Do not be discouraged if your “newbie” is nothing like the horse you tested out but see it from his point of view, you are a stranger, new surroundings are unfamiliar, very stressful (we are the same way when we move), he is looking for comfort, something to be familiar, to understand. Not writing this up to scare but to second Callie’s advice, take the time it takes to allow them to settle in becoming familiar with you and their new home. Grooming illustrated physical and mental sore spots, the next day my farrier came out to pull his shoes, wish I could have taken more time before doing this, had no choice as his hooves were dangerously in need of trimming, Chunky bit, kicked, struck out – not at all settled. His dislike of the new surrounding was intense, visceral, not so thrilled with me either. Not his first outing, had been recently shipped to another stable to be broke to drivee (did not go well & was subsequently returned), been to some schooling shows. The first day Chunky was unfocused and insecure. When I got my Lipi 13 years ago, he was recently gelded, needing farrier attention, some of his handling had been rough and quick, very oral and bossy boy. In 1985 she started her own business in Skidby and now works hand with equine vets, physiotherapists, chiropractors and horse insurance companies to assess horses with problems. Instinctive Horse Trainer, Melanie Watson was trained by the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, where she was in charge of dressage horses, training riders in riding schools, breaking horses, caring for broodmares and learning herd and infant psychology and behaviour. Invest in some good quality horse toys to keep his mind active and occupied.Seek advice from your vet and physio if you’re thinking of changing his riding routine.Make sure your horse is never alone through periods of change – allow him to retain his herd mentality.Be flexible – make sure you’re willing to change your goals or time scales to suit your horse. ![]() Be vigilant about new people and horses who come into your horse’s life.Introduce any sort of change to your horse’s routine gradually.With any change of routine it’s important to help your hors e to stay calm and relaxed. By giving him the freedom in a relaxed unpressured environment, he should find it easier to accept new places in the future.” Keep him calm throughout a change “Also take your horse around to the school and let him explore there too, it’s important not to work him in there at first, just let him have a good look. ![]() If you’re worried about turning them all out together at first, introduce them over the fence at first, before allowing them into the field together. Try also to turn out and bring in in groups or pairs to avoid separation anxiety. When the time comes to turn him out, make sure he has a few buddies, more than two is preferable so that he can’t become too attached or obsessed with just one friend. ![]() “Keep a close eye on his movements and see if he takes a particular liking to a certain horse. “Rather than putting him in places, such as a stable or field, either let him loose on his new yard (if it’s safe to do so), or if that’s not possible, walk him around on a loose rope and allow him to investigate at his own pace and talk to potential field buddies over the stable doors. “I think in this scenario, it’s important to give your horse the chance to explore his new surroundings at his own free will,” says Melanie. ![]() So, how do you introduce your horse to a new yard and a new set of friends successfully? Trainer Melanie Watson has some helpful advice. Uprooting and moving house can be stressful enough for a human who can quantify the reasons for doing it, but moving your horse can be a whole different ball game and even more stressful.
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