29/07/2025
So you have a new horse:
Part 1
Getting a new horse is always an exciting experience, but for a new horse owner, or someone coming back into horses, it can also be a bit challenging.
No matter if you have your horse at home or at livery expect that it's going to take time for it to settle in, for some that's weeks and others, months. It's generally accepted that it takes a year for a horse to feel fully at home in a new environment.
Remember that you are building a relationship that will hopefully last for years.
So take that time with your horse, grazing in hand, grooming, getting it comfortable with how you work.
Does your horse have any issues with picking its feet up?
Your farrier, vet and body worker will love you, if you put in the work to get your horse comfortable with the simple activity of picking up its feet well, it's surprising how many horses aren't.
If your horse struggles to pick up its feet remember it's about safety, the horse needs to feel safe in order to give you its foot. If you have its foot in the air and a 'lion' comes round the corner, how is it going to be able to run away!?
Try using positive reinforcement like a lick or treats.
Is your horse relaxed standing tied up?
If your horse doesn't like to stand tied up, try with a hay net, or next to a friend. The other thing to consider, is that a horse that tends to pull back, is pulling against pressure; trying to stop them by grabbing the head collar will just increase the pressure in the situation.
Instead try using a slow release tie ring, if the rope gives a bit with pressure it can slow the panic mentality.
Does your horse lead, or do you feel like a kite half the time?
If so, think about changing your head collar; a fluffy soft nose band is no good on a horse that doesn't know how to lead. It doesn't mean you have to resort to a chifney; something like a Dually or rope head collar are great, or maybe your horse just needs a leather head collar with a rope nose band.
(Important note about rope head collars, don't tie up in them, they are fab as a training tool but you don't want your horse to pull back in them.)
Can you move your horse's body about easily? A horse that is able to move over and back up, in a calm, relaxed responsive way, is a safer horse.
Can you lead it from both sides?
Stand quietly at the mounting block?
All these things take time to establish; you are developing the common language between you and your new horse.
Setting the boundaries in the relationship and being a calm, confident leader is not about being a bully, clear boundaries give your horse a sense of security, that they can trust in you; plus it's also a safety thing, in a crisis you do not want your horse to run over you.
Most of all be patient, with yourself and your horse.
Remember horses are strong and amazingly fast when the need arises, and with the best will in the world, from you and your horse, accidents do happen. But a horse that is calm, confident and trusts in your leadership will be a far safer and more enjoyable partner.
If you feel at a bit of a loss as to how to set those boundaries and lead the conversation with your horse, ask someone for help, there are so many wonderful horse trainers out there to get support from.
Happy horsing and stay safe.
I would love to hear your stories of how you helped your new horse settle in and become a great partner.
https://idolo.co.uk/collections/tether-ties
