Moving a horse from a facility to private home?

Question

I am going to be moving my horse from a place where there are a lot of other horses to my house, where he will be by himself. He's an OTTB with a great work ethic and outstanding attitude but he can be somewhat spooky in new situations. He isn't particularly herd bound but I have seen him get upset when he's turned out and all the other horses are in.

Right now I am planning on taking him for walks when I take my dog out for the first two weeks to help him acclimate. He is going to be inside when we aren't home (we live in a rural area but he's going to be in my front yard) for a little while.

This is all new to me as I've always boarded. Any tips, tricks or safety hints for working with a horse who is uncomfortable? I feel confident that he will settle down and be fine - that's his personality - but I want to know what I can do to help him adjust faster.

His paddock is going to be 50x68 with awesome footing so I can work him in circles if I need to.

Answer 1

This will be scary for him since they are heard animals.  I have a horse because of an injury had to be isolated for a period so I put a mirror  in her stall (baby one that you would put in a baby crib) and one of those cheap long ones from Walmart across the isle and it settled her right down. (crazy I know, but it worked for her)  Also, horses can not feel fear will chewing, so have plenty of hay flakes for him to munch on.

Answer 2

Even the calmest horse can come unglued when you separate him from all other equines.  I wouldn't underestimate the degree of difficulty you may encounter.

Tall, safe fencing is essential, and if he can jump it, he may try.  Are there horses anywhere nearby?  If he hears horses a ways away, it could prompt him to try to get to them.  I've seen them jump 5 foot fences when they aren't jumpers.  The most important thing you can do is be sure you can contain him safely....even if you have to stall him, and only let him out when you are with him and in control.  After awhile, he will settle in if he has no other choice, but that doesn't mean he might not try to escape.

The only other thing would be to get him a buddy...a goat or donkey would be better than nothing.  Good luck...he may be just fine and do nothing at all...but you should be prepared for anything!

Answer 3

Your technique sounds good for me.  Horses are herd animals, and I would give him a lot of time to get used to being alone. Spend a lot of time with him, and don't plan on him settling down for a couple months. Horses being by themselves means an easy meal for predators in the wild, so are usually more nervous by themselves. Even letting the dog by him at night outside the pen(as long as he knows the dog and is fine with it), might help out.

Answer 4

the rule is 1 acher per horse. shelter? food? water? vet bills?

also.

get him a goat if he is going to be alone. he will need the company.

make sure no nails, or unsafe fence areas. if so fix them.   don't leave the halter on him in the pasture, some people do but, it is not safe. they could get caught or dragged.  groom everyday, visit every day since he may not have company. if your not going to be there. have a child look after him. they would love it and so would the horse.

do not mowe the lawn and leave the horse in it, that could cause colic

don't leave trash in the paddock. that could be swallowed and be fatal.

make it an electric fence, it is safe and less chance or the horse getting caught in it.  don't ride it the first 3 days. It needs to settle in. get a connection and it will be comfortable.

hopefully the tips work.