This Esme’s top tips on introducing a new pony to the herd

When I got my newest horse, Joey, I was super-nervous about how he’d get on with Mickey and Casper. Luckily, they’re all best friends now, but there are some steps you should always take when introducing ponies to each other to keep them as safe and calm as possible.

On the fence

The safest way to introduce new ponies to each other is by doing it gradually. Start by turning the new pony out near to the others so they can see each other. After a week or so, when things seem settled, try turning him out into a neighboring paddock so they’re separated by just a fence. This means they can sniff and get to know each other while still having their own space.

Top tip

If you’re bringing a new pony onto the yard, he’ll need to be quarantined for three weeks to make sure he doesn’t have any infectious diseases that could be passed on to the other ponies.

Grab a copy of May PONY, on sale 7 April 2021, to find out how This Esme introduced her newest member of the herd to Mickey and Casper.