New owner blues? Sorry very long!

[BayLove]

I must've missed what area you're in. If you were near me I'd come and lend a hand and I'm sure plenty of other HHOers would too. Best of luck with it all, one day/chore at a time and you'll soon be having fun!

Saddle - find a fitter who sells 2nd hand ones - get something for now (perhaps with changeable gullet) and get it checked regularly.

I'm in Hampshire. What I need is someone who knows what they are doing to sort me out I've had a share horse but have never had to deal with all this stuff before.
Saddle is a must i need to get him working to get the grass belly off. I can't even get him out of the field at the moment with the sodding gate! And breath...

 

[windsorblue]

It's in my mind but i don't want to mess the yo around and i have only just moved there. Ideally i'd like my own field to do my own thing in and not on a yard at all but there isn't one out there and i was lucky to get this one so at the moment a grazing muzzle it will have to be.

To be fair, I think with your relative inexperience, you should be somewhere there is knowledgeable help on hand.
Was you "share horse" recent?

 

[BayLove]

re poo picking, dont get a shovel, poo picking on grass with a shovel is a night mare, i personally use a shaving fork, or you can get thoose poo picker things.. half a bucket with a tiny fork, never worked for me but many i know like them.. if you dont know hat i meen yell will go and find a link

shavings fork needs to be metal.

re worming, most these days are syringes so syringe in and try can keep neds head up rub/throte neck to encourage him to swallow it, as they are got at gobbing it out (which is guarenteed to land on mother)

i dont use graxing muzzles but know a few people that rate the webbing ones,. id start off with on for half a day see how he goes.

Got a poo picker thing, very well used already.
'Gobbing it out' gave me a much needed laugh, thanks for that. He's already wiped his nose on me so a bit of gob i can handle.

 

[BayLove]

To be fair, I think with your relative inexperience, you should be somewhere there is knowledgeable help on hand.
Was you "share horse" recent?

Oh yeah i still share the horse. 3 actually. I'm learning in exchange for free poo picking and general help. I do have people to help but i don't want to be a burden and theyve got there own horses to deal with. I wanted a field near my share horse but they very rarely become available. Thing is once i've got it all up and running i'll be fine it's just the finding people to fit saddles and shoe and what wormer and what field. Once I know the field situ i'll chill out and get myself together!

 

[LaurenM]

Don't call around for farrier - get a recommendation from someone on your yard. You might end up with a crap one otherwise!

 

[windsorblue]

Oh yeah i still share the horse. 3 actually. I'm learning in exchange for free poo picking and general help. I do have people to help but i don't want to be a burden and theyve got there own horses to deal with. I wanted a field near my share horse but they very rarely become available. Thing is once i've got it all up and running i'll be fine it's just the finding people to fit saddles and shoe and what wormer and what field. Once I know the field situ i'll chill out and get myself together!

With respect - it was only about six weeks ago that you were asking if someone would use you, "a complete novice" to help out with their horses, for some interaction and "cuddles". You said you hadn't ridden in over a year, and at that point could walk, trot and were learning to canter. This "helping out" has developed into sharing three horses, and buying a four year old of your own within the space of a few weeks. I think you should worry less about being a burden, and more about learning all you can to "keep a horse alive" - YOUR words.

 

[BayLove]

With respect - it was only about six weeks ago that you were asking if someone would use you, "a complete novice" to help out with their horses, for some interaction and "cuddles". You said you hadn't ridden in over a year, and at that point could walk, trot and were learning to canter. This "helping out" has developed into sharing three horses, and buying a four year old of your own within the space of a few weeks. I think you should worry less about being a burden, and more about learning all you can to "keep a horse alive" - YOUR words.

Yes that was me, good researching!
I wasn't planning on buying a horse for a year (you might have read that bit too) but when the perfect one came up i didn't want to pass him up. Getting a four year old was never my intention but the older horse i went to view wasn't right. It just so happened this four year old was.
No need to SHOUT, im very clear on what i said!
You don't know my history, my interaction, experience and capabilities now, lots can change over the course of a few weeks. It's not a crime to be feeling overwhelmed, i was fine till the field situation threw me and being ill right now i'm just not managing too well so here i am to get some advice not be belittled!
Horse is doing fine, and i'm finding my feet. I really don't need any more hassle when i'm just looking for help and advice, i've got plenty of hassle already.

