Three's company or...? What to do with a 2 horse herd?

[dqtastic]

We’ve always had a small herd of three here at home on our little barn and track system. After the loss of my gelding almost 2 winter’s ago we have had just two - my 20+ gelding and my 10 yo mare.

The two get along brilliantly and seem quite content with each other. BUT I worry that they are not getting enough social interaction in their small herd. They don’t tend to explore the track, mess around, or groom each other as much as they used to as a…ahem…threesome. Yes, the obvious solution is to buy another horse or so…
BUT I am quite busy for the next 1.5 years on non-horse related commitments so feel like spending big bucks on a second riding horse that I wouldn’t have time to ride regularly seems like poor timing.

What would you do in my situation? I have registered as a rescue foster, but there is very little need for that here. I’ve considered opening a space for a schoolie who needs a winter break, or taking a free lease horse in. I’ve never kept a horse on my home property that I haven’t owned. Another option is to find a youngster to grow (but it would need to be the right age / attitude to live in the herd) or…???

Have you been in this situation? Any feedback on housing a horse you don’t own in a lease or lend situation? Or am i overthinking and should i try to enjoy another quiet winter with the two?

[Critter]

If they seem content, I would enjoy a quiet winter with the two! I am in the same position…always have 3. Decided to sell my one, so he is back at the trainer. That leaves my old gelding and young mare. They are very content…and I can bring them in and ride each without the other stressing.

Plus if you are that busy (which I also am!)…adding the workload of a third horse might push you over the edge!

[FrittSkritt]

If you aren’t regularly taking one off the property (assuming the other doesn’t like being alone), I’d let them be. Otherwise there are always a ton of geriatric ponies around for lending that work wonderfully as companions.

[Cowgirl]

I’m in the same position, having recently lost my 24 year old. After she passed, I did some intentional separating of my two remaining horses to make sure I could work one while the other stayed in their run, and I watched how they interacted (which was more than before because one of them was bonded to my mare). My two are very young though (4 and 6) and I do think they need more social interaction for their development so I am sending them to a trainer for the winter (or longer) while I figure out what I want to do with them. I have an extra stall, so if and when I bring them home, I could: take in a boarder, foster a rescue, get a mini horse, borrow retired horse… I would not get another weanling, however. They require way more attention and training than you think.