Thursday, July 30, 2009

How to avoid Herd bound Horses?

I have had just one horse for years, now I have just got a second. I know that some people have troubles with horses not wanting to be away from the other horse, even to go out for a ride. My question is how quickly do they become herd bound? Any suggestions in preventing it or managing it so they don't become attached to each other in a bad way.
Thank you for your help.
Answers:
I have two horses, stabled next to each other, with a half wall between them (so they can play safely, whilst stabled). They are turned out together, with a herd, but spend almost 24 hours a day together. They are well and truly pair bonded. I can work them together, but also separately, because they are both also bonded with me. I've trained both using Natural HorseManShip methods, which I really think has helped to keep them focused on me when they are separated.
For horses to have a pair bond is very good for them, but can cause complications for us, or we can have it work to our advantage.
The essence of the pair bonding phenomena (like with mare and foal) can happen between an equine and another species. This is one of the very unique things about horses. The stronger you make the bond, the greater the response. There鈥檚 an old saying, "Horses can run faster and jump higher out of heart and desire." That鈥檚 where the value of that bond comes from. Horses see you as family, and the "blood is thicker than water" adage holds true as a philosophy for the rest of their lives.
Horses can become 'herd bound' when they would rather spend time away from people. If you can make the time you spend with your horses fun and interesting for them (rather than them feeling like it's a chore to work with you), then you will see them come running to the field gate, regardless of having to leave behind their best horsey buddie, to spend time with you...
Well it depends on the horse and its personality. I started out with one horse and then got another. It took them about 1 year to get herd bound to each other. It is alright for them to be herd bound in the feild but when you take them out to ride or work then they should become herdbound to you. Make sure that you spend quality time with each horse. Building bonds with them makes sure that you have a healthy relationship with them. There is really nothing to worry about. If you have anymore questions please email me!
Make a regular habit of working with one out of sight of the other. We have one guy who can't stand it to be apart from his herd. He comes inside and spends time out in a stall, gets groomed and stuff, but is left alone to degas when he gets screechy. One day I actually screeched right back at him and he was just appalled, but he shut up. Kept peeking at me like I had a screw loose... Then he goes out and gets longed in the round pen until he settles and starts to behave, then he gets schooled under saddle. All done calmly. It started with him being a nut case in the round pen and the herd liked to race around the outside. Now, they are off grazing somewhere and he is having a nice work.
Really, each horse is an individual. Some are just naturally more herd bound then others.
Separate them into different paddocks regularly. Take one away for a few hours leaving the other behind...have pa docks on separate sides of your property...
but, in all honesty...heiress are herd animals and they areby nature to want to be near each other.
Hope this helps

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