Horse Talk

[ChickenLover200]

What's your opinions on getting a third horse to help with buddy sourness? My thoughts were that at least the horse not being worked with or being worked with wouldn't have to be alone, but I guess then an even number would be better. I was thinking of getting a mini donkey foal that I could train myself.... does anyone think that would help?

Nope, don't think it would help at all. The horse not there will still be missing the "herd," and now there are twice as many missing the one being worked. I have a total of 5, and it doesn't matter who I take out, the others yell at them.

Ok. Good point. I hadn't thought of that perspective. Another question,
I am seriously debating separating my two by a temp. fence and then when i get them both out together, work then hard, then put them into their separate pens to rest. I was thinking maybe letting them graze together some days, but I'm not sure if any of that will work. Right now I'm just trying to find some solution to the problem. It's really hard to get their focus on me to work them when they're thoughts are on each other...

 

[abigalerose]

I've heard of some people that when they get a third horse it totally solves the buddy sour issue, so long as they only act buddy sour if they're left behind. For example if I take June out and leave Penelope, Penelope spazzes, but if I take Penelope away from June, she's fine. So sometimes if people have a horse like that and they get a third, then the horse like Penelope would have someone to occupy her while you had your other horse out. But if the horse you ride out gets buddy sour while you're riding then it won't do any good. And it may not do any good anyways, like @Bunnylady said, the other two may just stay behind and still act up. Guess it's kind of a gamble and just depends on the horses

 

[ChickenLover200]

I just read that the horse would rather leave a buddy behind than to be left behind. Cinnamon is Ok by herself when I work her, but Eli freaking out causes a distraction for both of us. I thought if he had another pal, he wouldn't feel completely alone.

 

[abigalerose]

I would just try different things. I just had June and Penelope separated for two weeks and they stood up by the fence as close to each other as they could, and if June wandered off to eat or if I was working with her Penelope would pace the fence and neigh. All the grass is worn down along the fence now becuase she's just stayed there for two weeks. It didn't do me a bit of good. They're back together now.
You never know what might work so try all kinds of stuff till you find a solution

 

[abigalerose]

That's exactly how Penelope is. Hates being left behind when I've got June and depending on what we're doing sometimes it distracts June. If I do wind up getting a third horse in hoping it may help with the problem as an added bonus. But it may not

 

[I Love Layers]

That sounds awesome. My grandpas farm is only 60 acres, but that's enough room for 30 horses. But he won't let me have that many! Lol. I'm moving to my own farm soon, well it's actually my parents but they've had a change of plans and now it's going to be at least five years before they move out there, and when they do they may just build a new house, so for now and maybe for a long time, I get to live there. There's only 7 acres, but I plan on having at least 3 horses, potentially 4 but not that many for a while, and boarding at least 2. Doesn't sound like much room for that many horses, but my uncle has 80 acres that surrounds the farm and he's already given me permission to ride around on his land as long as I don't ride through any of the fields that have crops. Several feilds are just empty plus there's quite a bit of wooded area and there's a wet weather creek that runs through the middle of everything. There's not much crops on the 80 acres since it's just his personal farm, most of his crops are kept elsewhere, so it'll make a good place for trail riding I think. And the best part is that it's only 3 miles from my grandparents house, I could even ride my horses back and fourth if I wanted too. And now I just gotta know, what's your plan for 30+ horses?

Ranch work mainly. Lets just say I do get married that's at least me and my husband, my uncle, my grandpa I hope he's still living on the ranch, and any kids.
I usually ride 3 times a day. And during calving season up to 6, and trugging through the snow tires them out. So extras is always nice.

I'd probably have brood mares too.

 

[I Love Layers]

Ok. Good point. I hadn't thought of that perspective. Another question,
I am seriously debating separating my two by a temp. fence and then when i get them both out together, work then hard, then put them into their separate pens to rest. I was thinking maybe letting them graze together some days, but I'm not sure if any of that will work. Right now I'm just trying to find some solution to the problem. It's really hard to get their focus on me to work them when they're thoughts are on each other...

About the getting a third I agree. My grandpa had 10 and one would still throw a fit and try to jump corrals. Even if you took his least favorite out.

 

[Elky]

Hello! I love horses and thought I would join the chat ^^

 

[I Love Layers]

Sorry for the spam of pictures

2nd ride of today

 

[abigalerose]

Oh, well that makes sense then! I don't have a job for the horses I already have so that's why I don't need very many. Although I'd like to have cows someday so maybe I'd have a job for a couple then. What kind of bloodlines do you want for you brood mares?
I love June's bloodlines. I think mr Gunsmoke is my favorite (he's her great grandpa). I saw a little stud colt with awesome bloodlines today that I would looove to buy, but what use would I have for him?