Those early days with a new horse...

E

elsielouise

Well-Known Member
Joined
9 February 2005
Messages
778
Visit site
So... I'm currently on day two of my five day trial with my alleged 7 year old. Don't know if this is more traumatic than just committing and buying the flipping thing and dealing with whatever is thrown at you! Her job is to be a companion for my mare and a hack for husband and hunter - maybe - for me. Please tell me about your experiences of those early days with a new horse or your trial experiences as it all feels a bit traumatic - and nothing has even happened really!

For us so far the negatives are - turns out it's rising five not seven and it's had a mini panic attack at being left in stable within sight of others but away from my mare. Oh and she nibbles EVERYTHING - as they do when babies - is like she's never learnt not to so a bit worried about how much handling she's had.

Plus sides include my novice husband riding her out this morning for 20mins and her not putting a foot wrong though she did plant herself in the yard when he first asked her to walk on - (tho' had already walked out keenly with my trainer who jumped on first. so discounted that). He trotted behind me and she stopped shen I kept trotting on my mare. Lovely.
And she's easy to catch - comes straight up in the field. Loads and travels well.

Plus we've given her a full hosepipe bath today as noticed in the field she was the one covered in flies with all the dried on sweat fmro the dealers yard and she was great with the hose and shampoo debacle.

I just wonder what else is reasonable to test her on in five days. Was thinking about trailering over to a local show but since I don't plan to show her is little point and she only came on Friday so too much stress for her I think.

I'm really pleased I got the trial 'cos I wouldn't let one go on one but what else would you test? What would be a 'deal breaker' for you? Have you had a trial and kept one or sent back AND how have the first few days gone with horses you bought without trials? Would you have sent it back if you could?
 
I am of the opinion that 5 days is far too short a time to really get to 'know' a horse - she would barely have found her feet after such a short time. She sounds like a nice sort, hope you have fun with her! (my new 5 year old arrives on Monday, Im so excited I cant sit still!!) PS the nibbling thing - my recently sold 15 year old played with anything in his reach if he thought you weren't looking, he was just that sort of horse!!
 
I haven't had one on trial, but a 'deal breaker' for me would be bad behaviour under saddle, aggression towards humans or other significant behavioural problems. Your little mare sounds lovely. Its a delecate business a trial isn't it? You want to do enough to know, but not overface them. It sounds like she got a bit anxious in the box so it might overface her to trailer her to somewhere stressful until she feels more secure.

Given what you have said, I'd just stick with more of the same, after all that is what you want to do with her in the longer term.

Good luck with your decision
smile.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
I am of the opinion that 5 days is far too short a time to really get to 'know' a horse - she would barely have found her feet after such a short time.

[/ QUOTE ]

I totally agree!! I have my mare on trial for 2 weeks and i still didnt get to 'know her'. Also it takes a horse especially a youngster a long time to settle in to new surroundings.
But sounds great hope you get on well!
 
TBH she sounds like a gem, she probably had a paddy about being on her own as she is in a strange place (and if shes been on dealing yard, then she would be entitled to be insecure). Nibbling is just something horses do as someone else said I would expect her to be as solid as a rock under saddle and a nice cheery soul when handled.
Good luck with her
 
I have had Fly now for 15 weeks. The first 6 were fairly traumatic as he napped, reared and would not jump. Now we have bonded so much and he is a different horse. Some horses take longer than others but if I had had Fly on trial for a month I honestly do not think I would have stuck with it. Glad that I did but sounds like no major issues with yours and a week is such a short time. Good luck.
 
I agree really. her stress last night was just that and so I think we'll do more of the same today... little hack... bit of fussing. Turn her out and see what's what. She's a little sweet heart and I do hope she settles.

Still interested in other people's stories though
 
I didn't have a trial period, but had decided that my lad had three months - if we didn't click after that time, then I would sell him. I've had him 3 years now and we still have our moments! There's none of them perfect and I think as long as you can cope with what they throw at you and you like the horse, then things can only improve. Your mare is still young, so she probably just needs a bit of confidence and TLC.
 
WOW - she sounds a complete poppet. And you are considering taking her to a show after 5 days??????? I have always let my horses take their time settling in, it is very stressful for them coming to a new home, a new routine, new fieldmates etc. I don't think I even rode any of mine in the first week or so. Sounds to me like you have a good one - but patience is the key.
 
She sounds a sweetie. However, alarm bells would ring with me immediately about the planting!

I didn't have Thumper on trial - I'm really not sure that you can tell that much in such a short space of time.

We're are in now in week 7 and his true charachter is now just emerging. He didn't put a foot wrong initially. But has recently developed a taste for human flesh (mine!) and does like the odd nap. None of these were evident in the first couple of weeks - and are certainly not a problem now. I just use them as examples.

I wouldn't keep the mare personally. You have been misinformed about her age - and she sounds as if she could have a nap. Not what you want for a novice rider.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top