Settling in
Joining the herd
A new horse does not move into the group on its first day. It gets a paddock of its own, time — and the chance to meet every member of the herd one at a time.
A herd is not a matter of chance. Who fits with whom depends on character, age and temperament, on the habits of the horses already here, and on what a new arrival brings with it. That question cannot be settled over the phone, nor in a single afternoon.
This is why we deliberately allow several weeks for settling in. We watch, we take small steps, and we only take the next one once the previous one has passed calmly.
Step by step
How settling in works
Four stages — each one lasting as long as the individual horse needs.
1. Arrival
The new horse first moves into our spacious paddock and quarantine box. From there it can see, hear and smell everything going on, while keeping a calm space of its own.
2. Finding the right herd
We work out which group fits together with you: what does your horse need, what is it used to, how does it get on with others? Your assessment feeds into the decision.
3. One-on-one introductions
On separately fenced areas your horse meets each member of the herd individually — over several weeks and always under supervision.
4. Into the herd
Only once there is no longer a high risk of conflict does your horse join the group. Not before.
Getting acquainted
One at a time, over weeks, supervised
Instead of putting a new horse into a finished group and hoping for the best, we reverse the order: your horse gets to know the herd one horse at a time. Every encounter takes place on a separately fenced area, and someone is present for every one of them.
It takes time. But it is the difference between a pecking order that settles calmly and one that is fought out on the first night.
- Separately fenced introduction areas
- One encounter at a time
- Always accompanied by the yard team
- The horse sets the pace
The make-up of the herds and the course of the integration are our decision. That is not a formality but a question of safety: we see these horses every day. We know their pecking order, their friendships and their sensitivities — and we carry the responsibility for making sure nobody comes to harm.
Your view of your own horse is expressly welcome: tell us what you observe, what your horse knows from its previous home and what it finds difficult. And if your horse is not comfortable in its group, we will look for a solution in the interest of the horses concerned.
Frequently asked questions about settling in
Where will my horse be when it arrives?
In our spacious paddock and quarantine box. It is the first place for every new horse — with its own turnout and within sight and earshot of the yard.
How long does settling in take?
Several weeks. Your horse meets each member of the herd individually, and we only take the next step once the previous one has passed calmly. That is why we deliberately do not name a fixed date.
Who decides which herd my horse joins?
The decision rests with us, but it is made together with you: your assessment of your horse's character and needs is an important part of it.
What happens if my horse is not comfortable in the group?
Then we talk about it and look for a solution in the interest of the horses concerned. That may be a change of herd, another round of introductions or a different grouping — whatever is right for the animals.
Read on
Our open-stable concept
Three herds, paddock trails all year round, turnout, and feeding that also fills up the horses low in the pecking order.
To the conceptHealth care
Vaccination, worming, teeth and hooves — arranged, accompanied and handled as group appointments.
To health careThe owners' portal
Horse status, rugs, feed, messages and appointments — in one place instead of in a chat group.
To the portal
