How long to let a new horse settle before riding

Hi, I would be interested in hearing member's views on how long to let a new horse settle in before riding him [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

As long as there is no reason why you shouldn't, straight away, I don't mean as soon as you have unloaded, but certainly the next day. I think it is a positive step for horse and rider, as in start as you mean to carry on. It doesn't have to be a lot but I think it's like saying" this is our life together, lets do it" it's to easy to keep making excuses not to.
Pen x

I am with Pen on this. You don't go to a show and say, ohhh just have a week or two to settle in.

Walking out in hand, or sitting with them in a field or stable and just reading a book all helps with the bonding precess.

I feel that you don't really see the real horse till after a year, but around 3 weeks they do try you out just to see what they can get away with now they have got their feet under the table so to speak. This is when you really must carry on as you mean to go on.

Come on felicity "spill" are you getting a new pony??????????? do tell!!!!!
Pen x

Personally I would always do some groundwork first, its fun and it gives you a chance to really get to know each other and it helps to build trust. Even if just for a few days.

Thanks everyone for the input and yes, Pen, I have a new pony [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] .
I will definitely be building a relationship on the ground with groundwork especially as he is pretty stressed by the move.

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Try some Iganatia to help settle him into his new surrounds.

Thats great news Felicity, fingers crossed all goes well, let us know how you get along, it would be lovely to follow your progress. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] you know where I am if you need a hand with anything.
Pen x

Thanks guys [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] Where do I get Iganatia from? [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

The pharmancy ask for 30ch, give 5 the first day 3 times a day, then just one a day in it's water, or slide it into a carrot or apple. Until thje horse appears more settled. If that doesn't work then give me a shout.

Thanks for that Horseybird [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] I'll try it [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

How are you getting on Felicity? is he settling down yet. Just a thought, if you can't get along with homeopathy perhaps you could try a herbal remedy, something containing chamomile, verbain, valerian root and skullcap all of which are relaxants, ideal for a horse that is nervous, tense or insecure.
Pen [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

like pen says depends on what their previous routine was, how fit they are etc. i use herbal on animals and myself, on hay fever at moment, with success, i do find the grass here rich plus its spring grass so i control energy by limiting grazing, corn etc. and generally use lunging to remove excess nervous energy before riding combined with grooming to start the session, i reckon they are like us and must feel disorientated by new surroundings, different food and perhaps miss old owner and horse companions.

Thanks Pen and Tristar. Oscar has settled down a lot and is even playing with the boys. It's only been a week so things are going in the right direction.

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