 

[BayLove]

Don't call around for farrier - get a recommendation from someone on your yard. You might end up with a crap one otherwise!

I've got a recommendation thankfully so thats a start.

 

[windsorblue]

Yes that was me, good researching!
I wasn't planning on buying a horse for a year (you might have read that bit too) but when the perfect one came up i didn't want to pass him up. Getting a four year old was never my intention but the older horse i went to view wasn't right. It just so happened this four year old was.
No need to SHOUT, im very clear on what i said!
You don't know my history, my interaction, experience and capabilities now, lots can change over the course of a few weeks. It's not a crime to be feeling overwhelmed, i was fine till the field situation threw me and being ill right now i'm just not managing too well so here i am to get some advice not be belittled!
Horse is doing fine, and i'm finding my feet. I really don't need any more hassle when i'm just looking for help and advice, i've got plenty of hassle already.

Not "shouting" - emphasising.
No, it's not a crime to feel overwhelmed. However, if you had stuck to your original plan of waiting a year while helping and learning, you may have been a little better prepared. The perfect horse did not "come up" - you went out and actively looked. In my opinion, very humble, FWIW, however much you have improved in capabilities and experience in six weeks, it won't be enough to educate a youngster. Even if he is only to be a happy hacker, he will still have a lot to learn ( a season's hunting in Ireland won't have provided quite what he needs ).

 

[BayLove]

Not "shouting" - emphasising.
No, it's not a crime to feel overwhelmed. However, if you had stuck to your original plan of waiting a year while helping and learning, you may have been a little better prepared. The perfect horse did not "come up" - you went out and actively looked. In my opinion, very humble, FWIW, however much you have improved in capabilities and experience in six weeks, it won't be enough to educate a youngster. Even if he is only to be a happy hacker, he will still have a lot to learn ( a season's hunting in Ireland won't have provided quite what he needs ).[/QUOTE

Saying no more. Don't need to explain myself to you. You don't know the facts all you've got is a snapshot of what i chose to say. Thanks for your input though.

 

[EAST KENT]

You can pick up and put into tough plastic fertilizer bags dotted around the field..and then move the lot with a vehicle when you need to. Wheelbarrow can be substituted with a polyproperlene garden pick up sheet,much easier anyway.Racehorse yards use them for mucking out ,as so easy to fold up and store.Ride bareback..excellent for your balance ,until you get a saddle,you can always use an old stirrup leather as a neck strap to give you more security. Invest in an electic fence unit,it is easily the least troublesome way to keep fields safe.They can be got for as little as sixty quid.GET feet sorted ASAP,would you want to wear shoes too small?

 

[hannahmurphy]

Right, yes horses are a big responsibility and organizing everything can be a nightmare sometimes, but you need to go and have a conversation with the yard owner. Explain his weight, explain you don't have tack yet so keeping said weight at a level whilst in a field of grass will be a challenge, tell her your concerns ... If she is a good yard manager she will go and sort it with the other livery that you are supposed to be sharing with.

As for the bit - if it's too small, take it back and change it! These things happen!

And chill - you should be enjoying your horse!

 

[Persephone]

Baylove, I think you need to persevere and get your pony in with the other one. It is immensely unfair to keeo him on his own.

Worming - go to any agri/country store eg. Scats, Bartletts, Countrywise and they will have a nominated and qualified wormer person. Talk to them they will advise and supply.

Get some recomendations for farriers and start contacting them NOW to book in. They won't want to drop everything, mine books me in 4/6 weeks in advance for regular shoeing and then leaves space for emergencies. You need to move on this.

Regarding a saddler, again you need to ask for recommendations. I know some people have recommended changeable gullet/synthetic saddles but personally I think they are a load of rubbish. Far better to spend your money on a well fitting 2nd hand leather saddle
IMO.

Regarding the fly bites, the only thing that stopped them on my mare was a fly sheet with belly guard. They are way more efective than any fly spray and soon pay for themselves.

