Possibly Herd Bound?

Miss Thunder · 04-02-2005, 07:35 AM

I'm not sure if this should be in the training section or not, but whatever...

When I used to board my mare, I would just go outside,throw her halter on and come inside with her. She didn't care. The other horses didn't care. It didn't matter. Mind you, she was also in a herd of like 10.

Now I have 3 horses. Whenever I want to ride 1, I have to bring in all 3 and leave the other 2 inside while I ride. They don't get too upset, a few yells at the beginning but they eventually settle down. But if I leave them outside and just bring 1 horse in, they run around like man men while the horse inside then gets all upset too. When my mare is outside and one of the boys are in, she's not too bad. I don't think she's terribly "herd bound" unlike my boys. I guess I'm a bit worried that one will jump the fence or get hurt while running.

What should I do? In the winter I don't mind bringing them in, it's cold out anyways. But in the summer, I want them out as much as possible but it's hard when I want to ride. Should I just take my horse away and let them go crazy? Have someone supervise just incase anything happens? Starts seperating them (leave one in the barn, while 2 out and visa-versa?)?

Thanks

Moostang · 04-02-2005, 07:45 AM

I personally would start seperating them more.. getting them used to the idea. At first they will throw a fit, but they should get used to the idea the more you do it.

doyalikethemoon · 04-02-2005, 07:56 AM

When you ride one can the other two see you riding? Like, is your arena or wherever you ride close to the field the other two are in? It may be that they are herd bound and don't like not knowing where their other friend is. I think it would be a good idea to leave one in and put two out, or put one in the field and two in the place you use to ride & vice versa. Anything to show them that they are still alright when they aren't all together.

MissBandit · 04-02-2005, 08:06 AM

I agree, continue to seperate them. Time is the only thing that will teach them seperation will not kill them.

04-02-2005, 07:35 AM	#1
Miss Thunder Senior Member+ Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Eastern Canada Posts: 1,900 Images: 137	Possibly Herd Bound? I'm not sure if this should be in the training section or not, but whatever... When I used to board my mare, I would just go outside,throw her halter on and come inside with her. She didn't care. The other horses didn't care. It didn't matter. Mind you, she was also in a herd of like 10. Now I have 3 horses. Whenever I want to ride 1, I have to bring in all 3 and leave the other 2 inside while I ride. They don't get too upset, a few yells at the beginning but they eventually settle down. But if I leave them outside and just bring 1 horse in, they run around like man men while the horse inside then gets all upset too. When my mare is outside and one of the boys are in, she's not too bad. I don't think she's terribly "herd bound" unlike my boys. I guess I'm a bit worried that one will jump the fence or get hurt while running. What should I do? In the winter I don't mind bringing them in, it's cold out anyways. But in the summer, I want them out as much as possible but it's hard when I want to ride. Should I just take my horse away and let them go crazy? Have someone supervise just incase anything happens? Starts seperating them (leave one in the barn, while 2 out and visa-versa?)? Thanks __________________ "I love the horse from hoof to head From head to hoof and tail to mane I love the horse as I have said From head to hoof and back again. " ~James Whitcomb Riley

04-02-2005, 07:45 AM	#2
Moostang Senior Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Northern Calif Posts: 9,799 Images: 680 Blog Entries: 55	I personally would start seperating them more.. getting them used to the idea. At first they will throw a fit, but they should get used to the idea the more you do it. __________________ Don't poke bears... give them honey! http://moostangproductions.com

04-02-2005, 08:06 AM	#4
MissBandit Senior Member+ Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: BC, Canada Posts: 13,219 Images: 300 Blog Entries: 43	I agree, continue to seperate them. Time is the only thing that will teach them seperation will not kill them. __________________ Founder is the #2 killer of horses. Learn how to prevent, spot and treat this deadly disease. Emergency Treatment http://www.laminitisclinic.org

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04-02-2005, 07:56 AM	#3
doyalikethemoon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: central Ohio Posts: 407 Images: 1	When you ride one can the other two see you riding? Like, is your arena or wherever you ride close to the field the other two are in? It may be that they are herd bound and don't like not knowing where their other friend is. I think it would be a good idea to leave one in and put two out, or put one in the field and two in the place you use to ride & vice versa. Anything to show them that they are still alright when they aren't all together.