Hacking out @ new yard

[noblesteed]

Hello
I moved horse to his new yard on monday, and let him settle in - it went really well. He seems very happy. Lunged him in field on Friday - great. Yesterday rode out with my yard-mate (there are only 2 of us at the yard) - my first ride in a month after a bad fall/dislocated arm.
The question is... do I try riding him out alone today or could it be too soon to go off alone in a strange environment? He can be quite nappy! Should I give him a few more weeks before taking him off alone? But I don't want him getting too pair-bonded with his new buddy!
Thanks!

 

[Ladylina83]

Lina is really nappy sometimes - Knowing my horse I would be tempted to just go for a pottter up the lane and back. Nothing thats all that challenging, set your self a goal of where you want to get to.

Each orse is different tho and if he is in a good mood then you can always carry on.

Enjoy your ride - I'm stuck in work

 

[beckieswann]

My horse is extremely nappy, but he did take a good 4 months to settle in properly. Due to how bad our hacking is where we are, I only took him out for a quick ride round the lanes about a month ago. It totally depends on your horse, and you as a rider as you will need to be confident.

If it will do you and your horse good then yes, but if you think it's going to create a bigger issue because he's not yet settled then i'd say wait a bit!

 

[Tickles]

I don't see why you can't try taking him out for a little bit if you want. If he gets nappy just push him on (get off and lead him on if necessary) a little way to prove that *you* are the one deciding where to turn back.

Perhaps school/lunge before/after so it isn't the be all and end all for him or you!

Have fun

 

[meandmyhorse]

I started off taking my boy for a stroll after a schooling session and the gradually built up from there... he can be quite nappy too. Just set yourself small goals and go from there x

 

[Ranyhyn]

I always walk my horses out in hand, for the first time in a new environment. This works for me, but if i wanted to - i wouldn't hesitate to get on and take them out.

If he's nappy use this as an excuse for a new start. Get on and say "right - he's going to act properly" leave no room for doubt in your mind and set off, a positive mental attitude can do wonders for your bog standard napper.

My horse came to me after 6months or so being ridden only in company. We went out for an inhand walk and the next day I rode him out, i expected the best behaviour from him and guess what he rewarded me with?

Good luck and enjoy!!

 

[noblesteed]

Thanks everyone! I decided to take him out in-hand, to rest my injured arm more than anything. We did some ground work in the yard first to re-establish boundaries. Then went off away from his field buddy and up the road, and he was fine. So I took him back to the yard and showed him where we stand to mount, tie up to be groomed etc!
I think we will start with a short ride out tomorrow if I can get out of work in time, and just retrace our steps from today.