Long thread, i need help! re new horse very stessy, settling in?

icyfreya

Well-Known Member
Joined
29 June 2010
Messages
177
Location
Devon
Visit site
My new (and first) horse was delivered on Sunday, so as I haven't done this before, wondering how long it'll be until he's a bit more settled, and how I should be dealing with his stressy behaviour?

He is a 16hh TBx, 18 year old. (schoolmaster) He is absolutely gorgeous, and I love him to bits already, but his behaviour today has unsettled me. This is really long, but basically, new horse, who is supposed to be a vicesless schoolmaster, very calm easy to do etc, is behaving like a complete stress head, and is very tense & anxious...It's knocking my confidence in him a bit, and also making me worry about him as I want him to feel happy and relaxed, not scared and tense! Anyone got any advice on getting him to settle? Might try Naf magic?

Details:
Really, I wasn't expecting him to be much of a stress head, despite his breed, as previous owners have said how calm he is, and his age, and how calm he's been every time i've been to see him...
He was fine yesterday, a little anxious but ok, considering he was in a new place, but today he really wasn't great...very anxious, tense, sweating, whinnying out to the field, box walking, weaving and chewing the wood around the stable door (even though he apparently has no vices and is meant to be fine stabled?)
Unfortunately had to keep him in for the worming, and he's been living out atm, and there was only one other horse in and he can see the rest of them in paddock so thought this might've had an effect.

I went back at 3pm to turn him out (after his 24hrs for the wormers), he was really strong, breaking into trot, a bit bargy, spooking and jumping sideways at everything, mounting block, jump wings, electric fence box, electric fence gate 1, gate 2, and gate 3 (we have a lot of gates to get through haha)...really jumpy... it didn't help that all the other horses were squealing and getting very interested - but he kept spinning and just being generally difficult to keep a hold of. Finally got him into his field, he was ok, went and had a bit of a gallop and a nice role, I put the stressyness down to him being wound up from being in.

Went back to yard this evening (6ish) - I was going to just give him his feed in the field, but he was looking really relaxed and calm, so though I might bring him in, feed him, then turn him out again, as figure the more times he walks past the horses and the scary fencing, the more used to it he'll be.

This was a mistake! He was very stressed indeed, we got half way back and he pulled away and galloped off (i tried to hold on but i wasn't wearing gloves and didn't want to get rope burn) - luckily this was in the corridor so all fenced off - went and got him, he was really on edge, spinning, trotting round me in circles, not listening to me at all :( After me doing a lot of shouting steady! got him into the yard, but had to lean my whole body weight on his chest and wrap leadrope round his nose to get him to walk. Tied him up outside stable, gave him his feed, which he ate, but as soon as he finished, he got really stressed again, wouldn't settle, spinning round, kept pulling back to the end of his rope, wasn't very happy about me picking up his feet, and kicked out a few times.

He was getting really worked up and I was losing my confidence in handling him fast, so put him in his stable while trying to decide what to do. It's a very quiet/small yard, and yard owner/main livery site is a few minutes up the road. (Otherwise I would have asked them for advice).

Luckily, another livery arrived then, and gave me lots of reassurance. She very kindly held her mare (the noisiest one) while I turned him out, and although still spooky and on edge, he was much better behaved when she wasn't galloping/bucking about.

However, it has knocked my confidence a little bit, as i'm starting to think maybe he's not as he was described? Or is this just normal yard moving behaviour which will be gone in a few weeks? Should I give him a few days off to take it easy and do lots of grooming and groundwork to get to know him, or should I just get on with it, lunge him tomorrow, then ride him? I'm getting different advice from everyone :confused: What to do?

other than this, everything else has been fine, and he is really really lovely :D But i'm feeling a bit inexperienced...any advice appreciated, cocoa and a hot water bottle (because it's sooo late and so cold!) for anyone who replies.xxx

freyacazorla
 
This is quite normal for about 50% of horses who move to new homes I suspect. Certainly where I am concerned, half new horses settle immediately and the other half don't. The ones who do I crack on with, the ones who don't I leave to their own devices and do not faff with them for a couple of weeks.

You've only had him since yesterday so I think you're jumping the gun about getting so nervous when he was a sweetheart at his old home. Keep calm and just do simple things with him until he is settled. Don't put yourself in situations where you could be hurt should he react to his new environment. I would leave him in his field for a week or however long it takes for him to accept you calmly in HIS home environment (ie field) then take it from there, but take things slowly and steadily.

