New horse thread

[SO1]

I think quite a few people have bought new horses recently and it might be a good thread to see how people are getting on with our purchases.

I have had Bert 5 year old new forest 2 months. He is getting on well. He is quite timid so a bit spookier than I expected him to be and is also becoming more whizzy as well.

The first month he was on individual turnout then he moved on to herd turnout. He has had a few scrapes but seems to liking herd turnout. He had been on individual turnout with his previous owner for last 2 years.

Homey's 16.5 inch saddle was 2 long for him so he had his own saddle made in 16 inch so had a bit of a wait to get him under saddle. He is getting more confident in the school with the mirrors and the spooky end.

He has not done much hacking yet mainly due to lack of suitable hacking partners at the weekends. He needs to get familiar with the hacking routes before he can go out on his own. The off road track needs cutting back and the fields we can ride in sometimes has kids on quad bikes in it. My instructor has taken him out with another horse during the week a couple of times but he is very nervous of crossing the two bridges one goes over a canal and the second over a rail track. So she is now taking him inhand with another horse ridden in front to help get him used to the bridges and we have also put him on a calmer.

Due to my mum becoming very unwell I have not ridden Bert as much as I would like to due to either being in Norfolk to look after my sister's pets so she and her husband can go to France to look after our parents or being in France myself.

My instructor has been exercising him and trying to do one ridden, one groundwork and one hack/in hand hack a week. If I am around then I ride in the school at the weekend.

He needs clipping but I will get a professional to clip him first time and I think it will be a two person job as he is a bit nervous. He was nervous about having his hooves trimmed and needed some nuts to distract him.

I think part of his nervousness is because of the move and being only 5 as well as possibly his nature. However he is getting more confident each day and today we had a great ride and he is starting to stretch out and relax on a long rein. He used to neigh a lot when he first came but he has stopped that now.

His old owner used to ride him in spurs but he seems very forward going with me and quite whizzy compared to when I tried him possibly due to having a better fitting saddle and a sports massage treatment. Vet noted on his vetting that he had some small girth rubs and needed a better fitting saddle. I don't need spurs I just give him a small squeeze and off he trots his transitions are improving each time and I don't need any leg to keep him going. I am also a bit smaller and lighter than his previous owner.

I expect it will take a good year to get used to
each other but we all love him on the yard. He likes being groomed and is very friendly.

Here he is enjoying hay this evening.

 

[Cowpony]

All sounds as if it's going in the right direction. Well done!

I too haven't managed to ride as much as I would have liked, for various reasons. But we've hacked out with 2 others a few times. Last time Beau reluctantly went first on the road, but isn't confident enough yet to do it in the woods. She is quite looky/spooky, but improving as she learns to trust me.

In the arena we've got over our fear of mirrors. We're still not quite sure about the pole store, but forget about it when concentrating. And we still have unexpected spooks at the jump wing store. But again, improving. However, she didn't know how to lift her core or follow the bit down, so we've done a lot of that in hand, and it's improved her ridden work a lot.......except that she now thinks she has to go around with her head on the floor all the time! We have another lesson with my dressage coach tomorrow so I'm sure we'll take another leap forward. I'm not rushing her. I'm aiming to get her out competing in the spring.

She's really enjoying being out in a herd for the first time though. We too have had some scrapes, but touch wood, so far nothing major.

 

[MuddyMonster]

Hope you continue to enjoy him & grow as a partnership. Sorry to hear about your Mum - I'm sure Bert will be a grat comfort for you.

I have a fairly whizzy NF too, they are the best

 

[Bernster]

He looks lovely!

 

[SO1]

Bert was also scared of the mirrors but has got over that now.

All sounds as if it's going in the right direction. Well done!

I too haven't managed to ride as much as I would have liked, for various reasons. But we've hacked out with 2 others a few times. Last time Beau reluctantly went first on the road, but isn't confident enough yet to do it in the woods. She is quite looky/spooky, but improving as she learns to trust me.

In the arena we've got over our fear of mirrors. We're still not quite sure about the pole store, but forget about it when concentrating. And we still have unexpected spooks at the jump wing store. But again, improving. However, she didn't know how to lift her core or follow the bit down, so we've done a lot of that in hand, and it's improved her ridden work a lot.......except that she now thinks she has to go around with her head on the floor all the time! We have another lesson with my dressage coach tomorrow so I'm sure we'll take another leap forward. I'm not rushing her. I'm aiming to get her out competing in the spring.

She's really enjoying being out in a herd for the first time though. We too have had some scrapes, but touch wood, so far nothing major.

 

[mustardsmum]

Aw he is adorable! I have had my NF for a year now, and he is settled in well. But I think we underestimate how long it takes them to settle. My new boy has finally accepted he is living with a mare, and they have recently started a bit of mutual grooming, instead of pulling faces and trying to kick each other, which has been the main basis for their relationship! The first time I saw it, I nearly cried as my daughters mare really missed her previous friend who we lost last year. As its just the two of them at home, she's craved some physical contact so my daughter or I usually spend some time each day scratching withers to keep her happy! But he's finally stopped being grumpy and will tolerate her much better, which is a relief as they will be living live together for life now...

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Picked this little munchkin up today all 24" of him he is a mini shetland Colt foal from the Lerwick sale.

 

[blodwyn1]

Doing some groundwork before she goes off to school.

 

[maya2008]

My kind of accidental purchase is still pretty feral, but she’s improving. She’s become quite attached to me and comes running up when I go in the field. She LOVES clicker training, and it’s the only thing that has really got through to her so far. She also likes being brushed, and will rush up to me then present her shoulder if she sees me with a brush in my hand. I can touch her face mostly now, which was the turning point with my son’s gelding, so I am hoping it will be with her also.

I had hoped she would do for my husband also (she’s quite big) and she would be able to carry him…but they haven’t bonded. He’s struggling massively without a horse of his own but won’t choose one. Like some of the posters on this forum who lost a horse and couldn’t find it in themselves to choose another for some time. He took his old horse’s best friend for a walk in-hand today. I am hoping that’s a step in the right direction.

 

[PalOfThePonies]

I got my new boy a week ago. I was looking for a horse that was already backed and riding away but this little (not really that little!) chap melted my heart. He’s only 4 and standing at approx. 16.1hh. He’s done lots of groundwork, had a saddle and bridle/bit on.

He was described as a gentleman on the ground but since moving has turned into a typical youngster, investigates everything with his mouth and can be a bit excitable! He’s also only been with me a week so he definitely needs more time to settle before he relaxes completely! He’s decided that the roller is a terrifying piece of equipment so we’re taking it slowly getting him used to that again.

I’ve never had a youngster, and I have moments of thinking I’ve bitten off more than I can chew, especially with him being a WB, but he’s got such a lovely personality and is very cuddly, that I know he’ll turn into a very special horse! I’ve got a friend that backs horses so I know that if I decide he’s too much for me I can always send him away which takes the pressure off!

Despite the few moments of doubt, he’s made me feel a kind of happiness that I’ve not felt since losing my last pony. Hopefully we’ve got lots of fun ahead of us!

 

[Barton Bounty]

I got my new boy a week ago. I was looking for a horse that was already backed and riding away but this little (not really that little!) chap melted my heart. He’s only 4 and standing at approx. 16.1hh. He’s done lots of groundwork, had a saddle and bridle/bit on.

He was described as a gentleman on the ground but since moving has turned into a typical youngster, investigates everything with his mouth and can be a bit excitable! He’s also only been with me a week so he definitely needs more time to settle before he relaxes completely! He’s decided that the roller is a terrifying piece of equipment so we’re taking it slowly getting him used to that again.

I’ve never had a youngster, and I have moments of thinking I’ve bitten off more than I can chew, especially with him being a WB, but he’s got such a lovely personality and is very cuddly, that I know he’ll turn into a very special horse! I’ve got a friend that backs horses so I know that if I decide he’s too much for me I can always send him away which takes the pressure off!

Despite the few moments of doubt, he’s made me feel a kind of happiness that I’ve not felt since losing my last pony. Hopefully we’ve got lots of fun ahead of us!

View attachment 124924

He is gorgeous! And he looks like he will be a lot of fun too

 

[Sparky Lily]

Picked this little munchkin up today all 24" of him he is a mini shetland Colt foal from the Lerwick sale.

I was at that sale! I came home with a 2 year old black standard filly. Pics will follow when I get organised.

