[Barn Boss]

I am most likely to get a horse tomorrow and I want it to feel comfortable. It would be a calm horse and gelding if that matters I dont know the owners so I can really get something from them the only thing I get is the halter and the horse.And also how long do I have to let it settle in does it depend on the horse because I have heard of someone who just unloaded him and rode but some other people take two weeks.I would definately not mix him with my other horses (the meanies) for a long time.One more thing (hahahah) I have 60 acres so when I do ride him for the first time do I ride him at my house or at the arena,and do I also let one of m experinced horseriding friends first.

 

[JumpersRule]

Depending on how long the journey will be to your home from his previous owners, you would need to wait from a couple of days to a week. If the trip was really hard on him, I'd give him a chance to settle in and rest up before your first ride together.

I'm sure you bought a horse that matches your skill level, so I wouldn't think that one of your friends would need to ride him first. But if you don't feel comfortable with it, having a friend ride him first wouldn't hurt anything.

Congrats on a new horse! I'm going to pick up my new horse next week.

 

[Saddlebag]

Horses can take up to 6 wks to completely settle in. It might be best to turn him in with the others and let them have it out. A new horse always upsets the hierarchy and it can be quite disturbing to people but it will happen no matter when you turn him loose with them. He will be more unsettled by being separated from the herd. In his mind he's in the danger zone and not in the security of the others.

 

[CaptureItRememberIt]

I have to agree with both of these people who posted before me. This goes for both my own barn and the barn that I train and work for. We put the new horses in ''quarantine'' for 2-6 weeks mostly depending on the horse and the herd you plan on putting him/her in with. This includes his own stall to settle in and individual turnout next to the herd he will soon be joining. It gives them at least a chance to get used to each other through the fence without unsettling everybody at one time and the new guy still feels the safe being in the presence of other horses. At my house my horses have been together nearly all their life, and they have never been separated so any time we bring in a rescue or a family boarder then it becomes a riot.

 

[Sahara]

I would separate the horses for a few weeks so no bugs are passed around. However, if this is a well-broke horse that matches your skill level, I would be riding it immediately. I take my horses to different places to ride and they don't need to "settle" in before the ride. But, again, that depends on your comfort level. If you don't know the horse very well, get to know it in the arena first before hitting the trails.

 

[Red Gate Farm]

You've gotten great advice from the posters above.

I would add that if you're uncertain of riding the new horse, to ride with a friend. This way if anything happened, you'd have someone there while you get to know the new steed.

 

[FlyGap]

I would "quarantine" him for a couple weeks
You just never know... Make sure your
Other horses are UTD on their shots and
He is too.
I wouldn't throw him in with the others
Just let th see each other by taking him
For walks, good bonding!

Ride him right off the get go, that's why he
Is there! But don't get discouraged if he's
Antsy. Calm him and don't work too hard.

Enjoy!!! Congrats!!
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[.Delete.]

This really is in the wrong section

 

[natisha]

I would let him get used to the routine but not in with the group yet. Fence friends only, then in with only the top horse until they work it out & on down the line add the others. I already have enough vet bills.
When I went to get my new horse I took along the top mare that I thought would cause the most trouble. She was so happy to have company on the way home that there was no trouble.
Congratulations on your new horse.