One other thing you could do is to invite the previous owners to come and ride him out a few times in a week or sos time. That might help him settle easier if he has a constant in his life for a little while.

Don't give up :) I have faith he'll turn out to be the horse you remember meeting.
 
I agree, it sounds pretty normal.
Being in when the others are out - well my normally placid donkey of a mare flips out at that and turns into the bargiest, rudest, sweatiest and most disgusting specimen of horsekind (although I still love her). But she is the easiest horse to handle when settled.

You only got him yesterday, so give him a chance to settle in. There's no point in rushing things for either of you, you need to get to know each other and the yard. Spend time with him in the field, and do bring him in (after all he does have to get used to this) for a groom and a feed, but when you do it make sure there is plenty of company and try to avoid putting him in a situation where lots of other excited horses are squealing at him!
Most of all don't put yourself in danger, if you feel safest leaving him in the field for a week that's ok too.
Don't be disheartened, just be patient with him. I'm sure he'll be back to his normal and lovely self before long!
 
How long had he been at his last home? My pretty much bombproof cob was a blinking nightmare when we moved him to his new yard but he'd been at the old place for years. I just left him to it in the field for a few weeks as bringing him in and out was a pain and he was really quite traumatised by the whole thing. He went back to his normal laid back self eventually.

Also, was it as windy where you are as it was here today? That wouldn't have helped either.
 
What you describe is pretty normal. Give both you and him time to settle and spend the next few days just getting to know him. You will see him visibly start to relax. Don't be surprised if he latches onto anothr horse quickly, he'll be feeling very insecure right now and they often do this to cope.
Look at it from his perspective, he's been taken away from everything and everyone he knows and trusts, so its no wonder he's getting anxious.

Take deep breaths and a step back and chill, you being stressed won't do anything to reassure him - easier said than done I know when a horse has rattled you.

Rescue remedy - for you! Just to help chill in coming couple of weeks, I really rate the stuff :D
 
This is normal behaviour for my horse if anything changes I keep him at home and have owned him for 9 of his15 yrs i never get him in out on his own but hates change been t/o for the summer and will go mental when I bring him down for the winter hates going in different field new horses anything really he's a pain your horse will settle down probably many people won't agree with this but the only thing that we've ever found to work for this horse are acp tablets or gel sometimes it's for safety and borrow a chifney for leading him about even the biggest bargiest
 
Def normal, just try and establish a routine with him. My horse is a similar type and thrives on routine. Once he realises he isn't going anywhere he will be fine!

My horse took months to settle in when I moved him yards. I think all new horses get silly when going out for the first time with new horses, it's just a pain for you you have so many obstacles to deal with on the way!

Good luck x
 
As everyone else says, this is pretty normal behaviour for a horse that's moved homes. It is very stressful for them. Plus, unless you're in some very sheltered part of the country then I imagine you're experiencing the horrendous winds like the rest of us? This will add to the horse's stress and can make them a little more flighty as there's lots of noise and you don't know what the other horses were doing whilst yours was in, they could have been creating which stressed him out more.

If he was in on his own as well, this won't have helped. Give him time but try and remain calm and firm whne handling him. Unfortunately, as good as an 18 yo horse is probably going to be, they are also not daft and they know what little 'tricks' they can use to get their own way so you just need to be ready. Practically every horse will test the boundaries when they've changed ownership. I'm sure it'll settle down in time, just try not getting too stressed yourself.
 
My first horse can't handle any change at all, he gets every vice and bad behaviour you can think of when he's stressed. Give him time to settle,everything he knows has changed so he is feeling very insecure. It takes up to 4 months for my lad to chill and he is a dope on a rope in every respect when calm , try to stay calm,easier said than done sometimes and stick to a routine until he's more settled. I also gave my lad rescue remedy in a half apple in his brekky and the rest 5 mins before turnout which seemed to take the edge of his morning antics. Also tried naf magic calmer and that seemed to work to a degree. Heard good things about nupafeed ? But that's expensive
 
I'm going to agree with everyone else and say that it's perfectly understandable for your boy to be a stressed out little monkey after such a short time with you.

