Bringing the horses home.....

[MelissaH]

I was planning to keep our two new horses at the breeders for a month or so while the lessons go on but now I am having second thoughts.

She does advertise boarding on the website but she is very expensive. She is giving me a break with the price but it's still pricey, especially with two horses. $275 each horse per month. Regular is 400.00. The problem is it isher home and it's always locked up to outsiders, and you got to call before you come and I still feel it's so inconvenient for her & the guys that work there. If it's a good time, yes you may come if not, oh well.

The lessons...we get four free but after that the ranch guy gives them. There is a language barrier & I don't feel comfortable. Also I want to look for saddles at certain places becuase I like the people there and there helpful but I she dislikes the place, forget it. She is a very outspoken powerful woman. Don't get me wrong she is wonderful but assertive, agreesive. She went yesterday and put a bunch of stuff on hold with my name so I could go and buy it. Halters, lead ropes, brushes etc...I feel part of the excitement is getting that stuff. I did go and get it and I do appreciate the help. But there are many people out there willing to help as well.

I was thinking of bringing the horses home and seeing if someone could come to us for lessons. I have met many people who are willing to help or refer someone. Is it customary for an instructor to come to you? I just feel sometimes like I am putting people out by wanting to see my horses. Most boarding stables are pretty much open to the public. No locked gates, no calling first. What do you think?

I looked at some saddles I really liked today but they were at a tack store she did not prefer. What so I do? I need to make the right descisions.

[KarinUS]

if you feel comfortable that you can take care of them without help then bring them home.
With taking care I mean: have you educated yourself enough to feed them right, keep them safe (horses find hazards you didn't even think of!) and can detect signs of trouble before it becomes serious.
I boarded my first horse first and it was very helpful. I had a very hands-on boarding experience. For example the YO would show me how to treat a hoof absess but expect me to come by and take care of it myself, etc. I got to know him and learn what was 'normal' for him so now if he's off I am confident I can spot it and get care for him.

If you are not at that point yet then it might be helpful to board for a while. I would rather see them at a place other than the sellers but since you bought them and don't have a place lined up that may not be an option.

So if you do take them home, please ask if you have problems and if in doubt haul them to the vet I guess.

[Kalypso]

hmmm...from experiences I've heard described on NR lately, the situation you would be in if you kept your horses at the breeder's yard...would ultimately end up with you being very frustrated. It sounds like the woman is a bit overbearing (or a LOT overbearing!), and she would try and control everything you do!

On the other hand, you've said yourself you've had quite a break, AND your little TWH is still fairly green. When I got Kallie, the only reason i actually kept her is that I moved her to my school barn, where my instructors helped me with everything I needed, and I had lessons three days a week (no, i'm NOT saying you need lessons three days a week! ;) ).

I have heard of instructors going to the owners (DavidH does it all the time!). But then again, that's the UK. Not sure how often that's done in the states! But it'd certainly be worth finding out. If you are not far from a riding school, you can always transport your horses there for weekly lessons. We always had a few people who did this, both at my school barn and at my hunter/jumper barn.

Is there any way you can look for another yard to move the horses to, until you are confident enough to bring them home and care for them on your own? (I'm not saying you AREN'T confident enough already, I just mean...if you aren't)

Anyhow, sorry this was so long! Good luck Melissa!

[shirley]

If you have everything ready for your horses to come home and are sure you can look after their everyday needs then go for it. In the meantime you can be finding out about instructors that live nearby to whom you could travel for lessons, or who will come to you. Getting them home and settled. Then getting to know them without anyone looking over your shoulder will be brilliant.
There will always be someone who appears to know more about horses than you do, but as time goes on you will become the experts with your horses, just as you are the experts about your relationships and children etc. You have the ability to read, get on internet and find out about things etc
It takes my son forever to muck out my cob, me it takes 7 minutes, why because I know where he poohs - we have a way of communication and way of mucking out his stable so as he gets out of the way and allows me access to the mucky bits etc - so I do not have to tie him up (as books tell you should be done). But this I know only because we have built up a relationship together. In part the quicker this starts without others peering over your shoulder the more comfortable you will be
Good luck with them have the very best fun ever!!!

[MelissaH]

Thanks for the advice. Yeah, I am confident in bringing them home. I have done enough reading and researching throughout my life but never so much as now. I have met many horse people in my area who also say to give them a call if I have any questions. My vet literally lives on my street around the corner. That's one thing I have noticed in the horse community is there are always people willing to help. I work out of my home so I am here 99% of the time. My job at home connects me with many people in my town and I am one of those people who are not afraid to ask questions if I find they have horses. My horses are out my front door just about or should I say would be.

My TW is not as green as I first thought.

I know horses are nothing like babies, but I am rather proud of myself with the upbringing of my daughter. I had no babies in my family when I had her, my mother was very ill during her birth and younger years and mother-in-law had moved far away. I had never even changed a baby diaper til my daughter was born. I had never even babysat or held a baby. Bewteen the internet, books and frequent calls to the pediatrcian.... I did pretty darn good. I'm not comparing horses and babies but I am not afraid to ask questions.

I think I could find someone to come to me for lessons. I would work something out. I just feel like I would benefit better by someone else instructing me.

[vjoy23]

I think you've answered your own question!

You're happy to bring the horses home and are able to care for them, thats great! But whats even better is being able to seek advice.

In the long run your horse will have to be moved at somepoint so why not sooner rather than later?? Moving will always be stressful to a horse but in varying degrees depending on the horse. If you can muck out and feed the horses the correct food then you've got the basics down.

My horse is green and I'm not confident or experienced enough to school her so I'm getting a pro to do it and then get us going together. I can ride but not teach a youngster.

You have to do what is best for you and the horses making sure that if you don't know something you ask, which by the sound of you, you definately will.

Good luck its been really interesting reading your posts!!!

[MelissaH]

Thanks vjoy23...I have made some connections through the horse grapevine and was recommended to a great instructor that will come to me. He is into natural horsemanship and I have heard great things about him. He has worked with a girl I met through the horse grapevine with problem horses and riders.

I have yet to speak to him, but I will be calling him in the next few days to get some feedback.

I am very confident in bringing the boys home. Caring for them does not scare me. I know the basics etc...I have many people in my community who are willing to help. My only area of concern is learning to saddle a horse correctly and riding in general. I am starting to realize that my fear I once had around them is diminishing.

I have a house full of animals, two dogs that were extensively trained, (or should I say husband & I were) 4 red earred sliders, 2 bearded dragons & 1 cat. Now 2 horses, how blessed we are.