 

[nagblagger]

I've taught my mule to sit !
Must admit I have had her a few months and we have had some nice plods, with only one incident an 180degree spook, totally unexpected and in the week before I went on holiday. So first ride when I get back will be a safe one round the block.

 

[Barton Bounty]

I've taught my mule to sit !
Must admit I have had her a few months and we have had some nice plods, with only one incident an 180degree spook, totally unexpected and in the week before I went on holiday. So first ride when I get back will be a safe one round the block.

View attachment 124930

She is just adorable

 

[nagblagger]

She is just adorable

Adorably ugly..

 

[Barton Bounty]

Adorably ugly..

She is not! She is beautiful, in her own way

 

[Barton Bounty]

I have a new horse…. It was not a planned thing but he has definitely helped me daily in the last week fighting with my grief… he just seems to know… isnt it funny …

He is 3 and he is a french thoroughbred. He is standing at 16.1 just now and I think he might get to 17… 6’9 rugs already… He has fantastic breeding and has manners and a temperament to die for….. we have already been out a couple short hacks so between those and groundwork we are not planning anything more than that
He is utterly gorgeous and its very hard not to fall in love with this face

 

[fidleyspromise]

Tal my Arab has been with me 5 months now. He's 2 yrs old, goes for occasional walks round the woods and really enjoys it. Him and Fid shout for Til when I take her out riding.
He was on a few weeks quarantine/individual turnout as he was newly gelded then went in with Til. A month or so ago Fid was added and it took a while for them to settle with my poor boy ending up with many scrapes.
Fid and Tal race each other when I get there as they both love their food but wow does he take forever to eat a meal.

He does climb through electric fencing so it has to be turned on all the time. I thought an Arab would be easy and stay away from it but nope I now have 2 escape artists.
His temperament is great though and he takes things in his stride.

 

[Ratface]

I was at that sale! I came home with a 2 year old black standard filly. Pics will follow when I get organised.

I remember going to a horse and pony sale with a friend "just to have a look", and the friend bought a young Shetland colt who was in a very poor state. I was the mug who had to sit in the back of her monster estate wagon, holding on to this poor terrified creature, whilst it poo'ed, pee'd and trampled all over me with its' long, untrimmed hooves. Friend's husband was extremely unimpressed, to say the least!
He did eventually accept him, although he (the Shetland) turned out to be the spawn of the Devil, even after he'd been gelded.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

I was at that sale! I came home with a 2 year old black standard filly. Pics will follow when I get organised.

Lerwick or Aberdeen?

 

[Sparky Lily]

Lerwick or Aberdeen?

Lerwick. I had never been to a sale before, but a friend was there to help me. I was very strong minded, and tried hard not to look at any foals, miniatures, colts or possibly pregnant mares. I was only seriously interested in 2, both 2 yr old fillies. I realised I would only be able to buy one, and found it hard to decide between the 2. As it turned out, I was outbid on the first to come up, so the decision was made for me. I am highly delighted with the one I have, and she has settled in very well. Must sort out a photo!

 

[cauda equina]

Tal my Arab has been with me 5 months now. He's 2 yrs old, goes for occasional walks round the woods and really enjoys it. Him and Fid shout for Til when I take her out riding.
He was on a few weeks quarantine/individual turnout as he was newly gelded then went in with Til. A month or so ago Fid was added and it took a while for them to settle with my poor boy ending up with many scrapes.
Fid and Tal race each other when I get there as they both love their food but wow does he take forever to eat a meal.

He does climb through electric fencing so it has to be turned on all the time. I thought an Arab would be easy and stay away from it but nope I now have 2 escape artists.
His temperament is great though and he takes things in his stride.

View attachment 124934

My Arab used to climb through electric fences too; very carefully and deliberately, a leg at a time, never the 'Full speed ahead and hope for the best' approach all the others use!

 

[DabDab]

This is Hetty Waintropp Investigates. Hetty came to join us 3 months ago to fill the stable left by the loss of my beloved Dabs earlier this year. She is a 3yo cob x Clyde, and is intended to be for my OH to ride and drive eventually.

