![]() ![]() I live in northern Wisconsin so have not ridden him since last fall. I purchased a 6 year old Tennessee Walker last March so have not had him a year yet. There is a saying in a TV ad “change is hard, keep an open mind. Will remind myself of this as we are moving to a new facility in 6 weeks and although I am a known commodity, everything else will not be – reminding myself now to take the time, be patient, there will be some drama, I will try not to cause or inflame it. Take time to patiently modify undesirable behavior, teach them what is allowed and what is not, be unemotional about it, direct and matter of fact. You are the answer, spend your time observing, interacting, don’t take the frustrations personally, be calm and stable, let them figure out their place in the new herd. ![]() Do not be discouraged if your “newbie” is nothing like the horse you tested out but see it from his point of view, you are a stranger, new surroundings are unfamiliar, very stressful (we are the same way when we move), he is looking for comfort, something to be familiar, to understand. Not writing this up to scare but to second Callie’s advice, take the time it takes to allow them to settle in becoming familiar with you and their new home. Grooming illustrated physical and mental sore spots, the next day my farrier came out to pull his shoes, wish I could have taken more time before doing this, had no choice as his hooves were dangerously in need of trimming, Chunky bit, kicked, struck out – not at all settled. His dislike of the new surrounding was intense, visceral, not so thrilled with me either. Not his first outing, had been recently shipped to another stable to be broke to drivee (did not go well & was subsequently returned), been to some schooling shows. The first day Chunky was unfocused and insecure. ![]() When I got my Lipi 13 years ago, he was recently gelded, needing farrier attention, some of his handling had been rough and quick, very oral and bossy boy. ![]()
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