Picking up my first horse on Sunday! Any tips?

[Hoshi]

I've been riding for many years, on and off, but have only now found myself in the financial position of being able to own a horse. I've found one that so far seems perfect and her current owner has agreed to a loan for a few months to see how we get on - YAY!

So... She will be on full livery at my local yard for now, because I want to make sure that I have as much support as I need to learn how to look after her. She is coming with tack, and I have bought buckets (feed and water), haynet, rug, grooming kit, headcollar and lead rope.

I've organised insurance, and transport - the transport company being highly recommended by several friends with horses (as I have never transported a horse before, I wanted to make sure the person doing it knew what they were doing!!)

I have details of what she currently eats, and will also get a record of worming/vaccinations/teeth check/feet trimming before I leave her current owner on Sunday so I know what was done, when, and when it is next due.

What haven't I thought of? Is there anything that you think I should have done that is missing from the above? And do you have any tips for me on Sunday?

 

[Tobiano]

Good luck! Before you pick her up do make sure you have a clear comprehensive and signed loan agreement, and you should also be given her passport when you collect her.

Up to you, but you might want to get a saddler /physio booked to look at her as so many horses these days have ill fitting tack and / or back issues. Or if you have a particularly experienced YO they may be able to advise you on whether you need them or not.

Other than that, am sure there will be lots that crops up in the next few weeks but the main thing is to enjoy her and dont be too concerned if she takes a few days or even weeks to settle.

I wouldnt put her in a field with other horses who have back shoes on - that can be a recipe for disaster.

Enjoy, good luck, and lots of pictures please!

 

[Hoshi]

Thank you. Forgot to mention there is a loan agreement in place, and as for her passport - they wont give me the passport until I have bought her, but will give me a copy whilst she is on loan. I am a little bit concerned about that, although the transport guy has agreed that a copy, whilst not ideal, will suffice during transport.

I'm certainly planning on getting her vetted before I make a decision to buy, and I am very lucky that the yard manager, who is also my instructor, is absolutely amazing when it comes to spotting problems with ill fitting tack or horses with physical problems.

Will defo post pictures!

 

[Tiffany]

Lucky you getting a horse on loan with view to buy. Got to say I wouldn't let my girl go out on loan but that's not relevant. Think you have most things covered although, you may want to ask current farrier if he will travel to your yard. You'll also need to register with a vet unless you are staying with owners vet which would be best.
Look forward to seeing photos and good luck with her.

 

[Hoshi]

I know i've been very lucky, especially as she is such a lovely, safe horse with fab brakes! She was actually up for sale, but I contacted the owner and she agreed to a short loan first as she will be my first horse. Makes me feel very reassured that they are confident that we'll get on, and that she's a decent horse!

We can't really use current farrier or vet as we are at least 1.5hrs away from current yard.

 

[twiggy2]

Thank you. Forgot to mention there is a loan agreement in place, and as for her passport - they wont give me the passport until I have bought her, but will give me a copy whilst she is on loan. I am a little bit concerned about that, although the transport guy has agreed that a copy, whilst not ideal, will suffice during transport.

I'm certainly planning on getting her vetted before I make a decision to buy, and I am very lucky that the yard manager, who is also my instructor, is absolutely amazing when it comes to spotting problems with ill fitting tack or horses with physical problems.

Will defo post pictures!

legally a copy will not do and it is not proof of ownership so seems a bit crazy they wont give you the passport

 

[Herts05]

Remember that you will need the passport when you have flu jabs done so that it can be logged by the vet and if you want to travel to competitions etc.
Also, some yards require passports to be kept on site

 

[SarahF]

Hi OP - how did it go? All's well I hope? Piccies please!!

 

[Hoshi]

Thank you SarahF - it went really well! She's settled in really nicely so far and we went for our first little ride together yesterday and she was fab - nosy but not at all spooky.

 

[SarahF]

Ooh she has a sweet face - obv chuffed with her lovely new headcollar
(I too have a new purple headcollar packed away - waiting for the right/1st horse to come along lol!)

What's her name? Has the excitement eased at all yet?
(I get butterflies in my tummy for people when I see "1st horse" threads haha!)

 

[hayinamanger]

She looks a real sweetie, I hope everything works out well for you.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

She looks like a brilliant 1st horse (she reminds me of our late cob mare who would have made a fab 1st horse). And her owners obviously have faith in her to allow her to go on lwvtb.

Good luck with her - and enjoy!

 

[Elsiecat]

Lovely I hope you have many years of fun together.

 

[Hoshi]

She is called Miranda. And no, the excitement is still there! I spend all day at work trying to work out how to get away earlier to see her, or thinking about the next time I am going up to the yard. Getting really grumpy every time someone asks me to put some extra hours in lol! (although the extra money comes in handy now we have a horse!).

The butterflies have eased off though - I had them for so long I could barely eat anything and didn't sleep properly for days!

 

[Booboos]

Congratulations she does look very sweet! Hope the loan works out and you can buy her outright!

 

[Hoshi]

Thank you so much everyone - she does seem rather lovely, although is behaving better for everyone else on the yard than she is for me! I think I need to be a bit more confident around her on the ground. Am going up to see her tomorrow afternoon and think it will be too windy to ride, so will perhaps just do a little bit on the ground - leading her up and down the yard, asking her to stop (and stay stopped which is my biggest problem with her at the mo). Also having a few issues getting the bit into her mouth (only me though - she is fine with others! lol).

 

[On the Hoof]

Oh she looks lovely, I hope you have lots of fun with her. I've had my cob, my first horse, for about 8 months and I still watch the clock at work as I can never wait to see her each day.