Just starting to dawn on me... (bit long, sorry)

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BellaBee

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...about how much of a novice owner I am.

Finally decided that current yard is not for us, its the riding school which I learnt to ride at and for loans it was fab. But now I have my own horse I'm just not happy there. We've found a yard 10 minutes away (horse is currently 20 mins away) which has good facilities, good reviews online and apparently has people my age there.
So I started to make a list about things I needed to find out about, have prepared for horse, etc (partially thanks to a thread earlier today). And it has dawned on me how little I actually know. Horse is currently on working livery so I've been a bit mollicoddled into horse ownership. She went on the yards worming program (her old one fitted nicely with it) so I need to find that out. They handled her diet so I only have a slight idea of what she's on (grass and hay only I think). She's due a shoeing- again yard currently does it with prompt from me- so that's easily sorted.

(hopeful) New yard is technically DIY but sounds more like a part-livery to me. So basically what I'm asking is...what equipment will I need, is there things I should ask about which I haven't yet thought of, and what feed should I consider for a good-doing but skinny and (mildly) accident prone TBx who always has energy to spare.
Oh and I'm currently trying to find a horse management course in my area (Derby) but we're looking to move yards quite quickly. (partly for personal reasons)

Homemade chocolate cake for people who made it this far, and an apology for the many people who are probably now exasperated at me- you just don't realise how little you know until its a tad late :o
 
Good luck with your move it is a big step. You'll need all the stable stuff like buckets, feed and water, haynets, tools for tucking out if not provided by the yard. Im assuming tack will be yours but you may need to think about rugs before too long.
 
Stupid phone! Hadn't finished or edited.

Also be aware that horses coming from a riding school often change as their environment does. They have been used to lots of work and a strict routine and this can cause some issues.
 
For DIY I would suggest:(assuming horse is stabled at least part of time)
Wheelbarrow
Straw or shavings fork
Plastic shovel
Broom
Some people like to have a brush & dustpan as well
At least 2 haynets
Feedbowl(s) and cover
Water bucket (if no auto feeder)
Dustbin or similar to keep feed in.
Whatever feed you decide on.
Supplies of bedding and hay.

If part livery most of the above could be included, so check with the yard.

Don't worry I'm sure people will advise you and it's a brilliant way to get to know your horse really well.
 
Thanks, you can tell that I've been stressing a bit when buckets completely slipped my mine. Tack is mine and we have literally 15 rugs (old owners spoilt her rotten)

EDIT: I've had her about 4 months and she's been in the school about 3 months, used for "experienced" lessons only (moody mare) but picking up bad habits is one of the reasons for moving. Before me she was ridden once a week, if that.
 
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Hi,, My first horse was on working livery, and I took the big step to move to DIY yard. I had a friend there so that was really helpful. To be honest I was terrified about the responsability, but it was the best decision I made. It is now 6 years later and I would never go back. It will be hard and a steep learning curve but you'll love it. It helps if the YO is knowledgable and helpful and don't be afraid to ask if you don't know. Most people are more than happy to point you in the right direction.
 
Ask the yard if they supply mucking out kit, some do, most don't.
Depending on what bedding you use.
Wheelbarrow
Shovel
Fork
Brush
then also
Haynets
feed buckets
Water buckets
First aid kit
Feed bins
Feed scoops
Possibly lidded bucket for soaking sugarbeet

Find out what feed he is on at the moment and make any changes gradually, if you've been on working livery I presume he won't be getting as much exercise so may not need as much.

Might be worth getting yourself a BHS manual for some background reading.
 
You'll need to ask about vaccinations, working, shoeing, dentist and any other vet treatments.

As regards food i would see what happens as workload decreases. If you're still not happy with weight then consider hard food changes. Be sure to ask if they are feeding him already.

No doubt I'll think of other things but I've spammed this thread enough i think.
 
Good luck with the move!
Feedwise you'll need something high in fibre, and low in starch.Kf your horse is currently not having any hard feed there is no reason to suddenly introduce any, until it is needed which it may well be over the winter. If moving away from working livery means a significant change to her workload she may have even more energy to burn - so don't suddenly give her extra feed as well!
My skinny hyper thoroughbred does really well on grass pellets and unmollassed alfalfa, which also happens to be quite an economical way of feeding. Feed companies usually have a helpline and can offer good advice about the types of feed that would suit your horse best, but of course they all will be trying to sell you their products. I recommend Simple System however, esp for the aforementioned skinny thoroughbred types!
The new yard will probably have some kind of worming programme, and you'll just need to find a good local farrier. Ask for recommendations, or perhaps you can keep her current one. Other things are that you will need to find a good vet, and write on your calendar when her jabs are due! Also teeth. but I'm sure that there will be lots of helpful people on your new yard to help you out!
I hope it all goes well, sounds really exciting to be able to take your horse and really enjoy her on your own terms!
 
My priorities as a long term DIYer are most important of all Turnout.

I would write down a list of what you want from your new yard.

ie All year round turnout 24/7 in the summer and out during the day/in at night winter sort of thing.

how many horses will be in with yours or do you have individual turnout.

As as DIY horse owner I provide everything my horse needs. Mucking out equipment
( wheelbarrow, fork broom etc) Feed, keep it simple and start off with high fibre nuts, chaff and maybe some speedibeet. plenty of hay as well. What bedding do you want to use? I buy all my hay and bedding in bulk to get a good price but I do also have a very large space to store it all which helps/

Ask yard if they do provide any services ( which will come at a cost) ie turnout, bring in, hold for farrier etc

Ask which farrier and vet is available in your area and do a bit of research.

Basically , as a DIY you will be expected to look after your horse completely. It would be nice for you if there were some nice and helpfull people on the yard but also be aware that some people can also be un helpfull and nasty!

If you could find a horse management course that would help you to understand a bit more. You must make sure that you know as much about your horses routine before you move to make it easier for your horse to adapt as well as you.
 
Thanks for the feed advice, she never really did that much while in the RS, but I just wanted some ideas for feed in winter cause she can drop or gain weight like that. The yard we're looking at has a girl who works full time who I assume would do a morning net/ turnout type thing if we needed.
She's on shavings cause I find them easier but I want her in over winter (prone to mud fever) so I'l ask about bedding.

I'll ask around for vets/farriers (again I'm in Derby if anyone knows some people).
 
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