Introducing a very special new herd member

Recently, we've had the challenge of successfully introducing a mature Exmoor pony mare, Yellowcombe Lapwing, into a herd here at the farm. It's been interesting and, as always, a good learning experience - and I'm sharing a few insights for anyone interested in herd dynamics and introducing new members - safely.

This particular herd includes orphan wild-born buckskin Exmoor-X foal Lady Luna (now around 10 months old), along with her 'guardian', our homebred Exmoor mare, Jenny, moorbred mares Lady Molly and Anstey Princess - and Anstey Princess's 8 month old colt foal, Dick Turpin. They've been together since last September and are now a fairly well-established group, so introducing a new adult mare was not going to be particularly easy.

Jenny has a three year old daughter, Princess Cristal, and two days before Lapwing arrived, I brought Cristal to be reintroduced to her mother and join the herd . She knew everyone (except Lady Luna and 'Dickie') and although the mares (including her own mother) made it very clear that she was going to have to work her way into the herd, there was tolerance as she is young and also not a complete stranger. Cristal's arrival created some 'change' in the herd dynamic, which I felt would prepare them well for the new mare's arrival.

When we collected Lapwing, she loaded and travelled well and I put her into a large stable/pen in the barn occupied by the herd. The barn opens at both ends and half of it closes off, creating various options for enclosures and access. When the herd migrated in from the field, Cristal was still slightly a herd 'outsider', and happily followed me into the area outside the mare's stable, where they checked each other out, while the rest of the herd watched from the other enclosure. I didn't let them all mill around Lapwing's stable gate at this point, as it would be too overwhelming for the mare - and can also encourage a herd to bully a newcomer.

So Cristal spent the night in the barn, getting to know Lapwing over the gate, while the rest of the herd were free to migrate in and out. The next day, I opened up the whole barn and the schooling corral and let Lapwing out to see how she got on with Cristal - while the others were out in the field. The two of them gave every indication that they were going to become good friends.

When Lapwing was back in her stable, and the rest of the herd came in, I swapped Cristal with Lady Molly and repeated the process. They also looked like they would get on together. Testing the rest of the herd, I briefly let them in to sniff noses with Lapwing over the gate. It was clear that Anstey Princess really did not want this newcomer and identified herself as the main challenge. Jenny is less demonstrative than Anstey Princess but is nevertheless the dominant mare in any herd she runs in - and she kept her composure while closely assessing Lapwing. The young colt, Dickie, was very animated at meeting the new arrival, while young Lady Luna was cautious, careful and polite.

Separating them out once again, the next stage was to let Cristal and Molly and Lapwing have some time together in the corral area, and let them out into the field so Lapwing could enjoy some grass. The rest of the herd munched hay in the barn.

At night, Lapwing and Cristal stayed in half the barn, now able to enjoy the larger space together, without having to shut Lapwing in the stable.

Over the next few days, I created situations where other members of the herd joined Lapwing and Cristal and closely monitored how they got on. There was a really good moment when I let Jenny out with them and Lapwing, recognising the seniority of the older mare, clearly showed her that she was not going to be a threat. She moved to graze around behind Jenny, where she could potentially be kicked - showing her trust in Jenny. Recognising this gesture, Jenny turned to look at Lapwing, who was careful not to stare directly back - and then they sniffed noses. There was no squealing or squeaking and slowly and calmly, both mares turned away to graze, but staying fairly near to each other. An understanding had been reached and Jenny had allowed Lapwing into her space.

Anstey Princess however, was having none of it and when turned out made direct lunges to chase Lapwing and Cristal away. However, Lapwing was fast and soon they were all grazing, with Lapwing and Cristal staying at the required distance from the rest of the group. When they migrated to the barn, the two newcomers were allowed into one end of the barn, or required to stay outside in the corral - with Anstey Princess controlling the space.

One area that proved extremely helpful was enabling the rest of the herd to connect with Lapwing and Cristal, through the post and rail fencing that runs alongside the corral. Here they could all move about and progress their introductions, without any physical bullying. It gave Dickie the opportunity to trot up and down and Lapwing to express her feelings regarding how he should behave towards her - which meant there was a much clearer understanding when they were turned out together in the field. It also prevented Anstey Princess from lunging at Lapwing as the two of them progressed a workable relationship. Throughout all this, Lapwing was very careful and Cristal even more so. Their desire to be part of the herd was very clear.

As the days pass, Anstey Princess has gradually allowed the two mares closer and has at times taken herself out of the herd while she comes to terms with their presence. Recently, I've found them all together inside the barn as Anstey Princess becomes more tolerant. Lady Luna wants to get on with everyone and Lapwing and Cristal are keen to be part of the herd. It's fascinating watching them work everything out and noting that, although Anstey Princess has the most to say and has made the most objection, it is Jenny who holds the highest status in the herd, with her quiet, considered and wise nature.

I've been impressed by how well Lapwing has coped with a huge transition in her life - completely new companions and a new home. Although they don't know it, Jenny and Lapwing are half-sisters, both sired by our stallion Bear, and Lapwing is Cristal's aunt. The two mares have become the firmest of friends and makes you wonder if the family connection has anything to do with it.

What could have been a tricky situation is working out well and once again, it's the ponies who've led the process, with a little help from the versatility of the barn enclosures and opportunities to observe and work out who is likely to get on best with who. The key things have been identifying the most friendly ponies to bond with the newcomer - and giving them plenty of space to sort themselves out. This way, the herd energy and dynamic 'stretches and changes' - but it doesn't break. Ultimately, there is safety in a herd and everyone wants to be part of it.

Dawn Westcott

Further reading about how we're learning from herd dynamics and energy with the amazing Exmoor ponies: Wild Herd Whispering - published in hardback by Halsgrove Publishing (Oct 2017)

Below: A selection of pictures showing the beautiful Yellowcombe Lapwing and how she is successfully integrating into her new herd. Lapwing is the daughter of our stallion Bear, and is an exceptional quality Exmoor mare whose showing achievements include Best Yearling Filly at the EPS breed show, Best Yearling at Dunster Show and Dunster Country Fair - and Best 3 year old at the EPS Breed Show. We are thrilled that she has joined Holtball Herd 11.