We brought the potential new/first horse over to the barn I will boarding at on trial last night. What is normal for acclimation? When we first put him in the stall he was pacing back and forth for quite some time. He seemed anxious, but not crazy my trainer said. She thought it a little weird that he was pacing. He did settle down last night, but when they brought him in from turnout he spent some time pacing in the stall again. Took him out and grazed him on the lead and he was relaxed. He may have had all day turnout, or all night previously-we are not sure. He had also been moved to the "sales" barn from another city only 2 weeks ago-so the poor guy has moved a lot. My trainer said he needs to get used to the routine. How long should it take? What is normal behavior. He is 12 years old.
Some horses just don't like stalls. My old gelding paced constantly when he was stalled for the winter. My friend's arab mare has had BAD experiences with stalls (was raised at a show barn where she was stalled all the time, then she had an accident after my friend got her and had to be on stall rest for something like 6-8 months), so she goes a little crazy in stalls and paces constantly.
I'd give him at least a week to settle in completely and get used to all the new surroundings.
The girl who had him at the sales barn (friend of the owner) said it took him 2 days. I visited him there and he was calm in the stall. We have had him last night and my trainer seems more worried than I think she should be, but I really know nothing so I am not sure I can make the call.
Every horse is different, you said he was moved a lot. He could just be thinking how long until I get moved again maybe I shouldnt get comfy just yet. Once he realizes this is now home he should quiet down. Good luck with him!
My trainer has a point-if it always takes him 2 days to calm down he is not going to be good to take to shows. But then I agree with you nicole25-he has been moved alot and has been around all new people so there is NO familiarity right now.
With a new owner, home, and herd it's going to take more than 2 days...and that has nothing to do with how he'll do at shows in my experience. I've seen many horses take a few months before they are fully at ease.
Being relaxed at shows is something separate that just takes experience and practice like anything else.
Horses just get nervous, we all know this haha. He probably just hopes that he isnt getting moved and wants a home/stall that he will know. Once he gets to know you and know that you are his new "mum" he should warm up even more.
This being my first horse I am NOT the expert here, but common sense tells me like anything it takes time. I went out tonight, they had put a few toys in the stall, and he was not pacing like before. He came right up and let me put his halter on and I grazed him for a bit. I then put him in the cross ties and brushed him and messed with his feet. Then I walked him on the lead and grazed him some more and then put him back. He seemed OK. He looks around, notices the horses in the other pastures and sometimes calls out to them. I guess we shall see what tomorrow brings, and then I intend to spend the weekend with him.
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