 

[soulfull]

Yes he's my first and i'm first to admit i'm very over whelmed!
I'm doing it all on my own too. No one else I know is horsey and sometimes I need someone to give me that bit of reassurance that i'm doing the right thing. I will measure him up for a grazing muzzle tomorrow and get one asap. How one do you suggest he wear it for. If I put it on 9.30am and take it off at 6pm will that be ok for him? Or leave it longer? Shorter?

As to farrier this is where i'm confused. Vet said shoes are small but fine and as he's just had them done leave them till they're due and get them sorted then. I think i should get them done now though, opinions?

I've not yet met other owner and yo is so laid back he just want's everyone to get on with it. I don't want to keep bugging him and be known as the annoying whiny woman but really now, am I going in that field or not?! I could just cry right now over a sodding field!
Water I will make sure he has access to at all times.

Yes it's a proper one with lots of people however they never seem to be there when I am! It's only very basic. Mostly grass livery.
Farrier i will get out.
Grazing muzzle on all the time. Don't think yo has much to do with anything horsey. It's just land he rents out. First thing he said was fences are your responsibility which kind of says it all!
Horse doesn't get a feed. What do I do with wormer in that situ?
I'm being very strict with him. I'm not letting him be boss no way. If he doesn't pick up his feet straight away i keep pestering till he does which is knackering cus he's got very heavy feet! I make him move back and move his bum round etc and working on leadrein we go where i want to go so i think i'm showing him who is boss, i hope!
Thank you. I need luck!

Having read the other posts too about your lack of experience
Firstly hun we all start somewhere and while a lot of us think maybe you could have taken things slower. I did exactly the same as you. In hindsight I did not realise what I had got into. I had no idea how complicated looking after and training a horse could be.
Had a lot of mishaps and mistakes on the way but it did all turn out ok in the end. Mostly because I did what you are doing and ASK

No one on your yard will mind you asking for help, what they are more likely to do is talk behind you back if you don't ask.

I can see you have been given different advise on how long to keep the muzzle on. This link will explain that horse will soon learn to gorge and eat too much in a short time if you remove the muzzle for periods of time

http://hoofcare.blogspot.com/2011/03/laminitis-prevention-research-ponies.html

As for the wormer, ask to buy a little chaff off another livery, just enough to put the wormer in

Again ask another livery for the number for a saddle fitter or look on the master saddlers website for someone close by but look for one that has the masters in fitting not just saddlery!!

 

[Ranyhyn]

Hey Baylove, its entirely possible - it's a period of great change, upheaval and stress. Those factors alone make it highly likely you'll feel a bit "meh" but added to some of the issues you need to fix, I can quite understand you feeling that way.

I hope i haven't covered what's already been said - I have only scan read. But you need to be on a good livery or at very least have access to one (I've just moved my new mare home, but have access to a friend's livery for use of the school and to chat and get help from others...)

While you do that, chat to YO about farriers, they will be able to help you. If you join a decent livery, things like worming should be taken care of but otherwise as Persephone has said, walk into Countrywide and talk to the worming person there.

I can also recommend a great book, search on amazon and get a used version - i have found it very useful and it cost me about £4... "horse care manual - colin vogel"

Good luck, it will all settle down and with a bit of effort and background reading you can start an enjoyable life with your new horse.

 

[Luci07]

Would also suggest you start hunting for an instructor. It will keep you motivated, improve you and your horse and help you to start broadening your social circle with your horse. Going solo in summer with a new horse is fun, doing it in winter is not! Also, a regular pair of experienced eyes will be a complete god send to you as you a first time owner. Best place to ask for a recommendation? I would try this forum! Appreciate you need to get your saddle sorted out first (please do not buy something off ebay at this time) you need an experienced saddle fitter or you will be causing yourself all kind of problems later. I would "think" that the saddler would suggest a wider fit with padding atm for a young cob who is going to get broader as he muscles up.

oh and another tip? do take regular photos. You will be completely amazed at how much he will change shape once he starts work, particularly as he is a baby and growing anyway!