Do you know how he was kept at his previous home? If he has been used to lots of company on the yard then being away from other horses (i.e., up on the yard while the others are out in the fields) will be really unsettling for him. Can you arrange with another livery that they bring their horse up when you bring your boy in - just for a few days so he has some horsey company on the yard/while he's getting used to his new stable?

Re working him - I'm afraid I'm in the "crack on with it" camp . . . I'd be lunging him and then having a little sit as soon as possible. I wouldn't change his feed and I'd be leery about giving him much (if any) hard feed right now - you want to limit extra "hot up" factors!

I'd also be spending as much time as possible with him in the field . . . can you take a chair, a blanket, a flask and a book and just sit - great way for him to get used to "you." Ditto grooming - take a brush or a rubber curry and give him a good brush/scratch on his itchy bits - as he's likely to be losing his summer coat he'll appreciate it and it's good bonding time. Wear a hat though.

Lastly, echo what others have said about Rescue Remedy - YOU need to be calm in order for him to be calm . . . and please make the environment as safe as possible for you - so gloves/hat and a control headcollar (or his bridle) for turning out/bringing in. I would also consider leading him from a lunge line so that if he is acting the maggot you can keep yourself at a safe distance (without having to let go). The important thing when he's twirling about on the end of the leadrope/lunge line is to remain caaaaaaaaaalm - don't fight with him, just stay firm and consistent. Shouting at him won't help . . . keep your tone low and slow (remember to breathe) . . . when Kali was like this, I kept turning him in circles/made it very clear that we weren't going where he wanted to go (out into the field with his friends) unless he walked nicely and respected my personal space. Every time he jogged or pulled, we stopped - walked a circle - stood again - he got a pat, verbal praise(and sometimes a treat) and then we walked on again. I know it's easier said than done, but you want his attention to be on YOU . . .

Give yourself (and him) a break - you've had him such a short time and he is in a completely new environment . . . but don't feel sorry for him - he needs you to be firm but fair - he needs to be shown the rules and boundaries.

He will come right - the lovely horse you viewed and tried is still in there - he just needs time and guidance to adjust.

Good luck.

P
 
Tied him up outside stable, gave him his feed, which he ate, but as soon as he finished, he got really stressed again, wouldn't settle, spinning round, kept pulling back to the end of his rope, wasn't very happy about me picking up his feet, and kicked out a few times.

He was getting really worked up and I was losing my confidence in handling him fast, so put him in his stable while trying to decide what to do. It's a very quiet/small yard, and yard owner/main livery site is a few minutes up the road. (Otherwise I would have asked them for advice).

Just re-read your thread and have a few more thoughts.

This describes Kali for the four months we kept him on a quiet, small DIY yard. He simply couldn't (or wouldn't) stand still for love nor money - was constantly swinging his rear end around, very jittery and spooky and hated having his feet handled. As a novice owner myself at the time, it certainly unsettled me . . . I ended up moving yards (the yard didn't really suit me anyway) and at new yard he settled pretty much straight away. What I worked out was that he was constantly moving his feet while tied on the yard b/c he needed to get his two eyes on what might be lurking around every corner - in effect he had his back to all the action. In addition, he was unwilling to let me handle his feet b/c he might need them - to run away! At the new yard, there were horses everywhere - he could see everything - no nasty dark corners and no need to swing his bum around b/c he could see what was going on when tied on the yard. Almost overnight he was better about having his feet handled/picked out.

I'm not, for one minute, recommending you move yards . . . but I am recommending you look at what is currently motivating him to behave the way he does - and see if you can come up with strategies to make life more comfortable for him so that he CAN behave (and you stay safe).

P
 
you are doing fine and you have allready come up with some good ideas to make things easier for the horse to handle the transitions in his life.
try to remember that although you now you want to make his life nice and be kind to him he doesnt... He will settle... like all the others say it really does just take time. It sounds like you have some really nice folk around to give you help and reasurrance.. and also maybe his old owners can help you to understand his behaviour! Good luck ive got that t shirt too!!!
 
Totally normal.

Plenty of horses hate being in when others are out, particularly if they can see them out - or cannot see the others in the stables. He also doesn't know you, and doesn't know the yard, so its scary for him.

Plus, you're nervous of him. He'll be looking to you to give him confidence and I imagine your body language, being nervous of him, will be giving him the idea that its right to be scared and run away.

