How to settle in your new horse

Settling in a new environment can be difficult for horses. In the wild, horses live in family groups and stay in these groups until the end of their lives (or until they form a new group). Family groups provide safety from predators, but also consistent companionship. Because of this, changes in field mates, routines and surroundings can be very unsettling.

If you have a new horse on the way, there are things you can do to help them settle in. Remember that this settling in period can take a few months. It’s important to be patient with your new horse and avoid unnecessary stress. 

Before your horse arrives

Before your new horse arrives, there are things you can do to prepare.

If you’re stabling your horse at a livery yard, speak to the yard owner to discuss their quarantine requirements

It’s a good practice to test your horse for strangles. They should be tested for strangles before they travel to the new yard. While these tests are not always accurate, they can provide extra peace of mind.

Ensure your new horse’s paperwork (such as their passport) is ready to travel with them. By law, your horse's passport must be kept with them at all times. 

Settling in your new horse

Quarantining your horse

Quarantining your new horse can help to protect other horses from disease or infections that they may bring onto the yard (such as equine flu, ringworm, strangles and even worm burdens). An outbreak of disease can be difficult to manage, and even life threatening for vulnerable horses. Prevention is the best cure, so you should take steps to quarantine any new arrivals:

• If possible, set up an area separate to other horses. This is where your new horse will live for at least 21 days. If it’s not possible to create a separate area, they should be placed at an end stable or a paddock with no direct contact with other horses.
• Do not share grooming kits, cleaning equipment or buckets until your new horse is out of quarantine. It’s useful to clearly label equipment for horses in quarantine, as this can help to prevent sharing.
• Test your new horse before or on arrival at the yard to identify strangles. You should continue to monitor them for signs of illness and record their temperature, pulse and respiratory rate (TPR) daily.  
• Before your new horse is out of quarantine, carry out a worm egg count

Introducing your horse to the herd

When you introduce your new horse to the herd, they’ll want to investigate the new arrival. Squealing, posturing and running around is normal, but it’s important to carefully manage introductions.

1. Set up your new horse in a field close to the herd. They should be able to see each other but not touch their noses. Make sure this temporary field is secure and has enough food and water.
2. Start the introductions by scent swapping. You can pick up poo from your herd and place it in your new horse’s field, and vice versa. This will help your horses to learn the new smell before they meet.
3. If you’re introducing just two horses, you can also swap their fields with one another to help them get used to each other’s smells.
4. If you’re introducing a new horse to a bigger herd, bring the most sociable horse into the new horse’s field. Let them bond for a few days or a week. Make sure there’s plenty of space and no hazards in the field during this process.
5. When the pair of horses are getting along well, bring them both into the herd. You’ll need to monitor them for some time to make sure they’re all getting on. Look out for cuts and wounds on your horses. If your horse is used to wearing boots in the field, these may help prevent any knocks or scrapes on their legs.

Establishing a routine

Settling in will be easier for your new horse if you establish a routine as soon as they arrive. Unpredictability can be very unsettling for horses. So, a routine helps them to predict what’s happening and when (such as when they’ll be fed or turned out).

Give your horse at least a couple of weeks to settle in before introducing new training and experiences (such as travelling). This gives them time to feel more confident in you and their surroundings, before you ask them to do too much.

Building a bond

Building a bond with your new horse can help them to settle into their new home. They will take confidence from you if you are quiet and positive when handling. Building a bond will also help you to understand their personality and listen to their body language when they’re relaxed or uncomfortable.

Here are some tips to help you bond with your horse:

• Grooming your horse is a good way to get to know them. Look for their itchy spots – you’ll know you’ve found the right spot when their nose starts twitching, or they try to return the favour by scratching you.
• Sitting with your horse in the stable or field is another good way to help them get to know you. Try reading aloud or talking to them. This way, they can associate you and your voice with calmness.
• Handle your new horse in the company of their new friends as much as possible. This can help them to build their trust in you, without the distress of leaving their companions.

Being patient

Moving home away from their known companions can be very difficult for horses. During this time, their behaviour may be out of the ordinary, especially if you visited them before bringing them home.  

The best partnership is when you can adapt to how your new horse is feeling in the present. You can form this relationship by listening to your horse, reading their body language and being patient with them. Try not to set any time sensitive goals while your horse is settling in. Flexibility avoids unnecessary pressure on both of you and helps you to stay relaxed.

Remember that your relationship with your new horse is ever-changing. There will be good days and bad days as you help them to settle in. But the most important thing is to give them time.