 

[rose bud]

Hi,
I just wanted to say that i completley sympathise with you! I bought my new mare 2 weeks ago and although she's not my first she is the first that i have had for 10 years and i was finding it tough!
We have had a few settling in issues that i wasn't really expecting and the calm, quiet mare that i went to look at turned into a stroppy stressed horse when i brought her home!
Thankfully we have started to turn the corner now and have got her into a routine which has helped alot!
I had the same problem with the saddle but found a local saddle fitter that had 2nd hand saddles that came out to fit her for one. Which area are you in?
We still do have some issues to sort out but i hoping with time we will get there.
I hope that you get the issues with the livery sorted, it sounds a difficult situation!
And also the farrier, mine is a tb x cob and is only shod on the front and seems fine.
If you would like my email address for any help, support or just someone to have a horsey rant to! Let me know.
But know how you feel when things dont go as smoothly as you expected. Hope you get sorted soon so you can start enjoying your new boy! Xx

 

[Cuffey]

For the worming dose you will need to get an estimate of his weight--he is a big boy
You may be able to borrow a weigh tape
If not use a piece of cord (non stretch) right round his girth area, just behind withers and behind elbow and measure the length as accurately as you can in cm--do it several times
200cm=593kg
210=673kg
220=758kg
230=847kg
240=941kg

Do take advice
Some tubes only do 575kg others 700kg
A tube of Equimax tablets does up to 800kg

 

[Kat]

Hey Op,

I think buying your first horse can give you a feeling a bit like post wedding blues. You get sooo excited and have such high expectations and plans that you can end up feeling a bit let down when the horse has arrived and everything isn't perfect. It is also quite stressful worrying about getting everything right and the financial commitment etc.....

On the basis that you are fairly inexperienced and that your horse is young I would strongly recommend that you get yourself onto a proper staffed livery yard with assistance and services ASAP. It will be invaluable to have experienced paid grooms or yard managers available to help when you have a crisis. It also means that you have some back up if it all gets a bit much and you need a day off. I wouldn't be on a true DIY yard for anything, they help and back up and support on my yard is amazing.

I don't know what I would have done without the experienced staff when my mare injured herself not long after we got her. Having someone with years of experience say you don't need the vet today, and then to check on her while I was at work and say actually I think you do need the vet now was invaluable. As was having someone experienced there to hold her for the vet rather than having to try to get out of work to do it when I would have been stressed and anxious. It is invaluable to know that she will be looked after if I can't get to the yard too, and that if we had problems I don't have to deal with it all alone.

There is also the social aspect, and the support of having someone who knows how you are feeling on site.

A good yard will deal with fencing for you, will manage turnout in small groups and have a worming program in place (ours does worm counts). They may also be able to supply things like feed, bedding and forage, mucking out tools etc etc etc.

Have a look around for proper livery yards with staff on site that offer services. A riding school that takes liveries would be ideal but also look at places that train NVQ students and places that offer hunting and competition livery if they also offer part livery it probably won't be hugely expensive and you will get lots of good back up and help.

 

[BayLove]

Hi all. Thanks for all your advice. Please don't think i'm a total idiot who doesn't have a clue what she's doing. I'm not stupid and i wouldn't have got a horse if i didn't think i knew enough to not just manage but actually do well.
For all those that suggested moving to a better yard, there isn't one so that's not an option. I'm actually very happy with where he is i just need to know what the long term plan is, if he's going in the share field or not. If he's not i can start fixing up his current field. As for keeping him alone, not my choice i want him in the share field where i was told he's going so at the moment nothing i can do about that. He's right next to this other horse he's not totally alone and his used to individual turnout, it's what he was in with his last owner.
Talking to yo this afternoon so it's on way to being sorted.

 

[Annie44]

Bless your heart ! I know exactly where you're coming from ... I was in the same situation when I got my first horse, alone with no-one to get advice from, & totally overwhelmed at what I'd taken on, for the first few months I was even having bad dreams & sleepless nights I was so anxious in case I was letting her down in anyway, that is until it dawned on me that she was very happy to be mine, with bright eyes, shiny coat & absolutely thriving in every way ! Ten years down the road we are still loving, living & learning happily together ... So don't you worry, it will all slot into place soon

Hi all. Thanks for all your advice. Please don't think i'm a total idiot who doesn't have a clue what she's doing. I'm not stupid and i wouldn't have got a horse if i didn't think i knew enough to not just manage but actually do well.
For all those that suggested moving to a better yard, there isn't one so that's not an option. I'm actually very happy with where he is i just need to know what the long term plan is, if he's going in the share field or not. If he's not i can start fixing up his current field. As for keeping him alone, not my choice i want him in the share field where i was told he's going so at the moment nothing i can do about that. He's right next to this other horse he's not totally alone and his used to individual turnout, it's what he was in with his last owner.
Talking to yo this afternoon so it's on way to being sorted.

