first horse, what to do when get home?

[daydreamer]

Hi,

I was just after a bit of advice..... I am getting my first horse on loan (I have shared for a few years and ridden for a long time and helped at various yards etc so not a complete numpty!) and wondered what to do when I get him to the new yard? He is normally a pretty laid back horse but obviously I can't predict how he will react to being somewhere new.

I am not moving him far so was probably going to hack him (about 2 miles). I was then wondering whether I should just make the minimum of fuss and turn him out? I have two fields available, one individual turnout (smallish paddock) with other horses around or one where he could join 3 others (v. large field). He will probably join the 3 others eventually but not sure if I should do this straight away. I might be able to fence off a bit of the field next to the 3 so he can see them but isn't in with them for a bit.

I did also wonder about doing a bit of inhand work before I turn him out just to try and bond a little?

Any opinions gratefully received!

 

[kickonchaps]

Oooh exciting times!! I'd give him a walk around, let him check out his new stable, maybe give him a groom if he's settled then just chuck him out! We used to ride them the day they arrived until my sister's horse absolutely freaked out and came extremely close to bucking me off, she was sooo close to being sent straight back, but once we got to know her we realised with glorious hindsight that she was NOT the sort of horse to get straight on after a stressful day like she'd just had!!

I reckon at least 24 hours of just chill time, and probably more. And be prepared for a bit of a temperament change after a week or two, we've also found for the first few days they seem perfect but once they realise they really ARE staying at the strange new yard with the strange new people they get a bit insecure and that's when you might get some silliness.

Hope it all goes well!!

 

[Holly Hocks]

I always try to let mine meet the herd over a fence from a separate paddock first, but it really depends on the temperaments of the other horses in the herd - some of them barely notice a newcomer! Good luck and enjoy.