shoes if you think Siya or Gypsy would kick each other.... Get all the hooves trimmed and smooth!! You also want Body armor for yourself...LOL:innocent: