I made the big decision to move my horse at the end of the month. I’m positive it’s the right decision, but I’m still anxious about the move. (This will be her only move other than when I bought her.) Does anyone have any tips on how to make the move easier on my mare? I’ll be doing a full tube of UlcerGard the week before and week after the move (she’s prone to ulcers - this was vet’s recommendation) and then tapering appropriately. But beyond that – any ideas? There’s snow and ice everywhere so it’s not like I can handwalk her around the property to help her settle…
When we take a horse to a show we expect them to be all business from the first minute. If we stable overnight we expect the horse to come out ready to shine. But if we move barns we often think it will be incredibly stressful on a horse. But the horse doesn’t know in either case how long he is staying away!
Make sure your hauling is problem free.
Visit your horse everyday for the first couple of weeks and keep a routine going.
Walk him all around the property maybe the second day so he can see the arena the paddocks etc if the weather allows.
Figure out how to transition to new hay and feed over a week or so.
Usually they are hyped up for a day or two getting to know all the new horses and then they settle just fine.
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The ulcergard is a good start! Will you be able to visit her daily at this new barn? If so, spend some quality time with her daily so she knows that you are still a constant even in a new environment. If you can ride, do so. It will keep her mind busy so she doesn’t stress too much. Does the new barn feed/turnout at similar times? Try to keep her schedule similar to your previous barn. If it warms up any by the time you move, try to find a non-icy safe spot to do some hand walking. Other than that, just give her time to adjust. Some horses can take a couple weeks (or longer) to feel comfortable in their new homes.
bring some of her current hay
