Riding out with a herd of only two

Harmony_Meadows · #1 10/29/11, 10:58 PM

I am faced with the prospect of finally moving to a place where my horse gets to come home. I will also be bringing a friend's mare as company and to ride since they have too many and she is just sitting around. I have never been in a situation of having only two horses, I have always had at least three. I know my friend's mare is fine on her own, but mine does prefer not being left behind. Any suggestions on what to do when I ride? I don't really feel comfortable having one loose. I have always been taught not to do that, or ride in the pasture with one loose. Or should I start begging now for a third?

I can't ride for much more than 30 mins at a time anymore, and some days that is too much. But I like Brittany and taking a little walk around is nice. June is not broke to ride and I doubt she ever will be. I have a cart for her and hope to have runners for the winter. Hubby wont be riding and I doubt he will drive and my son, well he is only three, so no one to ride/drive with. We would probably move in January (I know horrible time) so I don't know how much we will do until the snow is off the ground in March/April. Not likely we will add anyone new until then either, unless my friend wants me to winter one of her youngsters or one of her broodmares.
Ideas?? Preferably ones that wont lead to divorce court!

Thank you!!

malinda · #2 10/29/11, 11:28 PM

You're riding for 30 minutes or less - don't worry about the horse left behind. 30 minutes is nothing at all and she will soon get over herself.

Harmony_Meadows · #3 10/29/11, 11:40 PM

It's not so much the mare I am worried about, it's my fence!

I don't think 3 strands of electric tape will stop the 1200 lb June tank if she takes a run at it.....although she does seem to respect them fairly well. I can always put some hay out for her...keep her busy!

Although I think you might have missed the subtle hints to engage the enabling machine....I will try to be more direct in the future!

Rogo · #4 10/30/11, 01:51 AM

You're not riding very long, but if you're worried about the fence I 'spose the mare won't get corrected of her problem until the fencing is better. How about ponying her as you ride.

malinda · #5 10/30/11, 05:43 AM

If the mare already has buddy sour issues, getting a third horse or always bringing her along will only make the problem worse. I think buddy sour horses are one of the most annoying things and I'd rather the issue be dealt with than be tip-toeing aroung the horse's problem and enabling HER.

Put her in a small, stronger fenced area while you ride. Distracting her with hay is OK.

offthegrid · #6 10/30/11, 08:18 AM

I'm no help -- I'm going to look at a pair of minis today to solve my "horse left behind" problem. Which is less expensive....a pair of minis, or my very accident prone TB mare getting left behind when the trailer pulls out? (Even my vet said....ah, I'd go with the minis).

But I do agree that for 30 minute rides at home -- you should work on your mare to tolerate it. It's too expensive to buy another horse to keep one company for such a short period of time. (In my defense, I know that I will trailer out for a minimum of 2 hours, and at least a 2 day overnight next summer...)

Do you have a stall she can go in?

Maybe something like give her hay, ride where she can see you for 10 minutes. Then the next time, ride for 15 minutes, and start going a little farther away (out of sight) for short periods of time?

SFM in KY · #7 10/30/11, 08:52 AM

I know you would like to 'solve' the problem by adding a third horse, but it really would be more useful to solve the problem with the mare first. Does she tie? Personally, I think all horses need to be taught to stand tied quietly for any length of time and I insist that my horses do that. If you don't have a secure stall or secure pen, I would set up a safe 'hitching post', put a stout, nylon halter on the mare that fits well (I really like the nylon rope halters), heavy (new) cotton lead rope with a heavy bull snap (no Chinese hardware) and tie securely.

Make sure the mare will stand tied with the other mare being worked with but in sight first, then start riding out. She will adjust.

brody · #8 10/30/11, 10:03 AM

yup - do that then get the third horse!

lamoncha lover · #9 10/30/11, 10:07 AM

Buddy sour is a Pain. I am working on this issue myself. If I had to I would tie the left behind horse. I also like the rope halters with the tied in rope and no snap for the lead.I think I would forgo adding another, expensive and time consuming as they are, and work thru the problems of what ya got.

lamoncha lover · #10 10/30/11, 10:08 AM

brody you enabler you:>)

beccachow · #11 10/30/11, 10:32 AM

How about a nice, sweet rescue horse? LOL!

offthegrid · #12 10/30/11, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beccachow

How about a nice, sweet rescue horse? LOL!

But really, you need TWO! Because what if you and a friend want to ride together? Then one horse is left home alone.

Or FIVE. Five would probably be a good number.

Or a pair of minis.

Joshie · #13 10/30/11, 04:17 PM

What's the problem with riding in a pasture with one horsey loose?

SFM in KY · #14 10/30/11, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joshie

What's the problem with riding in a pasture with one horsey loose?

Loose horses can spook another horse, in cold weather (or for no reason at all) and kick or start bucking ... a rider can get kicked or the loose horses can set the horse being ridden off. Doesn't happen often but it can happen.

malinda · #15 10/30/11, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFM in KY

Loose horses can spook another horse, in cold weather (or for no reason at all) and kick or start bucking ... a rider can get kicked or the loose horses can set the horse being ridden off. Doesn't happen often but it can happen.

That happened to a girl I knew in 4-H. The loose horse kicked out in play and broke the rider's leg.

Rogo · #16 10/30/11, 05:57 PM

I haven't had your problem, and altho what I'm about to say is somewhat different, here it is.

A friend saddled her mare and the mare's 2 year old colt, even tho she wouldn't ride the colt until he was 3. We went riding and friend ponied the colt until we came to an open area. Friend then took off the colt's lead rope without leaving her saddle. This was the first time she did this with the colt.

We rode for about an hour, the colt never going far from us. She then called the colt in and he came to her. She fastened the lead rope to him while she was still in the saddle. She then dismounted and got on the colt for the first time. She rode the colt and ponied the mare.

Some riders we came across complimented her on the colt and asked his age. Boy, were they shocked to learn that the 2 year old was ponying his mom!! Friend rode the colt for a short time and then switched back to the mare, leaving the colt free in open areas we came to.

When you bond well and earn the trust of critters, they'll do just about anything for you.

All the mule foals I raised were on the trail the first day they had a saddle on their backs at age 3. Rode 'em out from my place. The following week they were on a group ride. Not recommending this, but I never had a problem.