Introducing Hank to the herd

This video goes over how my family has introduced a new horse to the herd to reduce the odds of running through the fence injuries and/or kicking injuries - for 50+ years.

About 15 minutes or so after this video was filmed Hank very foolishly tossed an "I want to take over your herd" challenge at the boss mare, Avi, by rearing up and striking in her direction. She immediately answered in kind. When Hank came down to all four on the ground he wheeled to kick Avi which was an even bigger error in judgment on his part because she wheeled and fired 3 rapid succession two hoof kicks into his backside before he had a chance to get a kick off. He never did land a kick. So please understand that reducing the chance of serious physical confrontation does not mean that it eliminates it completely. If the horse being introduced fully challenges the boss mare - there is virtually always going to be a physical confrontation. And if a horse gets kicked hard on bone rather than on a large muscle group well that bone could fracture and it could be the end of that horse. That is the reality of it - and you can't totally eliminate all the risk - but IMO you can reduce it.

Introducing a new horse to the herd always involves some risk of injury (or even death) to the horse, any spectators, equipment used, etc. - this risk is totally your own as you will be making your own judgements on what to do. As with any suggestions on any subject you must weigh them out for yourself and proceed accordingly - at your own risk.

Remember to read, study, and ponder upon God's word each day and also pray each day to find out what God needs you to do today and then do it. And have a blessed day!!

Jack Griffes
Certified Farrier - Colt Starting Trainer https://griffes.tripod.com/farrier.html
Be part of the solution - Learn Founding Principles https://griffes.tripod.com/Learn-Founding-Principles.html