Introducing new horse to an overprotecive dominant mare!

Hi there-
Just wondered your opinion on introducing a new horse to a herd of two horses(all mares), and a 6mo mini donkey!
I had looked for months and months for a specific type/personality etc and finally found one that seems perfect.
We got her 1 1/2 weeks ago. Had a double fence for a week- moving it closer, and closer every couple days. Then removed a portion completely after a week.
The problem is I have a very dominant mare that is so overprotective of the other mare, and somewhat protective with the donkey (who is new 1 1/2mo).She wasn't allowing her to even sniff the new horse, and just guarded the fence line. I eventually put younger mare in with her and it went really well for a few days - but they did have a couple of issues. My younger mare can be a bit of a pain (toddler(ish)) and I didn't see what happened, but the new horse turned, aimed and Bam...double barrel shot- but didn't hit her. She was shocked- as was I - but that seemed to pass.Maybe the new horse had enough.
My biggest issue is my older more dominant mare - not sure how long she could keep up with all this posturing. I am getting tired and wondering if I've made a mistake getting a new horse. How long could it take her to accept the new horse? She wont even come to the fence line, and turns away if Lex (dominant mare) even a lays her ears back from afar!
Any help would be great!
Thanks
Sheri


Hi Sheri,

What I have learned when integrating horses is how unpredictable it can be and it takes much more time than we usually allow for. I have often witnessed the horse we think will care doesn’t and the horse we think doesn’t care suddenly does.

Here’s what we need to consider. How established is the herd to begin with? Established to me is all members have been living together harmoniously for at least 6 to 8 months. The reason is I have repeatedly noticed that at 6 to 8 weeks after a new member joins the herd a shift occurs. Sometimes it’s hardly noticeable other times you witness some good biting and kicking (rarely making contact though). This is repeated at the 4 to 6 month time frame as well before long term peace is established.

From the Horse’s Perspective

From the horse’s perspective that are on the property they feel safe and comfortable, their position amongst themselves as been determined.

The new horse’s perspective would be unsettled because they just entered a new unfamiliar environment, they would want to become part of the herd for safety reasons yet they also know they must challenge others for their place amongst them.


Everyone would know they would need to re-establish their positions now and some fight harder than others to retain their current level.

We can’t choose their friends for them. Only they can. So we can only put into place a chance for everyone to win. We are going to need two spaces or paddocks. Assuming the first paddock is where the established herd lives and the second is where the new horse would go in the beginning.

1. Put the new horse in the second separate space that they can call their own where the other horses can come up to the fence, sniff, squeal, etc for at least 2 weeks (four weeks could be needed but you be the judge there is no rush). Make sure it’s strong safe fencing. Befriend the new horse by spending quality time getting to know each other one on one. The goal is to have them feel safe in this new setting and get to know you too.

2. Only when I see the old herd not caring about the new horse much and/or appears a horse is befriending the new horse would I proceed.

3. Exchange the horses to the others space. Remove the new horse and allow the old herd into the new horse’s paddock so they can smell the manure. The new horse will be in the paddock the old herd was so they can explore and become familiar with the remainder of the environment they will soon be a part of. Do this for an hour at a time and for at least three to five days in a row if you can.

4. Providing all seems well, the only thing left is to open every gate or put them all in the environment that is safest so no horse can be chased into a confined area or corner.

5. Hold your breath! And stay there for at least an hour watching in case you need to remove the newbee and give it more time.

If we take the time necessary horses always seem to work out their differences. Health of all the horses needs to be considered too. Be sure everyone is healthy before putting together. And dominance levels can play a role. I refer to the horse that didn’t get a natural upbringing meaning time with his own kind to learn appropriate social behavior with each other. Only another horse can teach this. Yet given enough time even they can return to a natural state.

Hope this helps,
Elaine Polny
Horses by Nature