How to Introduce Horses

Newly introduced horses do not always get along. Some are very dominant and can become aggressive, or even violent, when introduced to a new horse. To prevent one horse from injuring the other, introduce them in a controlled environment before turning them out together.

Things You'll Need

  • Fencing
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Instructions

    • 1

      Construct side-by-side paddocks made of solid materials, such as wood posts and planks or livestock panels, if you do not have one already. When introducing two horses, each should have its own fenced area until they have gotten to know one another. Do not use wire or other flexible materials that may catch or snag a horse's leg in the event that the animals begin to paw or kick at one another.

    • 2

      Place the horses in the paddocks so they can smell each other, and allow them to sniff each other over the fence. The horses can take time to read each other's body language and get a sense of the hierarchy. The two horses may need to be kept in separate paddocks for days depending on each one's temperament.

    • 3

      Feed the horses at opposite ends of their paddocks. A horse's dominance or submissiveness usually is apparent during feeding times, when the dominant horse will often chase the submissive animal away from the feed. Feeding them apart will minimize conflict between the horses.

    • 4

      Observe the horse's behavior. If they are showing no aggression -- such as pinned ears or lunging at one another during feeding times -- and are quietly standing close to each other at the fence line for long periods, you can turn them out together.