Letting a new horse settle

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abbieandfiona

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How long do you all let your horses settle into their new homes before riding them?

Just thinking my other 2, first one i rode out 1hr after getting her with no problems at all. My other 1 walked out in-hand the next day as youngster. Had my 4th horse for 3 days now, shes calm and happy in field. Have lunged her today, but not rode yet. Shes on a calmer as well, how long should i leave it to ride?
 
When I bought Mazzie I got her home at lunchtime and rode her that evening. Genie didn't get home til quite late at night so she was first ridden the next day.
 
I always ride horses straight away. I don't ask anything much of them, just gentle hacking, but feel it gets them into their new routine sooner, and allows them to start getting used to you. So many people leave horses to settle for a week or more, and then wonder why they are fizzier than when they were tried out...
 
TBH if a horse is in a routine (say for eg it is ridden every day) then ride it and try to keep the same routine. Maybe if you don't feel right riding it stright away, perhaps a lunge on the first day is a good plan?
 
Thanks she hasnt been ridden for 6mths so not had a routine at all, will try to ride her 2moro. She needs to get into a routine to get fit again, but didnt want to push her to early on.
 
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