I need suggestions as to what to do with new horse?

[SkyBlue]

My new horse is finally here. He arrived on Tuesday evening and appears to be settling in ok. There are 3 other horses on the yard, one out 24/7 and the other two are out at night and stabled during the day. My boy is out during the day and stabled at night. He is still getting to know the two who are in during the day as he only gets to see these two for a few hours a day.
He is a 3 yr 6 month old cob gelding and trying to show me that he's the boss. I have owned horse before but had to take a break for 18 months so having to regain my confidence. What i'm looking for is a few suggestions as to where to start with him. He needs work in all areas ie. manners/groundwork/schooling. I intend to start in the school but should i do groundwork or ride? Only want to do 15 mins or so a day to start with. Also I am interested in starting Parelli but don't have any equipment/DVD's (useless i know but can't afford it at the moment). Any suggestions as to where to start would be greatly appreciated as i really want things to go right for me this time! Thanks all. x

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

IMO groundwork starts as soon as a new horse steps off the lorry. You need to establish who is boss every time you approach the horse by being firm and consistent in all your dealings with him. I think short periods of riding in the school is a good idea (being careful not to do small circles as he is still growing/developing joints. But I'd make sure he respects you on the ground first.

 

[Vetwrap]

Have you had a look at Kelly Marks/Monty Roberts work? Intelligent Horsemanship has a forum as well and there will be loads of information and help from people on there. I know that the Parelli seven games are rated as groundwork, but I have to say that I've had really good results with the IH groundwork.

If you were going to invest any money - buy the book "Perfect Manners" and work through the exercises. You will get a lot out of it!

If I were you though, getting a good network around you of people to help, observe and give constructive critisism is critical. We are currently backing my youngster and there is a constant 3 way dialogue about what we are seeing, what we are feeling and what are goals for each session are going to be. Take little steps, good guidance and you'll get there. Getting your groundwork sorted will give you loads of confidence though.

Best of luck!

 

[lara b]

Hi SkyBlue

Congrats on your new boy!

I have just bought a new horse too (last week) but after a very long break (although I did still ride about once a week), and even though the boy I bought is 8 I still felt quite unsettled the first week and just wanted to say that I think that is totally normal for your confidence to need building up. I am now starting to feel much better and although we are still very much getting to know each other I am least starting to relax and enjoy it more!

Sorry haven't got lots of advice but long as you stay calm, patient and firm you should be fine. Also get other people's horses to help your horse gain confidence whenever possible.
Good luck with your boy

 

[Kat]

Are you planning to get him out hacking too, so he can see a bit of the world too?

What about doing some training for in hand showing so that you can take him to some shows next year even if you don't want to do ridden classes, it is good education. Training him to trot nicely in hand and stand up properly is a useful skill. It is obviously crucial if you intend to show (even ridden classes can include a trot up in hand and it is really obvious who has practiced), but it is also useful for showing him off to sellers and things.

You could do spook training, getting him to walk over plastic, under lightweight poles (garden canes or similar), through narrow gaps etc, the sort of thing they do in trec or some of the intelligent horsemanship exercises. That sort of thing will exercise his mind more than his body so should be good to alternate with traditional schooling.

How is he to load? If he hasn't done it much and you have a lorry or trailer now is the time to practice ready for next summer.

 

[SkyBlue]

Hi. Thanks for your replys.

He loads fantastically so no worry's there.

I am going to have a look into the intelligent hormanship... Not heard about that so worth a look!

I will certainly be hacking out as I love hacking. But think will start in the school with a bit of groundwork and some spook training and go from there. My only worry now is the menage is right next to his field and new chums.. Me thinks he is going to have selective hearing!

x

 

[almrc]

Me thinks he is going to have selective hearing!

If you go in thinking this then this is what will happen positive thinking, horses can read us so easily, positive thinking all the time. Groundwork is a good place to start, establish the rules before getting on IMO.

Good luck