Moving to a new yard... PANIC!!

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Georgie-

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Long story short I've loaned a horse for about 4 years (known her practically all her life). Prior to that she was owned and kept in the same place by the same woman from birth. (Despite being owned by the same woman she didn't have the most stable of up bringings which has caused some behavioural issues in the field, but that's a whole other story!) This woman owned a riding school and when it shut down she loaned the majority of her horses out including her own horse Ebony which she loaned to me. All the horse's from the riding school moved to the same field 5 miles down the road. My mare took to this well because she already knew everything in the field so it was only a matter of learning that this was home.

Now I'm moving yards again because I have recently bought my little mare! (V. excited about this!) However she's now 16YO and it'll be the first time she's ever lived somewhere other than on her previous owners land with her previous owners horses. So the first time she's moved somewhere new without knowing anyone or anything.

I'm moving to the new yard where she will have her own little paddock and stable block to share with one other horse because at the old yard there was no structure. Its just a 15 acre field with a lock up for tack. It had no management and we are pretty much left to bicker it out amongst ourselves until somebody gets so fed up they sort the problem E.g somebodies horse broken the fence (they refused to pay saying it was everyone elses fault) Gate lock broke (we had an un-secure yard (not field) for about 2 weeks because people wouldn't pay towards a new lock!) Same for the tack lock up. Broken fencing at the perimeter of the field. Ragwort problems. :mad: Automatic water filler problems. Its just a sham to be honest and the owner doesn't want to know about any of it. And I'm just sick of it all it makes having a horse hard work when you know the next time you go to the yard WW3's could break out! Also as stated above field behavioural issues are not easy to work with in 15 acres when she has 5 other horses to play with! (Tried to section off the field to make it easier but because I was the only person that wanted to section my horse off I wasn't allowed and it caused yet more arguments on the yard! See why I'm fed up?

Basically I'm worried that because this is the first time she's ever been moved on her own to a new place she'll freak!!! I've had nightmares about her running away, getting tangled in fences trying to jump out, about seeing her running down the main road looking for her friends. (total worst case scenarios)

Also if you want to know what her temperament is like then... She's volatile! Every day I go down I get a different horse. V.Strong shire cross, highly strung, dominant, bit of an attention seeker, somewhat clingy, loving, a bit of a wuss, pushy, gentle, V. clever! Some days she will try and drag me a round someday's she won't leave me alone and has to be with me or at least be able to see me! (see why I bought her!! ;) ) She's mental. :rolleyes:

I'm worried that she won't thank me for my decision! Has anyone got any thoughts, suggestions, on the matter? Am I just being paranoid? Is there any way I can make it easier for her less stressful? Any do's and don'ts?

(Obviously she won't be doing anything strenuous or any riding for a while and I don't expect her to settle over night)

xxx
 
I don't particularly like two horse arrangements as it can make them clingy. Mine has two friends that go out and come in at different times but none of the stables are together and it works well.

As you're going to be with her, I suspect she will settle a lot quicker than if she were sold. Lots of horses are sold and go to a new owner and new yard. I'd ride as soon as possible and get a routine going.
 
firstly breathe!!!!! I'm sure it will take time for her to adjust to having a totally different environment but so long as you remain firm and fair and stick to the routine she is used to she will soon adjust. You may even find she prefers the set up of having less horses around her and become a totally chilled out horse.
 
I've just moved my 24 year old from the home he's been in since he was 5. He lived in a herd of 30ish (riding school) and now lives with just a few around for company and apart from the first few days when he was a bit bemused, he's settled and is perfectly content. He is a pretty laid back chap though!
 
You will probably find she will be fine she has you with her still she knows your voice, as others have said get her into a routine quick, obviously she isn't going to settle overnight, but you may find your surprised how well she will cope with her new home.

Some horses are better with a herd and some are far better being next to company, some like being alone or just one other.. all different.

It's taken 2 months for my new boy to settle to a degree Im new to him and so is his home but is quite chilled out lad anyway.

I wish you all the luck not that you will need it but I reckon she will surprise you in a nice way.

Let us know how you get on :D
 
You sound like me! I moved on Saturday and my mind has been racing ever since..... Will she still be in her paddock when I go up, will she get lami because of the grass, will she be mental when I ride her in the school for the first time, is she heartbroken and misses her buddies? Five days in and today has been the best day, quiet, chilled, happy and content. They settle - we take longer! Good luck x
 
Thank you for your replies everyone!!

So I'm just being a drama queen!! I will try to relax a bit more your all right she might suprise me and actually like being there!!!

I don't think it helps that everythings so rushed!! I told the field and ex horse owner I had found somewhere else thinking give a months notice or so and she called me every name under the sun and told me to be out before the next lot of rents due on the first... which was 8 days ago! Luckily for me the new yard have been very accomodating and nice about it!


Thanks again for the reassurance guys :) :)

x
 
Pop into the chemist and get some Bachs Rescue Remedy. I use it for the animals aswell as the humans round here. it is a herbal remedy that helps to alleviate stress and worry. (I am not on commision by the way!! )
Hope the move goes well and you may find that once she has settled and so have you that she will be happier because you are.
Good luck
 
Horses are actually quite adaptable. They have to cope with life, just as we do. They survive weaning, selling, going away to compete, etc., etc. I think you will be far more stressed by everything than she will; calm down.
 
I suspect you need more help than she does. Drink lots of lemon balm tea (if you can find the herb) and just go for it. Chances are she'll be a little unsettled for a few days, but if there's grass in the new field, it's quite likely her head will go down and there'll be a real anti-climax! :D
 
We bought an 18 yr old from an owner who had him for 7 yrs, he went from being an only horse, to having a companion and donkeys and cows in the next field.
His confusion was heartbreaking to see, new place/people/routine, but within a week he had adjusted, enjoyed hacking the moors, going to the beach and meeting sheep.
Trust your horse to know whats what if you don't trust yourself
 
Thank you for all your comments.

You were right very anti climatic (yesterday was moving day). She stood at the field gate for a bit looking at me like "she'll realise this isn't my home soon, she'll be back" When I didn't go back she walked up and down a bit trotted up the fence line with one of the other horses then grazed for a bit.
The most upsetting bit about it all for her was being able to see me. She seemed quite happy to just graze when she couldn't see me. but any time I went out to the car and she could see me she'd start trotting around again.

Slight heart attack this morning when I was driving down the lane to go and check on her, I could see her entire field but not her in it! She's black so she hardly blends in with green!! It wasn't until I got all the way up to the yard that I finally saw her.. she'd decided in the night she didn't fancy being in her own field anymore. She'd somehow managed to open the gate (gate is a spring pull handle thing so god knows how she done it!) and let her self in to the next field . Luckily the owner of the horse in the next field didn't mind and told me to leave the gate open so they can have the run of both fields until they get used to each other.

Fingers crossed things will continue to go smoothly!

:)
 
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