[estrogen]

Well, it finally happened.....our barn is ready. I was down at our cabin this weekend and my husband finished off putting the stall mats and cross ties up. He also put up the round pen so I'm ready to take Waylon down there for Memorial Day and then spend the week.

I'm sort of afraid as I haven't taken him anywhere since I got him. I hope all goes well. Any advice from anywone would be helpful. Should I let him get used to the new barn before I ride him? How long do I leave him in the round pen (I'm using it for a pasture until the fence is up) HELP

[CindyDawg]

I'll just read the advice along with you from the seasoned riders,ok? I'm very happy for you, and envious lol. That 40 year loan sounding better and better:') I've been looking on line and sending e-mails to Realtors. My husband and I are spending a 3 day weekend at our lake lot. Maybe 4 if we can swing it:')

[Duchess47]

Sounds like you are all set.

Will you have help loading him in the trailer? Can you load him a couple of times before you get ready to leave? If the water is very different from where he's at, take a few gallons with you. Keep his food the same as what he's used to.

Leave him in the round pen as long as you want.

You might give him a few hours to settle in - depends on how long the trip is. Walk him through the barn so he can check it out - then don't worry.

Exercise him in the round pen before you ride him.

Have lots of fun.

[HairOfTheDog]

I'd work off his behavior and attitude. Let him get comfortable a day or so, and then work him in the round pen. Since you are both inexperienced, horse and rider, take him out walking and let him see everything and see how long it takes him to get settled and unbooooogied. Start out riding outside the arena without going too far and then build up earned confidence to go further.

[MissTargets]

Good Morning, You might have missed a post to you from me, about "will you be riding alone"? Or maybe, I missed your reply..lol Duchess and Hair gave you good advice. What is that trip, about 5 hours? Wrap his legs for the trailer ride, if you think he will not ride well. It might take him a day or so, to get used to the new place. He will not be happy about being alone.

I wish I was going.

[FrogInABlender]

Good Morning! It looks like you've got all the best advice already, but I'd really stress the trailer loading practice ahead of time if he hasn't been loaded since you got him. Believe me, a bad trailer loading experience can last a lifetime. I have a horse that's living proof. Take it slow and don't rush him. A little grain in the trailer always sweetens the deal. If he does ok, that's great, but if he's nervous or balky at all, you might want to feed him in there for a few days ahead of time. I like to put some hay in there with them if I'm hauling for any length of time. It gives them something to occupy their mind and I think it's good for their stomach to have something in it if they're a little stressed about trailering. I think I heard someone say that it was a 5hr drive, so you might want to stop at a rest stop after about 3 hours or so and let him out to stretch his legs, get a drink, graze a little bit and pee and stuff like that. Now if you don't think he'll load back up, then of course don't do that. ;o)

After you get him there, just turn him in the round pen and let him settle in and get used to the place. After he's settled, walk him around and let him check it out but be careful coz he might still be so hyped about being in a new place that he'll run over you. You might want to carry a small crop or something to get his attention, just in case. Like everybody else said, ride him in the round pen first, then on short trips. Work the confidence level up for both of you and you should have a great time! Enjoy!