Getting the horse calm and relaxed on the yard

Hi! 🐴

🥕 Letting the horse eat while you get her ready is brilliant. The chewing settles her, and the food gives her something to focus on other than her surroundings.

🤓 It is also worth thinking carefully about what is actually making the horse unsettled on the yard, for example:

• a lack of company from other horses on the yard
• where the grooming area sits. Some horses are calmer when they have a good view of wherever someone or something might appear
• some horses dislike having a doorway or similar behind them, as they can easily become nervous about what is behind them
• other horses are calmest with less to look at and fewer distractions, perhaps in a wash bay or somewhere fairly enclosed
• some horses settle better if you get them ready in the box, ideally with a net of hay

⏰ Timing can also affect the horse's behaviour.

• Depending on how big your yard is and what the routines are, you can often find quieter or busier moments during the day. Different horses suit different atmospheres.
• Horses have their own clock for eating and sleeping too. If you know your horse well, you usually know what time of day she prefers to work with you, and when she would rather sleep, graze or spend time with her paddock-mates.

🦄 The key is to get to know your horse, understand what affects her behaviour, and work out how to adapt ourselves and our handling to suit her.