New Yard - hints, tips and tricks needed!

[dexnem]

Hi all

I've made the rather large decision to move my horse to be with me at university for my final year - it's been too difficult only seeing him every couple of months so have decided to make the big move. Thing is... how?!

My horse was at one yard from a yearling, moved to his current one age 4 and have been to a couple of camps over the past few years and was very worried when he was left to be stabled. He is very reliant on other horses to be there - doesn't interact a lot with them, but won't be left alone essentially. So, when moving to my new yard, how can I help him settle? I have a month to get things ready for us both. They require for you to have your own mucking out tools etc so need to spend yet more money on that!

When I take him, should he be stabled or left to graze? Not sure on yard owners policy but how would I go about introducing him to the other horses? Boots on/ off? Rug? He will be stabled at night.

I am perhaps being a bit more concerned than I need to be but I'm a bit worried that he won't settle and will injure himself or someone else.

I'm also needing to get a first aid kit put together, and need recommendations of cheap but quality mucking out tools. I essentially have nothing as at my current yard we all share.

Thanks very much - here's hoping I can put my mind at rest soon!

 

[Haz:)]

Hello!

How exciting OP, well atleast it should be - try not to stress to much.

Regarding your horses needs - I'd advise you spoke to your new YO about your horses needs - I'm sure they will be able to help and possibly provide a solution or offer advice.

As for putting him in the stable or turning straight out - I popped my pony in the stable and he was fairly chilled, and then I chucked him out.
My TB was delivered and she put him in the stables, which completely stressed him out and I had go carefully walk him down to his turnout. I feel providing the turnout is good and very secure, horses around them then they should be fine to go straight out. But each to their own; yours may be more comfy in the stables.

I don't know if I'd put him straight with a herd if that's what your asking. I put rugs on both mine when they went out - but that was because it was cold. Put boots on if you feel more comfortable just make sure he doesn't wear them for a long time.

You can buy ready made first aid kits from anywhere from £20-40 for basic ones and around £100 for the more extensive ones. The cheaper ready made ones should do you fine to start with and you can always build it up if you wish later on when all your initial moving yard costs are sorted. Because I'm paranoid I'm slowly building my first aid kit up as I want all the recommended first aid kit there is - which includes things like wire cutters, nail removal pulls, etc.

As for yard tools, I have a poo pick in blue that's nice, pretty regular, paid about £15 for it, and spent about £10 on a mini metal shavings fork as the big ones in my opinion aren't as good. Check online maybe for the beast deal as mine came from my local tack shop / horse store.

Just try to relax and look forward to it. Best of luck to you and your horse!!

 

[dexnem]

Thanks very much - will bear some points in mind! I'll have a chat with her this week and see what's best, although until we arrive i guess I can't plan too thoroughly!