There's no immediate quick fix. I suggest leading him in a bridle for the time being to give you a bit more control - and try and be more assertive. That's not beating him up, but being firm and confident - act like you're in control even if you're not.

If you can bring him in when others are in then that would be better really for the short term. And if you do feel like you can't handle it, then it would be good to have an experienced horse person help you with him for the first few days.

Don't start freaking out and thinking he is not as described - you've seen him multiple times in his old home which will give you a true indication of his personality. This is all very new and scary for him, so give him the benefit of the doubt.

In terms of what you should do, I am very much one for just getting on with things. If you build up to it then riding him for the first time will be a big deal and it shouldn't be. He needs to get into a routine of coming in and going out. That said, you don't want to push it if he is really stressy and you haven't got any help because you don't want to end up really knocking your confidence.

So don't struggle on by yourself - try and arrange the circumstances so they are as calm as possible for him and get some help from an experienced person just until he settles a bit.
 
Mine was like this when I first got him. Dragging me to the field, spooking, throwing his weight about and been difficult to handle... He galloped off with me too.

Get him in a routine asap and I found allowing him to stay around other horses for the first few weeks helped then slowly start bringing him in for grooming sessions etc...

Be firm with him and if it helps have someone experienced to help you, and present for your safety. He will settle down don't worry.

If it helps and your confident using one, invest in a chifney for leading which will give you better control.

It also might be worth speaking to his old owner for advice.

I wouldn't worry though, he'll settle back down to himself once he's happy in his surroundings.

Good luck :)
 
Yep, and like everyone else I would say it is normal. When Lyric came to us I phoned the dealer in a panic 24 hours after she arrived to come and take her back. She was rearing in the stable, bolting in hand when I turned her into the school, generally bargy and totally different to the mare we had viewed and bought!

OH had to handle her for the first couple of days because she terrified me and I wouldn't let teenage daughter, who she was bought for, go near her. Fortunately for me she is very food orientated and when I had to turn her out on the 3rd day I used treats to teach her not to barge out of the stable door when I opened it and to stay with me until well after I had taken her headcollar off after turning out. It took her about 2 weeks to fully settle but we got her into a routine which really helped. It doesn't help that you don't 'know' the horse, if you had owned him a while and this was just how he was then you would just get on with it and it wouldn't bother you. Don't let it knock your confidence, keep yourself safe until he settles and in a few weeks he should be fine, it is still very early days for him. You sound like you handled it all really well anyway, I would have been a gibbering wreck!
 
Yes, I agree too! It all sounds fairly normal. I reckon my new horse took a good 3 weeks to settle in. He was neighing his head off etc. and yes, it does feel rather scary and so on, but give him time! also, don't feel pressured into riding too soon and all that sort of thing - do things at the pace you feel comfortable with.
 
Both of mine are currently doing this (plus some) after I moved them to a lovely yard that they both know as i used to hire the school. I've banned my mum from moving them out of the field as their too difficult to handle BUT they are getting better. We've had a few cuts and scrapes after throwing head fits in the stable and tears from me sat in the field wondering if i did the right thing. The fact they stress you out makes it so much more. So now every night i bring them in sometimes together, sometimes seperately as they have to get used to it. Stable time is always grooming and feeding time and we try to make it as positive as possible. I extend the time they are in/apart a little each day and i know they will settle eventually.

It's a shock to him and to you but don't panic. I walked my 17hh ISH out to the field, bouncing on his toes, neighing and pulling and the whole time just kept telling myself to breathe. It's hard watching them stress, but i always make sure full haynets are ready etc. Chewing or licking massively calms my big boy so if he's really freaking out i bring out the Likit and get his attention back on me.

Stick with it, little and often and keep yourself calm and consistent with him.
 
Absolutely normal behaviour. Horses are herd animals so feel safer when there are plenty of other horses around and, at the moment, you aren't part of the herd so he is very anxious about being brought in away from the others. Like the others have said, spend as much time with him as possible, find out from his previous owners what his usual routine was and try to keep to it as much as you can. Horses like routine, it makes them feel secure if they know what's going to happen. Even when they are turned out in the field you will generally see them in certain parts of the field at the same time each day. Cut out hard feed and use a chop based feed like Mollichop Kalmer which is straw based but has calming magnesium and camomille.