 

[BayLove]

Bless your heart ! I know exactly where you're coming from ... I was in the same situation when I got my first horse, alone with no-one to get advice from, & totally overwhelmed at what I'd taken on, for the first few months I was even having bad dreams & sleepless nights I was so anxious in case I was letting her down in anyway, that is until it dawned on me that she was very happy to be mine, with bright eyes, shiny coat & absolutely thriving in every way ! Ten years down the road we are still loving, living & learning happily together ... So don't you worry, it will all slot into place soon

Thank you Annie44. It does seem i'm not the only one who felt overwhelmed at horse ownership.
The boy seems very happy and things have already moved forwards. He's now in his shared field and getting on wonderfully with his new field mate. Watching them groom each other is just lovely.
He's booked in with the saddler and the farrier and he's getting his teeth looked at too so we are now well on the way and i'm much happier and less stressed. Thank you so much for you kind words though i needed them, i was starting to feel a little like i was being judged!

 

[spookypony]

Sounds like things are well on the way to getting sorted out!

Re. the wormer: first you need to find out which one you are meant to be giving him. The yard may have a rule, or your vet will advise. Some wormers now come in tablets, which you can feed like treats, but if the one you are meant to give comes only in a syringe, then here's something you can try, if you have a day or three until the worming needs to be complete. My pony was terrified of syringes, and now worms no problem.

1. Get an empty plastic syringe (probably from the vet), and some juice (apple...I actually used citrus punch, that seemed to go over well).

2. Let the horse sniff the syringe, put some juice in, and then let him investigate it again...gradually accustom him to having a little juice dribbled from it on his lips...and work up to being able to shove the syringe gently into the back of his mouth (from the corner, pointing back and up, closed lips are fine), and get a shot of juice this way. This should take only a few minutes. Careful not to let him grab the syringe!

3. Repeat with juice for another day or two. Give him several syringes of juice in a row.

4. When you want to worm, give him two syringes of juice, prepare the juice syringe again, but give him the wormer next, and then follow it immediately with the last juice syringe. Hopefully, the wormer will stay in the horse!

 

[Samantha008]

One of my best friends is feeling exactly the same with her new horse- dont worry you arent alone!!

Regarding the field, why did you choose that yard particularly? Is there anything else in the area? From the sounds of it i dont know if id try and get in with this other woman, as tbh shes probably always going to be a bit of pain in the bum!! Shes making excuses already, so what happens if youre in a rush one day and dont have enough time to do a bit of poo picking?

Personally, id worry about the gate, id get the YO to sort that ASAP, and then maybe hunt for a new yard in time for winter, if thats an option as with a cobby with feathers, a mud bath might just be more than a nightmare :/ Hello mudfever....

I moved yards in the first 6 months when i got lexi, as it wasnt working for me, Its nothing personal to the yard or the people, i had some fab times there, but it just didnt suit me!!

And i think get the shoes sorted ASAP, thats pretty easy to sort out and the worming needs to be done. I use equest as i find it the easiest and just buy it from my local tack shop

Good luck though and dont worry, youll come through it And then youll have the best summer if your life

 

[BayLove]

Sounds like things are well on the way to getting sorted out!

Re. the wormer: first you need to find out which one you are meant to be giving him. The yard may have a rule, or your vet will advise. Some wormers now come in tablets, which you can feed like treats, but if the one you are meant to give comes only in a syringe, then here's something you can try, if you have a day or three until the worming needs to be complete. My pony was terrified of syringes, and now worms no problem.

1. Get an empty plastic syringe (probably from the vet), and some juice (apple...I actually used citrus punch, that seemed to go over well).

2. Let the horse sniff the syringe, put some juice in, and then let him investigate it again...gradually accustom him to having a little juice dribbled from it on his lips...and work up to being able to shove the syringe gently into the back of his mouth (from the corner, pointing back and up, closed lips are fine), and get a shot of juice this way. This should take only a few minutes. Careful not to let him grab the syringe!

