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Post by kya on Dec 29, 2007 13:07:35 GMT 1
I MAY be taking a mare on trial but I'm not entirely sure about a couple of things....
It's two hours away and I haven't even seen her yet.. but, would you bring the box just in case or is that too keen? She sounds like a great fit for me and we've been e-mailing and talking by phone for some time and I've seen masses of pics of her working. She's been in the same private home since breaking.
More importanly... IF I take her home for a week or two, what should I expect of her? Surely the change of scene is going to upset her and lead to some seperation anxiety type behaviours. What's allowable, and what's not? Should I try a hack out for example and have a soldier on the ground for safety? There isn't the same settling period as if I bought her, so I'm confused as to what to do. She's a placid girl, but only 6, and 6 is 6 if you understand.
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Cheryl Walmsley
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Post by Cheryl Walmsley on Dec 29, 2007 13:16:52 GMT 1
I don't think you'll know how she's reacts until you try. I think it might be suck it and see. 2 weeks seems like a short trial period thouugh. If you could have month then she could have two weeks for settling in and groundwork and another two to have a ride here and there. I would def take the box, if you def want to try her once you see her, you'll be sorry if you don't take it. Good Luck x
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Post by kya on Dec 29, 2007 13:19:20 GMT 1
Right... sounds sensible Sherb...
Just thought of something else... do you make an offer before or after the trial. Is price agreed in advance? Obviously that's subject to vetting here.
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Post by mags on Dec 29, 2007 13:32:41 GMT 1
Id ask the owner if she would like you to bring box, some might be abit taken back by person veiwing turning up with box.
As for what to do with her id just get on and work her, with abit of tact of course...allowing for her been abit worried.
I know lots of ppl with disagree with me and thats fine but I dont like to see horses been given a few weeks to settle and chill. From their point of view they have gone from been fit and worked to doing nothing and been just left alone to relax so their not receiving any guidence or getting to know 'their place'. And im sure we all know horses like to be led and know whats expected. So cue fresh and insucure horse in new home. Not a good combination
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Post by iceberg on Dec 29, 2007 13:35:58 GMT 1
Its exciting seeing a new horse.!!
Right then practical head on!
Agree a price before you see her imo, because if you do take her for a trial and fall in love only to find the price is way above what you expected / led to believe, it will be a big disappointment etc. Also owners will be less tempted to 'add a bit on' as they know you are keen.
If / when you get her home, I would launch into a routine asap, so she can start to feel as settled as possible. I would start with ground work, leading in hand, walking her, turning, stopping , starting - just establishing 'you are the leader, and to be trusted'. Food will help too!
I would ride the second day, with hubby walking by you, just a short ride and in your comfort zone. She will behave a bit differently im sure - its to be expected. But if you can take all practical precautions to ensure you all feel safe, then there is no reason why you cant build on this, over the next few days and take things a bit further.
I hope this all works out as you want.xxxxxxx
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Cheryl Walmsley
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Post by Cheryl Walmsley on Dec 29, 2007 13:41:35 GMT 1
Yes I agree with M&D about checking with owner first about the box. When I said a few weeks to settle I just meant no riding and only if you feel it's necessary, like I said, suck it and see. There's no reason why you can't longrein as part of your ground work and that way she's still in work.
I do agree with iceberg about the price but I think both parties are in the same position really, the owner doessn't want to have to bring the horse back once they think they've probably sold her. Perhaps you could agree a ball park figure first because until you fully know what she can do, maybe you don't know what you want to pay for her?
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Post by joto on Dec 29, 2007 14:53:14 GMT 1
Make sure you have insurance in place I case anything goes wrong.
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ajb
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Post by ajb on Dec 29, 2007 18:35:27 GMT 1
Agree with checking firstly before taking box with you. Would also agree with starting some work ie riding after a day or so. IMHO people often buy new horses and then leave them to "chill" or "find their feet" but horses go off in the box and go to either a show, fun ride, hunting etc and you dont give them time to "chill" you just get on and ride! Obviously this doesnt suit all horses but you're smart Kanga and will know what to do I am sure!
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Post by arabmania on Dec 29, 2007 19:14:43 GMT 1
Hi I agree with all above comments........... but although sometimes a horse appears settled straight away sometimes....... it takes a while longer for the confidence to shine through to be as they normally are. if you know what i mean?
any heirarchy takes more than a few weeks to establish..... its crucial in this time that ground rules etc..... are formed.
as an instance......... one pony we had behaved impeccably for a couple of months before reverting to his old ways of bucking napping etc etc.,........... we were lucky in the fact that we KNEW the pony's background/history so where kind of prepared!
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Vicky&Beenie
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Post by Vicky&Beenie on Dec 29, 2007 19:27:32 GMT 1
why not talk to the owner and ask her should i bring the box down? maybe for the first time when you try her out you shoudl just go and see if she really is suitable.
i normally ride the horse after about a week. but i only probably walk around the arena. i dont do much just to see how they react.
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Post by arabmania on Dec 29, 2007 19:30:33 GMT 1
meant to add to my reply that i never see any point in waiting too long to start riding! some horses travel to shows etc and go on holidays..... they get ridden either same day or the next day. so can never understand why some people wait
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Post by kya on Dec 29, 2007 21:14:28 GMT 1
I must say in my ignorance, I got Blue at 4, and rode him the day after he arrived. A great big walking hack!
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Post by gilly on Dec 29, 2007 21:50:55 GMT 1
Kanga I did the same with Ginger, first day we spent time together grooming and leading etc, then on the second day we went for a hack. I planned to just go up the lane but it went so well we went out for about half an hour. He was only 4 too, not hacked before, but it was fine and we never looked back. I think you just have to play it by ear and see how it goes with the horse, and how it feels to you. If it feels right, go for it and just take it easy. Get to know her by slow and steady hacking, relaxing, learning how she responds to your aids, then once you understand each other you can start to ask a little more. Definitely agree that a month trial would be more beneficial to both of you, 2 weeks is nothing Good luck!
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Cheryl Walmsley
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Post by Cheryl Walmsley on Dec 29, 2007 21:56:36 GMT 1
The reason I didn't ride Sherb when I first moved him is because I'm sure one of Kelly's books says to put groundwork basics in place and don't be in a rush to ride. I wasn't suggesting a fixed time period of two weeks I was saying that's how much leeway I would like to have if I was i that position. It depends entirely on the horse, you're not going to now how they react to moving until they come.
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Post by kya on Dec 29, 2007 22:13:41 GMT 1
Right. That gives me lots of ideas to work with. As always.. thanks.
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