I always think that it must be like being kidnapped for a horse when he changes home. One day you are happy in your field/stable with people and horses you know and trust then suddenly you are put in a lorry or trailer and end up in a strange place, strange box, strange people, strange routine. The only comfort is at least there are other horses to be with.

Give him for a few days to settle into a routine and realise that you are his person, wait until this awful wind dies down and get someone on a nice sensible plod to go for a short ride out on a nice day. Stock up on the Rescue Remedy, keep everything slow and calm and try not to shout if he gets stressed. I am sure it will not be long before he settles down.
 
Normal, normal, normal.

Just be calm and consistent around him. Allow him time to settle in the field with his new friends and take it from there.

Perhaps contrary to what others may suggest, but personally, unless he needs feeding - I would simply leave him in the field for a few days (visiting obviously as normal, and making a bit of a fuss - and then leaving him be).

You also need to apply a little bit of logic to the situation. I hate horses tied up outside a stable for feeding - it's dangerous - and in your situation you're asking for trouble. If you must bring him in to feed always do it in a stable where you and he can remain safe, and no chance of him breaking away. Remember, he's anxious and will be hugely distracted - so tying up like this is a real no, no in my books.

Horses can take an age to settle - and remember as well as new surroundings he has a new owner and this alone can be unsettling.

Then when you're ready, take a deep breath and introduce a routine that works for you and crack on with it. No shouting, no fussing, just do it. The more wound up you are, the more wound up he will become. It will take a couple of weeks, but you will get there.

My previous horse took an age to settle when I first got him, so don't loose heart. When after a year or so of having him I moved yards, he didn't stress at all because we had a good and secure relationship by then - and we just carried on as normal.
 
Last edited:
If he’s still like it after a couple of months of being on a strict routine then I’d start to worry but it takes a while for a horse to settle into a new environment or even into back into a winter routine of coming in on a night if they have had all summer out 24/7, so combine both together and you’re bound to have a few teething problems along the way, just stick with it and don’t worry yourself, things will ease off all in good time.
 
Lots of good advice been given


However.... I would not lunge, ride or work him until he has settled into his new home and you have been able to handle him without too much bother.
To work him now would be asking for trouble - I have tasted hospital food and believe me its not nice.
Give yourselves time to get to know each other and spend time grooming him - I dont attempt the back legs until im certain they are calm. Work with his front legs and dont shout at him or smack him. If you feel yourself getting worked up or anxious/annoyed - put the brushes, whatever down and walk away for a few minutes, calm yourself down and then go back and brush his neck and shoulders down and end on a good note - Plenty of fuss (he probably wont respond yet) and tell him he is a good boy. Turn him out - again walking him to the field and let him go.

What are you feeding him? remove any heating feed - perhaps for now just give a bit of chaff until he has settled.

I dont believe in rescue remedies myself - I believe you can control your own anxieties without the need for potions/tablets - self belief.

Best Tip - Always try to see it from the horses viewpoint and walk away from a heated situation - give yourself time out - dont smack or shout. He needs to trust you. xxxxxxxx
 
Lots of good advice been given


However.... I would not lunge, ride or work him until he has settled into his new home and you have been able to handle him without too much bother.
To work him now would be asking for trouble - I have tasted hospital food and believe me its not nice.
Give yourselves time to get to know each other and spend time grooming him - I dont attempt the back legs until im certain they are calm. Work with his front legs and dont shout at him or smack him. If you feel yourself getting worked up or anxious/annoyed - put the brushes, whatever down and walk away for a few minutes, calm yourself down and then go back and brush his neck and shoulders down and end on a good note - Plenty of fuss (he probably wont respond yet) and tell him he is a good boy. Turn him out - again walking him to the field and let him go.

What are you feeding him? remove any heating feed - perhaps for now just give a bit of chaff until he has settled.

I dont believe in rescue remedies myself - I believe you can control your own anxieties without the need for potions/tablets - self belief.

Best Tip - Always try to see it from the horses viewpoint and walk away from a heated situation - give yourself time out - dont smack or shout. He needs to trust you. xxxxxxxx

Really great advice.
 
Of course horse is excited in a new situation, but manners are not optional - especially at 18 years of age, he's just being silly and rude. You wouldn't let him behave this way at a show, which is a new situation too, so why let him behave this way at his new yard.
 
