Help/advice needed about new horse

[Bethyo]

Hi everyone

I'm new to the forum. I'm getting my first horse in about a month (I've loaned in the past but this will be my first owned horse), and I'd just like some general advice about what to do when she gets here.

She is a 5 year old Dales Pony; was backed last year and turned away. When I went to see her the owner lunged her and got on her and she was fine.

She is an extremely sweet, chilled out little mare but I know that moving homes could well upset her and I just want to be prepared.

How did you settle your new horse into their new home? And what kind of stuff did you do with them at first?

Thanks

Beth x

 

[PorkChop]

Find out what her normal routine would be, be firm but fair, start as you mean to go on.

I would go through all the stages of backing her again, most of all have fun!

 

[catroo]

As above, stick to routine she's use to and make sure you don't give too much hard feed.

I'd also start off with ground work then lunge and or long rein to get her use to your voice aids then slowly start riding her.

 

[Bethyo]

She's currently living out 24/7 and doesn't have any hard feed or supplements.
She's coming to a livery yard where she'll be stabled at night, so it's going to be different I can't avoid it :/
How do I make the transition as easy as possible for her?

 

[Katie :)]

My advice is to do lots and lots of grooming, I find its the best way to get a horse relaxed and get you used to eachother. When I first get a horse, I also tend to just lead them out on walks to grass on the lead, or long reining - aswell as getting used to eachother and training, it should help her get used to her new environment. I would start with mostly ground work and progress steadily, I've previously made the mistake of being too excited and just hopping onto a new young horse and expecting a bit too much of her!
Hope all goes well for you

 

[IGWLC]

It's a shame that you can't keep her turned out 24/7 as that'll keep her moving and supple... Anyway, I'd say just establish a routine as early on as possible and stick with it. Many horses appreciate routine, especially when during periods of transition such as this. Make sure any behavioural problems are sorted out immediately- do all the ground work- leading, halting, turn on the haunches and so on from the ground, this will help in establishing clear boundaries and trust between horse and rider. Back up is also very helpful in the earlier stages as you backing up the horse puts you in the position of lead horse and it has the added benefit of supplying the horse up nicely- just use this exercise sparingly as you don't want to overly dominate the horse. Once all these basics are established and the horse is well settled in you can start with the riding. Do remember the ground work- it's so important when building a relationship with a new horse, especially a youngster!

 

[Edi'sMummy]

When we first moved my Gypsy Cob to a livery yard, we had no idea whether she had been stabled before or how she would react. We decided to get her used to the stable gradually. Before she arrived, we put new bedding down with fresh water and a big bale of hay. When she arrived, we put her straight in the stable and left her in there for a few hours before turning her out with the other mares in the yard. We made sure that the stable was used only for her so that she could get used to having her own space and smell. We also fed her in the stable everyday so that she knew it as a safe place where she would be left alone to eat. (We originally kept her as a grass livery 24/7 so like your mare, this was all new to her.) She was kept in at night for the first two nights and seemed to settle quickly without any issues.

In terms of what to do to start with, build a relationship with her by grooming her regularly and maybe try lunging for a while before you ride, to get her used to the sound of your voice? Also, it is a good idea to maybe walk the rides with her first to show her where to go with you by her side, reassuring her if she gets scared at all? Ideally, find someone sensible to ride out with for the first few weeks to show you the rides and give her confidence.

Good luck!

 

[Pearlsasinger]

It is always a good idea to feed the horse in a stable, so that it associates the stable with a good experience. If you don't want to give hard feed (very wise). offer a few soaked grassnuts or a handful of dried grass chaff.