Opinions Please....

I will be having a new horse soon, when I move to our new home. She is a mare. What I was wondering is, what is the general concenus on here about introducing her to my two boys (geldings of course). I have always been of the opinion that they should be separated for a few days, but be able to see each other naturally, before being put together. What's your opinion? Should I separate them for a few days or just let them get on with it? None of them have shoes on so hopefully won't hurt each other. I don't have much experience of owning a mare, always had geldings. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

I was under the impression that they should be introduced "gradually". In the UK, were I was anyway, the livery yards always seemed to turnout mares and geldings in seperate fields.

But my mare when I got her, put pay to this theory!



I put her in a seperate paddock from the gelding, seperated by electric netting. It took her all of five minutes to "limbo" under it and introduce herself.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Since then I have always just made sure there was plenty of room for anyone to get away incase of trouble, and just let them get on with it.

Touch wood, had no problems at all.

I always put newbies into a seperate paddock for at least a few days but where they can see each other, or even touch each other but be careful with electric fencing as mares can strike out squealing & take the fencing with their front feet! I have had mares in with geldings no problem.

I think that where and if possible slow introduction is best, more for the sake of the geldings these "girls" give 'em the "come hither" then squeal and turn their a***'s on them, if the boys arn't "au fait" thats when someone can get hurt for the sake of a bit of electric fence, with a "no man's land between them, I would err on the side of caution.... personally:) I think at livery yards, keeping mares and geldings seperate, it's easier from the introduction point of view and there are some quite "mare'ish" mares, and some quite" precious" owners.

Anyway, enough of this:silent: do tell more zait-bet, new pony, [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

pen

Hi Thanks for the feedback. I would tend to agree that it is better to keep them apart for a few days.

The mare is a beautiful chestnut, 9 year old thoroughobred, with such a lovley laid back temperament. We fell in love with her when we went to view the property we are buying and are delighted that she is staying on with us. Just hope that she doesn't put my boys in a spin, but she is so sweet I think it will all be okay. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

She isn't called Soli by any chance?