First horse + question :)

[Ava.rg]

Hello! Yesterday I went to my first horse auction and bought a horse that was used for trails by a very reputable seller. He is a beautiful 14.3 hand sorrel APHA gelding. The woman said he had only been ridden 3 times this month and that this was his first time at an auction and in an arena. I was surprised as he stood out to me cause he seemed quite calm. He was at the auction with an older paint horse named Pistol. I felt awful taking him from Pistol. He seemed very nervous and kept whinnying for him. He loaded okay into the trailer where we took him to my trainers to board. However, when he got out he reared and hit his head. It was quite scary actually. We think maybe he has never trailered by himself before. He seems to be adjusting much better now though. First I turned him out for about 10 minutes and he pranced around and then I put him in his stall where he kept his head in the feeding trough. ? Anyways my question is how should the following days with him go? I planned on turning his out again tomorrow and lunging him. Then grooming him. I was hoping to ride him the next day after tomorrow. Is that too much. I plan on playing it by ear. What do you guys usually do the first days with a new horse?

 

[Kahlua]

Didn’t want to read and run but without knowing much of the horse’s history it’s probably a really good idea to get to know him on the ground before you get on, as I’m not sure whether you pre-rode him before the auction, or just purchased off what you saw? Did he come with any sort of vet check? If not, I would personally get a vet to come and look him over, or in the very least get his teeth, feet and saddle checked by appropriate professionals.
As you said he was at your trainers, work with them to make a plan on how and when to proceed with riding, you may find he needs some time to settle in before you get on. Whatever you do, set about making it a safe and enjoyable experience for you both and don’t be afraid to utilize the professional/s around you.

 

[welshpony216]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Also, I would add that giving him 2ish (or maybe even more) weeks to settle with ground work may be helpful. Being in a new place without his old buddy can be very stressful for horses. Ground work will also help your bond ant he will learn to trust you. (with some horses) I have seen dangerous problems (such as rearing, bolting, bucking, and in a bad case maybe bucking) occur 2 or 3 months after if the horse is rushed to be ridden or asked to do something that requires a lot of trust (with a new human) in a new place without his friend. I always marvel at how much horses trust us, but remember to respect that. Good luck with him!

 

[shamrock2021]

Do you know how experienced this horse is under saddled ? Are you from America just wondering because that’s a USA horse breed?

 

[Ava.rg]

Do you know how experienced this horse is under saddled ? Are you from America just wondering because that’s a USA horse breed?

Yes actually I am from the US, I didn’t even realize this was a uk forum when I joined. I’m not sure the exact extent of his experience under saddle, they said he knows how to move his body. I plan on finding more out about that when I lunge him.

 

[Ava.rg]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Also, I would add that giving him 2ish (or maybe even more) weeks to settle with ground work may be helpful. Being in a new place without his old buddy can be very stressful for horses. Ground work will also help your bond ant he will learn to trust you. (with some horses) I have seen dangerous problems (such as rearing, bolting, bucking, and in a bad case maybe bucking) occur 2 or 3 months after if the horse is rushed to be ridden or asked to do something that requires a lot of trust (with a new human) in a new place without his friend. I always marvel at how much horses trust us, but remember to respect that. Good luck with him!

Thanks! I think it’s definitely important to get good on the ground before getting in the saddle!

 

[Ava.rg]

Didn’t want to read and run but without knowing much of the horse’s history it’s probably a really good idea to get to know him on the ground before you get on, as I’m not sure whether you pre-rode him before the auction, or just purchased off what you saw? Did he come with any sort of vet check? If not, I would personally get a vet to come and look him over, or in the very least get his teeth, feet and saddle checked by appropriate professionals.
As you said he was at your trainers, work with them to make a plan on how and when to proceed with riding, you may find he needs some time to settle in before you get on. Whatever you do, set about making it a safe and enjoyable experience for you both and don’t be afraid to utilize the professional/s around you.

Most definitely! My trainer went to school learning all about horses and their training and health so she’s helping me every step of the way. But I still definitely plan on getting a farrier and vet out soon.

 

[welshpony216]

Yes actually I am from the US

me too!