Horse IQ

Settling your horse into his new home with you begins before you even purchase him. You will have an extra hard time settling in a skittish or mal-adjusted horse, not to mention the extra trouble that he will cause you over time. So it pays to get over this hump early. Here are several things that you should know before you even make the purchase.

The first thing to be sure of is the attitude of the horse. Make sure that it is not aggressive or worn out when you come to meet it for the first time, and take a good look at the stall. Owners who take good physical care of their horses are likely to take good mental care of them, too. Also, bring along someone with experience to watch as you ride the horse to make sure that the gait is good. Don’t forget your helmet - you’re dealing with a strange horse.

If you are sure that it is true love with your chosen horse, then make sure that he is seen by a equine vet before concluding the purchase (specifically a vet that you trust). There is almost nothing sadder than getting your horse home and discovering that something makes him unrideable or otherwise unhealthy. Your vet should be able to warn you about any problems, and you can make an informed purchase.

Once you’ve signed the check, it is time to bring your horse home. Make sure that you know what kind of feed the horse was on before so that it is not changed abruptly. Also make sure that your horse has at least a couple of days of quiet time before he is taken out for anything more vigorous than a brushing. Ask the former owner how the horse handles new situations to help you understand how best to settle him, and how long he will take to get comfortable.

Unload the horse in a quiet area away from busy roads or other horses. If the corral where your new horse will live is already occupied, then you should remove the original occupant first and let your new horse settle in before introducing the original horse. Make sure that there is already food and water available when your horse get to his new home to make him that much more comfortable.

If your other horses react a little aggressively to your newest addition to the family, try not to worry. The horses are establishing rank, and should calm down once they have decided who is the “alpha horse.” If the fighting seems overly aggressive and you fear injury to either horse, remove the original resident to protect both horses. You may have to decide on a new place to corral the newest addition.

After buying a new horse, making him happy and comfortable in his new home is hopefully just the first step in a lifetime of pleasure between you and your horse. Before you know it (as long as he gets lots of loving care), he will have practically forgotten that he ever lived anywhere else.

Yours for Better Horse Health,

Sierra Lynch

Tags: Horse Sale

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