New horse

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minnieminster1

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Hi,
I am getting a seven year old New Forest. He has done a bit but only once or twice. I need to school him but don't want to make him bored. Can anyone give me some different ideas please?

Also, what different ways do people let ponies meet for the first time in a field. I know some people let them get on with it but others have suggested that I have one fence where they can meet and the rest of the field separate. There is already a mare and a gelding together. The mare can be a bit of a bully (especially when it comes to food and fresh grass) Which is the best idea?

Anything would be great

thanks
 
Hello , congratulations I bet your very excited. I introduced my girl to three others by using some electric fencing to tape off an area in the field big enough for her to have a run around showing off and to be able to greet each other over the tape. Luckily none of the other ponies or Rose had shoes on so when they did meet after the few days there was less to worry about. My mare turned out to be the bossy one and is first to the gate but I'd worry about any injuries with them meeting straight away in all the excitement of moving. Whilst settling in i think its nice for them to have space to get away from the others but still see them. With regards to schooling my girl is only just 5 and very green and my advice would be not to expect too much from them and short and sweet regular work wont be boring. Transitions are great way to get them listening to you. Lots of praise goes down a treat with my girl she loves knowing when shes doing something right. Congratulations on your new pony your going to have lots of fun!
 
Thank you

We have had new horses before and have just let them have a whole paddock and space to escape. However hearing different ideas made me wonder. The pony has done half a day hunting and pony club so isn't too green. Just don't want to make him bored.


Thanks for you post I will definitely take it in.
 
Welcome to owning a new forest! What's his breeding? They're great ponies. :)

To be honest I put my ponies in with each other straight away, most of mine are foresters and used to seeing other ponies. Level headed and herd animals sort themselves fairly quickly.

I'd spend the first few weeks getting to know your pony and get out hacking as much as possible. You can school on a hack too. When you do start schooling keep it short and simple just making sure that the basics are established before advancing. You could put some poles around to help him pick his feet up and lighten up in front.

Make sure you take some pics too!
 
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