Before arrival
Confirm fencing, water, hay source, emergency contacts, vaccination records and transport details before the trailer arrives.
Keep the first week boring
Consistency reduces stress. Avoid changing feed abruptly or scheduling a parade of new experiences.
Quarantine thoughtfully
Discuss biosecurity with your veterinarian, especially when horses arrive from sales, shows, rescues or unknown backgrounds.
Build handling data
Learn how the horse leads, ties, lifts feet, loads and responds to routine care before assuming gaps are “bad behavior.”
Add work gradually
A new partnership benefits from short sessions and clear routines more than intense early training.