Time and again, problems arise when a new horse comes into the stable and is taken straight to the pasture with the other horses. A new horse is a potential threat to the existing hierarchy of the herd, which is why the other horses tend to react hostilely to their new conspecific. Establishing the hierarchy in horses can lead to nipping and biting, chasing and kicking, and even serious fights in which all the horses involved can be injured.

With care and patience, you can make it easier for the horses to accept their new neighbours in the herd in a peaceful manner.

 

1. lead the new horse to a separate pasture or paddock that is securely fenced for the first two days. Provide sufficient food and water. This will allow the horse to get used to its new surroundings and get over the excitement of the move. It is important for the new horse to be calm and well-rested to ensure a peaceful introduction to the herd.

2. on the third day, when the new horse has settled in a little, it can be moved to a pasture neighbouring the herd. This allows the horses to make contact with each other without having to or being able to fight. The herd is already learning to assess the newcomer.

3. during the initial familiarisation phase in the neighbouring paddock, someone should remain nearby to observe without intervening.

4. observe the horses' reaction to each other for a few days, preferably for a week. You have to wait until the new horse has been accepted, which can be seen when the biting, squealing and other aggressive behaviour subsides.

5 Now the pastures should be swapped for a few days so that the new horse gets to know the new environment. This allows it to leave its odour without having to interact with the other herd members.

6. put the lowest-ranking horse in the herd out to pasture with the new horse. These two horses can get to know each other over several days.

7. finally, let the horses out into the pasture one by one, starting with the lowest-ranking or most peaceful horse. There will be some nipping and squealing until the new horse's rank is fully established, but this will be short-lived until the new horse has found its place in the hierarchy.