advice please on taking new horse on the road

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6 August 2010
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as the title....
i would like to take my new horse on the road, when i bought her i was told she was sound in traffic...i was also told she was up to 10 years younger than we believe her to actually be so im now doubting everything i was told so....whats ur advice on how i should test the water as it were... FYI the stables are on a quiet road....:confused:
 
I would try and find a sensible horse to go with you, pick an extra quiet time of day and hi viz yourself up to the eyeballs. At least try and make sure you have someone with you on foot if possible.

If you are very worried, you could try and find a 'stooge' driver to test her out by driving past, then you will know for sure that if she does react they will know to stop.
 
Could you turn her out next to a road to see how she reacts with a fence between? Not fool proof as she may be different without the fence but would give you an idea?

Otherwise Spudlets plan sounds good.

Good Luck
 
thanks for the sound advice....sounds like a plan ill take her on the long drive down to the road and get my oh to drive past its nice and wide....if that goes well ill go out on road with someone from the yard on horseback and get my oh to follow on foot...better to be safe than sorry.....
 
I'm guessing from your question that you didn't try her in traffic before you got her?

I would definitely recommend going out with a steady companion. I don't know how wet your fields are but if they are as dry as ours would it be possible to have a friend drive their car in the field while you walk your mare with a lunge line?
 
I agree with the others, but would also suggest walking out in hand first or long reining with someone else at the head. At least that will avoid any falls whilst you suss out the horses reaction!
 
no unfortunately i didnt take her on the road b4 buying...i wouldnt be able to get the car into the fields with her but there is a very big carpark at the stables which is often empy do u think if i took her into the carpark on a lungeline and got my oh to drive into the carpark would do the same job if she shows signs of distress he could stop the car?????...thanks for the advice btw
 
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