09/17/2026
Horses Change In New Environments
I have learned this over and over in my 40 years of horse ownership and training. I often think....what DOES a Horse think when it arrives at a new facility? A thoroughbred might think he is here to race. Does that mean stress, being hit hard with a whip and dirt pelting him in the eyes ? A young horse might think he is on an alien planet. What are these trees, the color of the building, whose little mutants ( ponies ) etc. A horse who has been in a herd its whole life and goes to a quiet location might think " this is my time. I'm in charge ".
When you take a horse into a new environment....do your research. How much was he handled daily ? Was he in a herd ? Did she have friends or go out alone ? Can the gelding be next to mares or does he turn into a stallion ? Where does he generally fall in the pecking order of the herd ? Does he go feral in 3 days or can he be turned out for 4 months and then caught and ridden without batting an eye? Where does he sleep ? Only in the stall or only with a buddy standing over him ? Is he an aggressive eater or does he share ? Does he pace when its hot or buggy or is he an all weather warrior?
I have seen horses do a complete 180 turn in temperament and character. I do think it is simply adjusting to a new environment . All of a sudden , you do not have the horse you bought.
So ask lots of questions. Do your research so that hopefully you'll have a similar horse at your new boarding barn or when you purchase a new horse. And of course, when buying from a dealer.....all the answers may be rose colored. So you may need to employ your powers of observation 🤔 more than relying on answers. Good luck !
Pictured is fabulous 2 yr old Day By Day in his turnout paddock.
