horses and fields

[sam]

I would be interested in what people think about horses going out into fields on their own. Sometimes my horse goes into a field on his own and gets a bit stressy. He is able to see other horses in the adjacent fields. He is a lot better - he used to trash the fields but now will get on with eating. I know its wrong to keep a horse on its own long term but I think it is acceptable to put them out on their own sometimes. What do others think?

[liz]

Horses are herd animals and need the company of others. However, I did keep a horse at a livery yard once where each horse had there own 2 paddocks, one for winter and another for summer. These were in 2 big fields divided into 1 acre paddocks by mains electric fencing with walkways down the middle. The YO was very strict that no horse should ever be left in it's paddock if no others were in sight. The system worked very well but YO did eventually change it after representations from owners. The fields were split in half, with mares in one half and geldings in the other. That was much better and it was around that time that Duke arrived there and he LOVED it! He had a great playmate called Wilson, a huge TB x Clydesdale, and I they hooned around together for hours each day. He would have been unhappy to have been alone, that's for sure, even if other horses were in sight!

[Briony and Anakin]

at the moment i keep anakin in his own paddock while he is getting to know the other horses over the fence! he is perfectly happy to be in his safe paddock and munches away all day, but he does have the company of the others over the fence. He is also happy to be left on his own when the others come in and doesnt make a fuss, although i never do this when im not at the yard with him in sight as you never know he might have a bit of a panic!

He will be going out with the big boys in a few weeks, ill be a nervous wreck as hes just 15 months old and the majority of the boys are upwards of 16hh but anakin is quite a brave boy so im sure he will be fine!

[avril]

As Liz said, horses are herd animals and do best when they are turned out with others. There are times where it's necessary for them to accept being alone, and Anakin, who now belongs to Briony was a good example.

He had never been handled until he was a year old, and was essentially feral since none of his companians were either during that time. We led his mum Callie four miles back to our stables with him following. We started the weaning process immediately, and I have to say he was one of the most difficult I can remember to settle in the box, in fact he showed hysterical behaviour for quite a while. Briony will find this hard to believe since now he's fine, and he can be caught, led, tied up, and travelled, taking it all in his stride.

Another aspect for him to accept was to be turned out with others who would then be brought in leaving him on his own. He did very well, and can now be left alone without insecurity or worry in the stable or in the field.

We've added Anakin the to my safecob page of the website, where we can share in his development and progress.

[erika]

Horses are herd animals and hate to be by themselves. It is no different to us being put in solitary confinement except they are scared to death of being eaten.
There is absolutely no way that George could be left by himself for any length of time. Infact for the 1st 3 years he couldn't be left by himself at all. He would demolish all the fences and would be extremely distressed. In the last 6 months he has chilled a bit more and is used to being grazed alone for a couple of hours a day in sight or hearing of the other horses. But it is not just the security issue, it is the companionship and anybody seeing 2 horses grooming each other or just hanging out could not possibily want to separate them. Sure they have the odd spat and kick or bite but they are not different to children in this respect. They do form real bonds with their companions and fret if they are gone for any length of time.
Interestingly, this year we split George from his companion of 3 years as we had a new livery pony and were worried for the young owner's safety. His old companion is a pyschopath . and could not be trusted.
George was happy enough with his new friend but his companion became very depressed and starting moping. Although she had shown no affection for him when in the field she was very distressed at his not being around even though she still had a long term companion herself and he was no more than 100 metres away.
I would never keep a horse in isolation anymore than I would a chicken or a rabbit, it is downright cruel.
Erika & George

[sam]

Thanks to everyone who has replied. Its clear that in part it depends on the horse. I agree that it is more rare for a horse to be happy on their own long term and is far from ideal. But it is helpful if you can leave them out for a bit on their own, occasionally, if for example you want to ride their field companion. I notice that most of the re-homing / rescue societies wont rehome a horse which is not going to be in the company of other horses, and I agree with that. As Erika points out, its also about socialising for them, as well as the herd / protection instinct.

[lisandsaf]

Hi Sam
when we first got saf who happens to be a big strong middle/heavyweight type I/D we also bought at the same time to keep her company a tiny 2 year old section a filly,, they looked like mum and foal as they are both grey,, anyhow,, i was so worried that saf would hurt the little one that i kept them apart for a good 5 months in next door fields,, at this time we also purchased a little pony for my daughter, so i now had 3 ponies all in different fields,, it got ridiculous trying to put them out and bring them in without one or all of them getting distressed,,,
so in october last year i put them all out together and let them settle,, needless to say Saf is the boss, with the little pony at the bottom of the pecking order, but it was the best thing i did, as they all settled and became so much calmer,, the three of them are usually together and we have three paddocks they can freely wander around, they all go out together and come in together.
If a ride Saf i leave the two ponies in the stables with hay and if me and my daughter ride the little one stays behind in her stable with hay,, ive never had a reason to leave saf behind.

Lisa and Saf

[Erika George]

George shares with a tiny 11.2hh Welsh mountain pony. He is a real grump about his food and if the others come anywhere near him his ears are pinned back and he stamps his foot at them. If they come too close he will chase them off and bite them.
But little miss pretty face saunters up, drags his feed bowl away, stuffs her head in so that his doesn't fit and George does nothing about it. The others just watch in astonishment, as indeed do I!
Erika & George