Training Tip: Herd Size Matters When Introducing a New Horse

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make when introducing a new horse to the herd is putting too many horses in too small of a space. It’s only natural when a new horse is introduced to the herd that there will be some change in the pecking order, and the horses in the herd are going to establish their new pecking order by moving each other’s feet. The best thing you can do in regards to the horses’ safety is to provide enough room for them to move the new horse’s feet and for him to escape the other horses if necessary. The more room you give the horses, the safer they will be. If they’re in too small of a space, when they chase each other or start fighting, they won’t have anywhere to run to before they hit a fence or go through it.

How long the horses spend sorting out their new pecking order just depends on the herd. Some horses will fall into a peaceful coexistence in a few minutes and some will take a few days. One thing is for sure, though, the horses will constantly be jockeying for position within the herd.