Settling In

[chickeninabun]

I have a new pony coming over from Germany the first week in December (I know, ages yet!!). She is being shipped over in a lorry via ferry, although not sure what time of day she will arriving yet.
Any ideas on the best way to settle her in to her new home. Stable? Field? Meeting her new friend? Good grooming? Just leave her to it? She is used to spending most of her time stabled at a big yard, but is coming to our yard with just one other horse on it.

 

[darksecret99]

I'd suggest putting her straight in her stable with hay and water to chill for a while - she will probably have wobbly sea legs!! She might be a bit dehydrated after the journey too...

If she can see her new friend from the stable, then that will probably help...

We usually leave horses that arrive here (Guernsey) from the mainland to chill for an hour or so and then take them out for a 5 min walk around the school to stretch their legs and have a look around.. (in a bridle and lunge rein, wearing gloves, hat etc!)... then mainly leave them in peace for the first day... you have to play it by ear though, depending how tired or stressed they are...

We also keep an eye on them to check they wee and poo normally before leaving for the night...

Then next day, all being well, routine as normal... they are usually pretty tired for the first few days though, so we try to not fuss them too much (tempting as it is!!!)

Good luck!!