| After months and months of research you've | | | | Talk to your horse in soft low tones. Sing songs in |
| finally found the horse of your dreams. However, | | | | the same tone or play a radio. Keep everything |
| this horse may not be aware that you have been | | | | quiet for about thirty minutes to an hour. |
| dreaming of trial riding, instead of endurance | | | | 3. Go for a walk. After grooming, take your horse |
| racing. Your new horse may be more into lazy | | | | on a slow stroll around the property that will be |
| afternoons in the pasture, instead of after-work | | | | his home for the next part of his life. If he seems |
| rides that are invigorating and stress relieving. | | | | skittish, keep the lead rope short, but don't rush |
| Take the time to get to know your new horse's | | | | back to the barn the minute he displays a little |
| personality by following these tips: | | | | fear. Turn around to the point where he last |
| 1. Give your horse time to settle in. When you | | | | seemed content, and then try again. Be prepared |
| arrive at your place with your horse, take him | | | | to stop and stand for as long as 15 to 30 minutes |
| straight to his stall or a small enclosure. Turn him | | | | while your horse takes in all the new sights, |
| loose for a few minutes. Keep an eye on him to | | | | sounds, and smells. |
| make sure that he doesn't get into mischief and | | | | Then, call it a day. Take your horse back to the |
| hurt himself. After about half an hour, give him a | | | | barn or pasture he will call home and let him get |
| little food and water. | | | | used to it on his own terms. Be sure to check on |
| 2. Groom your horse. After your horse has | | | | him every hour or so for the first night. |
| shaken off the dust from the trip to your home, | | | | Tomorrow, take a ride. Be sure to groom your |
| give him a long, slow grooming to create a bond | | | | horse before and after you ride. Take it easy the |
| between the two of you. Feed your horse a flake | | | | first few days. Once your horse is accustomed to |
| of hay, and then start brushing from top to tail. | | | | its new surroundings, you should have a faithful |
| Leave the legs and feet for last to avoid | | | | companion for life. |
| stressing your horse until he is more used to you. | | | | |