[Mythical]

Completely by chance, last week, I found a horse to part loan who looked perfect for me. Spotted the ad on Tuesday lunchtime and responded straight away, was invited to see the horse on Tuesday evening and they immediately asked me to start sharing the horse!
He's his owner's absolute pride and joy and very much not a riding school horse!! I'll be sharing with his owner, looking after him and riding a couple of days every week.

My first day looking after him is this Sunday and although I've been in this situation a few times before, it was a long time ago, so I'd love some tips on how to spend my first day getting to know him? (I also thought this might be a nice thread for anyone else who is excited about their new lease horse!!)

I think I'd like to:
mostly not crowd him too much or spend all day with him just yet, spend a little time grooming him, bring lots and lots of treats (already ok'd this with his owner!) maybe go for a short hack and if he has turnout available, spend some time observing him in his field with his buddies.
Anything else? anything I shouldn't do?

 

[hel]

Have fun to!

 

[Saranda]

For a first day, I'd groom a horse and then take him for a little walk, leading him, not riding, and dealing with any respect issues that might arise from ground. Also, petting him a lot, to explore, how high is his trust level and how comfortable he feels with me. Watching him in the pasture sound like a nice idea, too. The next few days I'd do some groundwork, and only then go up to riding. But I like to take things slow and make sure that the horse accepts me, before mounting.

 

[cowboy bowhunter]

Do like you would with any horse. Groom him, saddle him and ride him. Horses should be able to be riden the first time a person see them. When ever i get a new horse i do give them a day to get use to the other horses before i ride them. But if they are in there place they have been for a while, get on and ride.

 

[MN Tigerstripes]

I agree with Cowboy.. When I move a horse to a new place or away from friends I give them some time to adjust, but if the only change is a new rider I just get on and ride.

When new people come out to ride my horses I have them catch, groom, and tack them up. Then they get on and ride. The ones that know something take a couple minutes to check out the "buttons" and see what the horse can do, then they're good to go.

 

[Mythical]

So my first day with him went quite badly - went out for a walk down the lanes, and he got a bit spooky and started messing about on the road. Nevermind. Other than that, he was an absolute angel!

I've been looking after and riding him three times a week since and yesterday he even whickered a bit when I got there. Clearly I've been accepted as the food-bringer! I feel very honoured!!