It depends how you implement the good behaviour though. In the stable, with a new horse, you can shout "MOVE OVER!!!" "BACK!!!" and really 'show him who is boss' or you can go gentle and put your hand very gently on him and say "Would you mind moving over, my lovely". I would say, whatever you choose to do, avoid conflict.
 
Of course horse is excited in a new situation, but manners are not optional - especially at 18 years of age, he's just being silly and rude. You wouldn't let him behave this way at a show, which is a new situation too, so why let him behave this way at his new yard.

Manners of course aren't optional - but this is a horse, not a child. And the behaviour is not exceptional in any respect.
 
Hi all,

Yes I use Nupafeed and it's brilliant stuff especially with the sorts of problems being discussed. Moving yards is a genuine stress factor for your horse, I would get him onto the loading dose until he settles and then wean him off it. It allows the to react normally, but stops them getting upset and then being impossible to d anything with. And stops them spooking for absolutely no reason! Hopefully once he is settled he wont need it, or you might want to stay on it until the weather gets better.

Also using it for leading sounds daft because you would think it was a handling issue, but many get worse in the winter because of the reduced magnesium in the grass and stress of being stabled. I had a mare which became a nightmare to lead in the winter (had trouble even with chifney - on a 15.3 tb, she used to rear to get enough length on the rope to turn round and give me both barrels!). She was so laid back in every other way that I never thought to give the Nupafeed to her but I tried it one week when I was going to have to get them in on my own (she was turned out with another quite far away) and she was an angel. Really strange, as soon as I stopped she was a cow, like flicking a switch. She was fine without in the summer, I just wish it hadnt taken me nearly two winters to work this out!!! I recommended it to a friend for the same problem, and it sorted hers out too! As long as it is a stress/magnesium issue not lack of respect on the horses part, then it should work.

It can be expensive with some (the fruit cakes that drink it) but otherwise it's actually not bad at all. Just depends how much you need to use because it doesnt have a set dose. They also look incredibly well on it, if you have one that doesnt really hold weight it can really help. The people at Nupafeed are really friendly if you want to call them, you wont feel obliged to buy anything! Hope that helps!
 
You also need to apply a little bit of logic to the situation. I hate horses tied up outside a stable for feeding - it's dangerous - and in your situation you're asking for trouble. If you must bring him in to feed always do it in a stable where you and he can remain safe, and no chance of him breaking away. Remember, he's anxious and will be hugely distracted - so tying up like this is a real no, no in my books.

Well said - I meant to say this in my reply and forgot. He is safer in his box than tied up on the yard - and you can let him eat in peace. You may find he's very fidgety in there at first - Kal used to rear in his box - but he will settle. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to walk away and gather yourself if he's upsetting you. I found that Kal was actually calmer in his stable if he couldn't see me - so giving him a full haynet, a handful of hard chaff (as a carrier for his supplements, including calmer) and his treatball and then walking away for 20 minutes or so gave him the chance to get used to his new surrroundings and he did calm down.

Do please try and stay calm yourself . . . I learned the hard way that Kali (like alot of horses) really takes his cues from his primary handler . . . when I was stressed and worried, so was he. A little anecdote to illustrate.

At our previous yard he was very settled and happy - we were there a year and he loved it. Due to my needing to commute to London during the week, he went out very early in the morning - no'one else in his field but company in the field next door. If I turned him out he would go out to the field calling, looking around/doing a giraffe impression and would then gallop about all anxious and stressy. Even if he did settle, if he caught sight of me on the yard, he'd call and come to the gate and get stressed out again. If someone else turned him out for me, he went out good as gold - called a little, but pretty soon put his head down and ate. He read me like a book and played me like a violin. He picked up that I was worrying about him being out on his own first thing - so he worried. He also knew that if he made a fuss, I'd feel sorry for him and bring him back in for someone else to turn out later when there was company in the field. However, when turned out by someone with less invested (i.e., not his Mummy!) he didn't feel the "worry" vibes, wasn't worried himself and also figured he'd best get on with it.

I know it's easier said than done, but please do whatever you can to stay calm and relaxed - he needs you to be his calm, assertive leader - if you worry, who does he have to rely/depend on?

P
 
Top