Moved yard now got anxious ponies :(

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Rolo--Chilli

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Hi All
I was just after some advice from those who have moved there ponies/horses to a new yard.

I moved my 2 ponies to a new yard today and they seemed really nervous and anxious when we went back up tonight. I am guessing this is because they are in a strange place.

Could anyone tell me if this is normal and how long it will last.

Many Thanks
 
Depends on the horse really, my 2 settle straight away normally, although the TB cribs a little more for a couple of weeks. My friends mare on the other hand took about 2 1/2 months to settle when she first bought her.
 
The wind is up around ours so the ponies are a bit more wound than normal, if you are a bit "nervey" they will have picked up on this too.

Get them into a routine as soon as you can, preferably one similar to where they have just come from - are they still on the same type of livery ie diy, out 24/7 etc.


Give them till next Sunday, if they have not settled by then thats the time i would start to worry.

gw
x
 
Hiya yes this is normal and to be expected although for how long, well how long is piece of string?
All horses are different with temperaments to match. Some horses remain quite chilled when moving yards, some may just seem a little heightened ie slightly flared nostrils, faint worry lines or moving around a bit more say if there is a gust of wind.
Others may exhibit more heightened senses, blow, flare and seem uneasy to approach or scared of the slightest thing.
They will settle eventually. How long depends on their own ability to deal with new situations really.
I am lucky as mine are all sensible and chill very quickly when they move. Yes they might have a blow a snort or even a mini pelt around the field, but I think most of that is excitement.
I would not worry too much unless they start showing any signs of colicing, in which case ring your vet for advice. I am not saying horses will colic when moving yards but it one thing we should all be vigilant about when our horses have new encounters or endure any stress.
It will simply be them getting used to new sights and smells. Horses as you know are quick to notice change. Lead them past an empty pallet in the morning and the same one full in the afternoon and you will most likely see some snorting and them giving it a wide berth.
You may notice that they may be more 'fresh' when being ridden either in the school or out hacking so be aware of this if you have a horse that can nap, spin or act the goat.
Good luck and they will be fine :)
 
Many Thanks to all.

Its the first time i have moved them and one of them was at the last yard for 3 1/2 years.
We are trying to get into a routine as i have took this week off work to try and settle them in. Getting them into a routine similar to the last one will be difficult as the last yard was a riding school and they were on working livery so they never really had a set routine.
The new yard is smaller and closer to us so hopefully they will get used to it pretty quickly.

Thanks Again :)
 
Give it time, they should settle, even the really laid back ones can be affected by a move. Just make sure they have plenty of forage and hopefully they will start to settle and realise it is now home
 
my boy is a bit funny and at our last yard he never settled he was there a year and was always anxious and bargy

moved to my new yard stuck him in the field and he just stuck his head down and grazed :)

its normal for horses to be a bit stressy for a little while, while they settle in :) dont worry :)
 
My 35 year old and youngster have moved twice without caring. Our little show cob mare is a different matter. Even though she moves with her friends and owners she stresses. It takes her about 3 months to get used to the new surroundings.
 
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