First horse panic

[Lydiawes]

I have just taken delivery of my first horse. I feel embarrassed to even write this because I know everyone will roll their eyes ? he is a thoroughbred ex racer... ok I said it. I bought him from a very nice straight talking lady and her groom - I rode him and hacked him out - he’s 7 and only raced twice, too lazy according to the trainer (I called him in Ireland). He does have a lovely temperament and he’s beautiful and kind. But I’m already feeling massive overwhelm. I know it’s normal. I didn’t grow up with horses but rode a lot in my 20s before having kids, very natural riding and lots in South America - close contact and single rein - I used to be really brave and fearless but now I have three kids and the more I think about it (and read about ex-race horses) the more I think - WHAT have I done? He’s settling ok, a little looky and has thrown a buck in the walker and on the lunge with my instructor/livery owner - but he’s fresh and it’s all new to him, plus it’s colder and v windy now. So I wanted to come here and just ask - it’s ok to feel terrified of the whole thing, right? I want to take confidence from this and for him to take confidence from me but I’m anxious that I’ve over horsed myself - he really is the sweetest most laid back boy for a TB but he is a TB and young and quite green...

I’m hoping that we bond and grow together. Anyone else had this experience? Thanks!!

 

[BeckyFlowers]

Oh god, don't use the word "bond" on here, you will get pounced on!

Don't focus on the fact that he's a TB and you're expecting him to be difficult, as that will make you tense. It sounds like you have good help in the shape of your instructor/yard owner so keep using that help, and speak to them about your worries. Have you ridden him since he arrived with you? I assume he was good to ride and hack when you tried him?

First horse nerves are fairly normal, but I'm not sure if terrified is normal - are you terrified of the horse or the fact you've committed to owning a horse? If it's just the ownership then try and get into a routine and again, speak to your instructor/YO for any advice on how to manage your horse. If it's the horse you're terrified of then that's not a great start ?

 

[Red-1]

It is quite normal to feel overwhelmed.

It is also normal for any horse to throw a buck on the walker or lunge, especially if they are not being ridden. It doesn't mean they are planning to explode when you ride.

That being said, I would make sure you don't feed too much, make sure he has enough turnout with friends, and have your instructor ride a few times to start with, just to be sure.

 

[laura_nash]

Its quite normal to get a bit panicky when a new horse arrives, I had a total panic attack when my sensible cob arrived (about 12 years ago now!) as he got very bolshy and reared up at me - he's never done it again since.

As someone else said forget about the mythical "bond" and try not to obsess about him being a TB. You wouldn't generally consider a TB as the best first horse but they are all individuals - I knew one TB mare who'd been a broodmare after racing and done very little who came in to a yard I worked at as a sales livery and was sold to a livery client as a perfect mother / daughter share first horse after about 3 weeks training and she never put a foot wrong. You do tend to only hear the horror stories online.

Has your instructor ridden him? What do they think re his suitability for you?

 

[tiahatti]

You have your instructor who you can ask advice from. You say you have had lots of experience in the past. Dont put yourself down. I think take each day as it comes. And you say he has a very sweet nature.

 

[Lydiawes]

It’s a new yard to me but the yard owner is very experienced and he’s the same approach as me - that you own to enjoy, that we will take it slowly - he’s already popular on the yard as he’s very gentle and relaxed, even though he’s new to it all - I’m not terrified of him, but of being thrown off. I think it’s the reality of ownership that has made me take pause. He’s such a lovely Hotse and his previous owner (who had only ever owned Tbs) said he’s the easiest horse she’s ever owned and she’s only sold him because she’s got a broken ankle and doesn’t want to waste him for the season - he’s one of many.

I hacked him alone at his old home and he was perfect. I felt brilliant on him and he did what I asked. I haven’t ridden him here yet. Because it’s less than 48 hours and he’s a bit twitchy about the new environment. I will definitely ask her to ride him first and then lead me when we first go out.
Baby steps! Thanks everyone

 

[Lydiawes]

I mean tense about him and terrified of the massive commitment and the fact that everyone keeps saying - oh my god did you really buy an ex racer?! As if I’m mad.
But he’s not typical - very laid back when I rode him up at his old home and well loved by all the girls on that yard...

Oh god, don't use the word "bond" on here, you will get pounced on!

Don't focus on the fact that he's a TB and you're expecting him to be difficult, as that will make you tense. It sounds like you have good help in the shape of your instructor/yard owner so keep using that help, and speak to them about your worries. Have you ridden him since he arrived with you? I assume he was good to ride and hack when you tried him?

First horse nerves are fairly normal, but I'm not sure if terrified is normal - are you terrified of the horse or the fact you've committed to owning a horse? If it's just the ownership then try and get into a routine and again, speak to your instructor/YO for any advice on how to manage your horse. If it's the horse you're terrified of then that's not a great start ?

 

[Orangehorse]

Give him plenty of work! Half an hour at walk is not work. By all means have someone to ride with, but try to make it a good long hack. And no hard feed. Horses can work very well on grass and hay.

(I had a TB x Cleveland Bay and a pro rider I knew said that I should turn her out in a field and just event her from the field, which is what he did).

Good luck.

 

[BeckyFlowers]

Good luck OP, he sounds lovely, keep us posted on how you get on with him

 

[Lydiawes]

Give him plenty of work! Half an hour at walk is not work. By all means have someone to ride with, but try to make it a good long hack. And no hard feed. Horses can work very well on grass and hay.

(I had a TB x Cleveland Bay and a pro rider I knew said that I should turn her out in a field and just event her from the field, which is what he did).

Good luck.

thank you - he’s much happier out than in the stable I’ve established already. He’s only On hay, Yes. Thank you!

 

[Ruth89]

Don't worry too much that he is a TB! I remember riding a big old TB as a child in riding lessons, he was so gentle and all the kids loved him I had my first horse (just broke 4 year old) arrive home on Monday and got the nerves too! I feel a bit more relaxed now I think it was just jitters, I bet you'll be fab in a few weeks

 

[Lydiawes]

Don't worry too much that he is a TB! I remember riding a big old TB as a child in riding lessons, he was so gentle and all the kids loved him I had my first horse (just broke 4 year old) arrive home on Monday and got the nerves too! I feel a bit more relaxed now I think it was just jitters, I bet you'll be fab in a few weeks

He was much more chilled today and we had a short ride around the village - apart from being a bit looky he was really good so feeling much calmer myself!

 

[Squeak]

Don't get hung up on the fact he's an ex-racer. I've known a few that are the sweetest and most laid back horses. Let your YO and instructor help you find your feet with him and then hopefully you will get more confident as time goes on.

 

[splashgirl45]

as with any new horse make sure he has plenty of turnout and plenty of work, lots of hacking with hill work is good to take the edge off. good luck

 

[Dreamer2020]

Hi OP, just echoing all the good advice that you've already been given and to say that people can have misconceptions about TBs but they are all individuals like us, so don't worry about any TB prejudice you may encounter. After having a pony as a kid I had a long break and then got a horse in my early 30s ... my riding instructor advised me to find a nice steady cob. I came home with an ex racer and even though a few people thought I'd lost the plot he was a gem and continued to be so for the rest of his life. He looked after me and I looked after him. Maybe I was lucky but he was clever, brave, kind and usually the safest / least likely to spook when we were out on rides with others. Just enjoy and make the most of him