New horse nerves!

[MarvelVillis]

Hi everyone.

My new horse (first horse of my own!) arrives tomorrow and I’ve got awful nerves about it.

I’m as prepared as much as I can be but the nerves are getting the better of me at the minute!

Have you got any advice about the first day/week and how to settle him in?

 

[mossycup]

Good luck! How exciting! Some folk will say let the horse settle for a few days before lunging and riding, others will say crack on. Is he living in or out at the moment, and how much work is he in? If he's got turn out 24/7 and being ridden 5 out of 7, if he then is stabled and not ridden for a week, he's going to be high as a kite, so keeping him in his routine before making changes slowly would be my suggestion x

 

[Bellaboo18]

You'd be strange if you didn't have nerves 😉 we've all been there BUT... how exciting!!
Ditto keeping him in his usual routine. Just take things slowly and enjoy. Don't put pressure on yourself, it's supposed to be fun.
I'd get an instructor early on to keep you on the right track and nip any bad habits straight away.

 

[sportsmansB]

How did you get on?
I am in the 'crack on' camp with a new horse I have to say - going too slowly gives them time and energy to think of mischief...

 

[SpringArising]

How did you get on?
I am in the 'crack on' camp with a new horse I have to say - going too slowly gives them time and energy to think of mischief...

I agree with this.

Tired horses are happy horses.

 

[The Trooper]

How did you get on?
I am in the 'crack on' camp with a new horse I have to say - going too slowly gives them time and energy to think of mischief...

I am also in agreement with cracking on. I bought Bonnie unbroken, the day she came off the lorry I put a saddle on her, day 2 bridle, day 4 rider and it's been plain sailing ever since.

 

[Hack4fun]

How exciting! Of course things will go well and some less well - don't worry about it when the inevitable happens. We all have to learn. My advice is baby steps. Take your time. get to know each other. Horses do take a while to settle in so please expect that for a few months there will be a little more anxiety than usual. It will change.

 

[Barton Bounty]

Hope all went well! Couple of days to find his bearings and then crack on. Good luck

 

[skint1]

Aw I hope it went well for you, with any luck I might be in the same boat tomorrow (after vetting) and even though I've had horses for years I am so nervous, have I made the right choice, what if this, what if that, but you know what, somehow it all works out for the best. Wishing you and your horse many happy times together x

 

[Barton Bounty]

Its so exciting isnt it, i love new horse day 🥰

 

[Barton Bounty]

Good luck to you too 😍

 

[MarvelVillis]

All went very well! I kept him sectioned off from the others for a couple of weeks with the intent of slowing introducing them, but found him in their field one morning all grazing happily together. He’s had a bit of an eye infection, I think because the flies are so bad where we are but seems to have cleared up now thankfully.

I had a bit of a bombshell this week as the person I’m sharing his field with wants to move, so luckily I’ve found grazing that’s actually closer to me and has better facilities for roughly the same price. I feel bad having to move him so soon, only a month or so of being where he is currently, but it’s something I wasn’t expecting. Hopefully he will settle in just as quick at the new yard - fingers crossed!

 

[MarvelVillis]

Aw I hope it went well for you, with any luck I might be in the same boat tomorrow (after vetting) and even though I've had horses for years I am so nervous, have I made the right choice, what if this, what if that, but you know what, somehow it all works out for the best. Wishing you and your horse many happy times together x

Thank you! I don’t think I would ever not feel nervous waiting for the arrival of a new horse, it’s so scary! But he’s settled in so well and he’s been an absolute superstar. All the best for your new horse!

 

[skint1]

Thanks, it didn't work out for us though, horse didn't get through a 2 stage vetting, feeling a bit despondant as this is the second horse I've had vetted and it's not minor things, but never mind. Glad to hear that your horse is settling well, even though you have to move. Horses seem to cope better than humans with change, they just kind of are in the moment I guess, so I am sure he'll deal well with the move.

 

[Barton Bounty]

Thanks, it didn't work out for us though, horse didn't get through a 2 stage vetting, feeling a bit despondant as this is the second horse I've had vetted and it's not minor things, but never mind. Glad to hear that your horse is settling well, even though you have to move. Horses seem to cope better than humans with change, they just kind of are in the moment I guess, so I am sure he'll deal well with the move.

Awww thats a shame :/