3. Repeat with juice for another day or two. Give him several syringes of juice in a row.

4. When you want to worm, give him two syringes of juice, prepare the juice syringe again, but give him the wormer next, and then follow it immediately with the last juice syringe. Hopefully, the wormer will stay in the horse!

Oooo that's a good tip thanks for that!

 

[BayLove]

One of my best friends is feeling exactly the same with her new horse- dont worry you arent alone!!

Regarding the field, why did you choose that yard particularly? Is there anything else in the area? From the sounds of it i dont know if id try and get in with this other woman, as tbh shes probably always going to be a bit of pain in the bum!! Shes making excuses already, so what happens if youre in a rush one day and dont have enough time to do a bit of poo picking?

Personally, id worry about the gate, id get the YO to sort that ASAP, and then maybe hunt for a new yard in time for winter, if thats an option as with a cobby with feathers, a mud bath might just be more than a nightmare :/ Hello mudfever....

I moved yards in the first 6 months when i got lexi, as it wasnt working for me, Its nothing personal to the yard or the people, i had some fab times there, but it just didnt suit me!!

And i think get the shoes sorted ASAP, thats pretty easy to sort out and the worming needs to be done. I use equest as i find it the easiest and just buy it from my local tack shop

Good luck though and dont worry, youll come through it And then youll have the best summer if your life

I didn't choose it, it was the only place available. There are other places but no spaces so that's no good.
Gate's not an issue anymore cus he's moved into his share field. New field doesn't get as muddy as it's further up the hill so hopefully feathers shouldn't be too much of a problem.
As for the lady I'm sharing with I'm in there now and that's that, she'll have to get used to it - see I'm getting tough!
Shoes aren't as bad as I probably made out. The vet wasn't worried about them just said to get them sorted next time. I've booked him in with the farrier anyway.
Worming is the next thing to do but i want to get advice from my vet for that when he's due his next vac, so sorted!
Thanks, things are actually much better already!

 

[trickivicki]

i've owned and managed my own horses since I was 13, competed in all disciplines and worked full time in a race yard.

current Pony (Mr P) and me have been a team for the last year and i still have moments when i feel over whelmed!!

its normal HOWEVER if you ever want some to have an irrational chats (i am the biggest worrier going and guarantee whatever your concern I will have worried about it before you and been fine!!) just send me a PM!

(HINT- my current concern is whether to put hay on the floor or in a haynet or in a hay rack, I actually sat on my straw and cried about it yesterday~!! it all justt gets to much sometimes!!)

 

[Polo*Pony]

Yes he's my first and i'm first to admit i'm very over whelmed!
I'm doing it all on my own too. No one else I know is horsey and sometimes I need someone to give me that bit of reassurance that i'm doing the right thing.

Whereabouts are you? I'd be willing to give you a hand with things if you like; I'm sure plenty on here would be.

 

[Polo*Pony]

Just read through the rest of the thread and wanted to say I'm glad things seem to be getting sorted!
I totally overhorsed myself with my first one - I bought a 4 year old, having been told he was 7 - there was a LOT to undo there which took years, especially as I was learning alongside him! Yes I was extremely naive and it wasn't at all the ideal situation, but I wouldn't change it as I learned so much and made a great bond with my horse.

Also just seen that you're from the same county as I am, so if you need any recommendations for farriers, vets, instructors or whatever just drop me a message. Good luck with your lad and hopefully we'll see more pics of him soon!

 

[BayLove]

i've owned and managed my own horses since I was 13, competed in all disciplines and worked full time in a race yard.

current Pony (Mr P) and me have been a team for the last year and i still have moments when i feel over whelmed!!

its normal HOWEVER if you ever want some to have an irrational chats (i am the biggest worrier going and guarantee whatever your concern I will have worried about it before you and been fine!!) just send me a PM!

(HINT- my current concern is whether to put hay on the floor or in a haynet or in a hay rack, I actually sat on my straw and cried about it yesterday~!! it all justt gets to much sometimes!!)

Oh my goodness! We could be the same person! I'm already worrying about hay and rugs and is he on enough grass and what do I do with his feathers in winter - I'm going to stop now! I'm sure you'll be hearing from me, thanks.