Leading a 3 year old to move liverys

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SamanthaG

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Would you lead a 3 year old from yard to yard that is good in traffic if it was down lanes (obviously not a busy road)? Or would you pay someone to box it even though its a 5 min car journey.
 
I am doing this Sunday. I am walking my 3 year old up to his new yard which is only a 5 minute drive away but probably a good 20 minute walk. A friend is hacking to me on her horse to keep us company and I will also have my OH on foot as well. My horse is generally good walking out on the roads so it should be fine.

I don't know anyone with transport :(
 
i've done it, well kind of, i used to keep my neds on land which was hard to get to most days with the box so the day we moved i had to walk my ponies up the road, through the village and then into the box which was waiting, about a 15 minute walk and they were fine.
if the road was clear then it would be a 2 min drive but wasn't worth the hassle of trying to get box to yard and sit waiting for ages for cars to move (single road where they just parked!).
 
Ive done it several times, 11 miles was the furthest ive walked with mine. I dont see it being a huge issue as long as you know yours is fine in traffic then go for it.
 
My friend walked his yearling, and two year old (not at the same time) six miles to move yards. They were both good as gold and seemed to really enjoy their adventure. I followed in my car to make sure they stayed safe. The two year old has done the journey several times and is bombproof in traffic now too!
 
Yes did ride and lead with the childrens ponies years ago before we had transport. Pick your time and have company around for back up if all goes wrong.
 
Cant see why not.

You know your horse and how it will react, you know the route,

Preferably have company but go for it, it sopunds like you have considered all the options.
 
Last October, i had to leave my old yard pretty sharpish (long story) and i could not get anyone to move my 2yo so i walked him it was about 7miles 2 of that on a road. My friend walked behind me just in case and to help encourage him to step over the bike gate thing on the old railway line, we met a fairly big lorry but he was a very good boy and didnt put a foot wrong :)
 
Pick your time and it should be fine. IMO there is often a 'shell shock' factor which tends to make them angelic and totally see you as a leader first time in strange situations. Doesn't last though more's the pity!
 
My friend's horse has never been in a box and they've walked from one yard to another. I'd rather walk a young horse that's fine in traffic than an older one that's not. I don't think it's so much their age as their attitude :)
 
Have done this a few time rode my then 18yr old mare and led my 10 month old foal, all down country lanes.
Then come winter led the 2 broodmares with the 5 month old foals at foot following behind, again all down single track country lanes but was only 3 miles
 
I would lead, but be aware that some insurance companies will only cover you for leading on a road if your horse is wearing a bridle, otherwise it is deemed not be under sufficient control.
 
I certainly wouldn't bother with a trailer or lorry.

Lead using a bridle and (if possible) have someone on foot to walk along with you; to walk between you [and the horse] and the traffic travelling your side of the road. Chances are you wont come across too many vehicles if you time your trip at the right time of day and are navigating down lanes. Still, wear reflective gear if you have any. Just to be on the safe side. You should be fine leading a 3 year old if it's been well handled.
 
Don't forget to wear gloves, hat and hi viz! If possible I'd hi viz the horse too. Am sure having a friend or two to help would make it easier and less stressful too.

Also would consider that the horse will probably be tired, mentally if not physically, especially as you'll be arriving at a new home.

Good luck I'm sure you will be fine.
 
Thanks, we have had a word with the lady we are buying him of and she said he will be fine, he will be lead from another horse, with me and my son in Vizzys helping. Obviously she knows him best, but he seems to sort that just takes everything in his stride
 
I would either get someone else to walk with me or someone else riding on a horse. i have a rising 3yr old who is perfectly behaved in traffic but i would want someone else with me just in case.
 
I used to walk my youngster quite regularly between 2 yards, about 20 minutes each way. I had a companion the first time but after that we went it alone. It was OK.

1973horse said:
walk.
also wear a hi viz with the words CAUTION YOUNG HORSE you should get your horse covered through insurance
Click to expand...

Interestingly my local saddlery advise against this now, because they say that it means that drivers/their insurance companies can say that any accident is your fault because you knew you had a young inexperienced horse and took it on the road anyway. The only hi-vis they recommend (and sell) is one that says 'please pass wide & slow'
 
I led my two year old from her summer grazing through the centre of (small) town to her the livery yard. I'd done some roadwork with her previously but had only owned her a few months. She just looked at everything and took it all in :) She was very chilled as a baby though and we had already formed a very close bond.
 
I moved my then 2 year old in a horse box because he had barely been handled and had certainly never been on a road! Now at 3 we are just starting to work up to taking his first steps on the road. If I moved yards again now, I wouldn't lead him there, unless he'd been out on the road and got used to it a good few times first!

Interestingly as well, would you lead your horse in a bridle or just in a head collar?
 
All went well, he was an angel, it took about 20 min, he was lead from another horse, until the end of the lane, then followed the horse whilst I lead him into the yard, he called a little but didn’t protest, first night in a stable last night also, we are in love already
 
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