4yr old

Question
QUESTION: to explain former question; The horse is 4 yrs old, of course not a foal. She
was taken from her mother and discarded at 2 days old because her mother
was a nurse mare for a thoroughbred foal. That is why she was called a nurse
mare foal. she was raised from two days old with bottle feedings and only
human companionship. I am bringing her home and introducing her to my
herd. I was hoping that someone had experience with this type of horse.

ANSWER: Hi Mary,

OK,now I know what we are dealing with.  First of all, I must ask how much you know and understand about horse psychology? If you know a lot, you know that she must be accepted and understand that she is a horse. Second question: Has this mare every been in the company of another horse? Has she ever been part of a herd, even of two, except human?  It is important that she learn how to be a horse, so if she has not, you must place her in a paddock next to or with an older mare or older gelding, with no hind shoes. The closer they can be together, safely, without kicking or hurting each other, the better it will be.  This is because she cannot be a good mount for you until she is a well balanced horse.  Place her in a safe position at first with one and then add two or more if she gets along with them. They will teach her a lot about horse manners.  You can still handle her every day and now she is old enough to ride.  Has she ever been backed? I assume you  know how to break and train a youngster?

Other than gradually introducing her to your herd, with one at first and then two or more, under safe conditions, like adjoining stalls, paddocks, or fences,and then together, I can think of nothing else to do.

Good luck,
Dorothy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION:  You have answered my question I was having trouble asking! Yes I have worked
with her on the ground and have been on her back four times. The last time we
worked with a  saddle and bit-less bridle.( she is amazing)  I have a 16 yr. old
belgian that I think will be a good first introduction. She has been around other
horses but only briefly. She has spent the majority of her time with the women
who saved her.  Thank you for your advice. Mary

Answer
The Belgian sounds good.  He/she will help your mare learn to be a horse and to respect their rules.  She may get nipped in the process if she is fresh.  I have never had the experience personally of a bottle raised foal, but my daughter has a gelding that was reared by three women from the age of 5 months old.  His dam died.  Those women kept him in a dirt paddock and spoiled him terribly and he had no manners at all.  He was actually dangerous because he was big and a bully.  My daughter has had a time retraining him over the past 3 years. He has come a long way, but if he had been put in a pasture with some wise old geldings he would have learned sooner not to be a bully.

Good luck with the mare,
D