You’ve found your perfect equine partner, and you are ready to bring your new horse home. In this blog, our Equine Marketing Team shares their top tips and advice for bringing your new horse home & expert advice during those early days.
Plan Ahead For Your New Horse
Ask the seller when your new horses’ vaccinations are due and when they last had the dentist and farrier as you will need to make a note and book all this in. It would help if the seller could have the horse shod and dentist visit before taking him home (even if you have to pay directly for this). If your horse arrives desperately needing shoeing or with sharp teeth, it doesn’t give your horse much time to settle in before you need to see these professionals. Also, think about what you are going to ride him in. If there is no option to buy his saddle, book in a saddler to come as soon as possible. Don’t forget to budget for a new or second-hand saddle.
Ask Expert Advice
Before bringing your new horse home, ask the seller for advice on the current routine and exercise/schooling exercises and regime. While it might not be possible to emulate this routine exactly, having an idea of work and daily routine could help with planning when he or she arrives at your yard. Asking the seller what size rugs, tack etc. your new horse wears will also allow you to gather together some items before their arrival.
Food For Thought
Never change your new horses’ diet immediately on arrival. Order in the same feed as he or she is currently on. You can always change over gradually later on. If your new horse is unlikely to be in the same work or enjoying the same extended turn out hours in the early days, ask the seller to start to reduce their feed and work level down.
Hay You
Is your horse on soaked hay or haylage? It’s an excellent idea to find out which brand and how much to feed. The more information you can get from the seller on your new horse’s current diet, the better, so you are prepared ahead of his or her arrival.
Take It Slow
Some horses settle in very quickly. Other horses can take days or even weeks or months to relax into their new routine, environment and surroundings. You need to judge each horse as an individual. Our Equine Marketing Team have had horses for years and whilst some have settled in like they have been there all their lives, others remain unsettled for more extended periods. Have a plan for your horse in place but be flexible. If you aren’t a confident rider, make sure you have someone who can pick up the reins until you feel confident of getting onboard.
Planning Ahead? Read Our Essential Guide To Preparing Your Horse For Your First Competition.
