[kathryn]

So I am bringing a horse home in a few days (HOPEFULLY!) and I just want to know what to do to make him feel at home. He will be in a small paddock that is in between the other two main fields, so he will have access to every single horse that is there. How do I "bond" with him to welcome him to his new home?

 

[Sunny]

When I brought Sunny home, I left her in a small paddock for the first two and a half days so she could meet the other horses, but not be so close she could get hurt. I came everyday and just sat in her paddock with her, would pet her, talk to her, a bit of brushing. Just quality time to build her trust, but not be so overbearing that you get on her nerves. Do alot of "nothing" in her paddock. It'll teach her that everytime she she's you it doesn't mean he's going to be harrassed, or ignored. Just let her know you're an alright person to be around. =) Best of luck, and congrats!
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[kathryn]

so I am thinking a LOT of grooming and petting and talking to. But on crossties or in the paddock?

 

[Kayty]

I'd throw her out in the paddock for the first day at least. Then after that depending on how she's settled I'd bring her in and groom her, do some ground work and start lunging/riding after a few days. Some horses take longer than others though. I'd wait until she was fully settled, used to you being around etc. until you start riding.

 

[Kayty]

*him, sorry I'm used to having mares!

 

[kathryn]

I don't even know if my new horse will be a mare or a gelding haha, I am just used to geldings so I said him I am horsehunting this weekend with my trainer!