Due to her age and that she's got a bit of growing and even-ing out to do I am taking things pretty steady with her. So far she has learnt:

Having headcollar on and off and leading (took a while to get headcollar on the first time but since has been pretty easy)
Being caught in field
Picking up feet and having them trimmed
Clipping legs (asked for advice on here about Feather care and then found a touch of mallenders so clipped legs all round for now)
Loading on and off lorry
Lunging
Long-reining
In hand stuff
Walking out along road and happy with traffic
Human mounting from ground and off block
Walking on and stopping with human on board (as of yesterday ). Which I am particularly pleased with as I haven't had a walk-by-the-side helper to assist so she has just had me on my own to work stuff out from.

So far she has happily accepted pretty much everything and has been in general a very good egg. Plan is to get her walk hacking in the next few weeks.

 

[ycbm]

View attachment 124950

This is Hetty Waintropp Investigates. Hetty came to join us 3 months ago to fill the stable left by the loss of my beloved Dabs earlier this year. She is a 3yo cob x Clyde, and is intended to be for my OH to ride and drive eventually.

Due to her age and that she's got a bit of growing and even-ing out to do I am taking things pretty steady with her. So far she has learnt:

Having headcollar on and off and leading (took a while to get headcollar on the first time but since has been pretty easy)
Being caught in field
Picking up feet and having them trimmed
Clipping legs (asked for advice on here about Feather care and then found a touch of mallenders so clipped legs all round for now)
Loading on and off lorry
Lunging
Long-reining
In hand stuff
Walking out along road and happy with traffic
Human mounting from ground and off block
Walking on and stopping with human on board (as of yesterday ). Which I am particularly pleased with as I haven't had a walk-by-the-side helper to assist so she has just had me on my own to work stuff out from.

So far she has happily accepted pretty much everything and has been in general a very good egg. Plan is to get her walk hacking in the next few weeks.

I love her!

 

[MuddyMonster]

Tal my Arab has been with me 5 months now. He's 2 yrs old, goes for occasional walks round the woods and really enjoys it. Him and Fid shout for Til when I take her out riding.
He was on a few weeks quarantine/individual turnout as he was newly gelded then went in with Til. A month or so ago Fid was added and it took a while for them to settle with my poor boy ending up with many scrapes.
Fid and Tal race each other when I get there as they both love their food but wow does he take forever to eat a meal.

He does climb through electric fencing so it has to be turned on all the time. I thought an Arab would be easy and stay away from it but nope I now have 2 escape artists.
His temperament is great though and he takes things in his stride.

View attachment 124934

Tal is beautiful

 

[Sparky Lily]

Assuming they come out OK, here are some pics of Lulu as promised. She is a 2 yr old standard filly. Bold but gentle, and very well mannered. She settled in without much bother (my 2 little duns turned into randy teenagers for a while, but soon got over it), and is now fully integrated into the routine.
The 3rd photo would have been brilliant of all 5, but Lulu put her head down just as I snapped.

 

[fidleyspromise]

Lulu looks lovely and I love you little herd.

 

[Btomkins]

I have a newbie arriving tomorrow, very exciting.

Definitely 3/4 Welsh and 1/4 not sure, but supposedly Polish Arab. I say supposedly as she has been tested as Gold Champagne and I’m pretty sure neither Welsh or Arabs carry Champagne.

Fingers crossed for a safe journey from Devon to Essex - bought unseen so I’m a little nervous!

 

[cauda equina]

View attachment 124950

This is Hetty Waintropp Investigates. Hetty came to join us 3 months ago to fill the stable left by the loss of my beloved Dabs earlier this year. She is a 3yo cob x Clyde, and is intended to be for my OH to ride and drive eventually.

Due to her age and that she's got a bit of growing and even-ing out to do I am taking things pretty steady with her. So far she has learnt:

Having headcollar on and off and leading (took a while to get headcollar on the first time but since has been pretty easy)
Being caught in field
Picking up feet and having them trimmed
Clipping legs (asked for advice on here about Feather care and then found a touch of mallenders so clipped legs all round for now)
Loading on and off lorry
Lunging
Long-reining
In hand stuff
Walking out along road and happy with traffic
Human mounting from ground and off block
Walking on and stopping with human on board (as of yesterday ). Which I am particularly pleased with as I haven't had a walk-by-the-side helper to assist so she has just had me on my own to work stuff out from.

So far she has happily accepted pretty much everything and has been in general a very good egg. Plan is to get her walk hacking in the next few weeks.

Those ears!

 

[Timelyattraction]

My new 5yo warmblood mare who ive now had 5 weeks out showjumping last weekend