Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Yes, it is important for socialization.

I knew a person who had a very large herd of horses, mostly mustangs and 
curlies.  She had several of her young stallions together with a gelding or 
two thrown in. They got along quite well together and seemed very content.

They were very nice to be around. They were so good my 9 and 10 y/ods at the 
time were pretty darn safe walking around among them (with my supervision of 
course..and they understood how to behave around stallions and horses)

Sadly, this person had too many and the care went down hill. I could never 
fault her for how she socialized them however.  They were all pretty 
content.  She also mixed some geldings with mares, and also accordingly to 
there temperments as well.

I have a small herd of 9 at home. One mare I've been socializing one on one 
before she can go into the full herd.  There are three female family members 
in the large herd and the can band together when a new one arrives. So I 
work on their approval first.  Then wait until the lead mare is in season, 
(she'll accept anybody then! ), and then the others.  I have one separate 
small pasture for a new horse (or visiting) right next to the larger one so 
they can safely socialize and get to know one another first.

I just put my husbands gelding in with the mares a few months ago. Had to 
make sure they'd accept him and not gang up on him since he's the only boy.  
He also goes down the street sometimes to spend time with our other rescue 
Gelding for some "boy" play time. He enjoys that too.  I did the same type 
of socializing with him as with this other mare above.  When the ground 
dries the newer mare will be put in permanent with the others as its just 
about time for that.  They've all accepted her except 1 mare.

A human can interfer in the herd behavior.  My alpha mare is great! She was 
my first horse.  I love her help at feeding time as she does what I call 
"the sweep!"  She makes sure they all stand back mannerly while I sweep the 
mats and put out the food. Then, she allows them in their order to walk to 
their places.  The smarter ones wait in the back till the bossy ones are in 
place.  Then they move to their "spots" If any one of them steps out of turn 
she reprimands them.   My big mare (alpha) makes me chuckle as she stands 
guard over me while I get things set up..Has done this every day for last 
six years.  Then she raises her leg to "shake hands" and gets a carrot or 
something!  Funny!!  "Mom, are you proud of me???!!" "I helped!!"

I love horses. They are so great!

cheers,
kathie



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