How to Get Acquainted With a Horse

Getting to know a horse is an exciting prospect, but it's not like becoming acquainted with other pets. Since horses are large animals with minds of their own, you must start by watching your new equine to see how it interacts with other horses you may have in its new environment. When getting acquainted with a new one, it's important to turn the horse out for several days and get to know him on the ground before you try riding. This will give you a sense of whether your horse is dominant or passive, and indicate what approach to take.

Things You'll Need

  • Cross ties
  • Carrots or apples
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn the horse out as much as possible for the first few days. Start by putting it in a paddock or pasture that is separated from other horses, so they can get to know each other over the fence before you turn them out together. This will allow the new arrival to feel safe while examining his surroundings, and let the existing herd know that a new horse has entered the barn. Watch the horse interact with its new herd. This will tell you whether it will fit well into the equine hierarchy of your barn.

    • 2
      Groom your horse to get acquainted.

      Cross-tie your horse in a space such as a center aisle, with enough room for you to safely move around him. This allows the horse to see where he is and avoid being spooked. Keep one hand on the horse as you move around it, so it knows where you are, and talk to the horse. This helps get him used to you and learn to recognize your sound and feel.

    • 3

      Spend time grooming your new arrival. Your touch and voice will teach the horse that you are the caretaker and alpha. If the horse lives with you, be the person who feeds it. If you keep the horse in a boarding barn, carry some treats such as carrots or apples to help make it comfortable with you and set you apart from its daily caretakers.

    • 4

      Take your time when you begin riding a new horse. Your first ride should be a short walk, so you learn how much leg and hand is needed to move and direct the horse. Ride easy walk/trot exercises for the first week. Riding is a partnership in which you depend on your mount and must trust it, and it takes several months to build that relationship with a new horse.