What can you expect

20 point plan …………..

These are the things you can expect your naturally started horse to do/not do, depending on age, size etc.

1. be caught easily - showing acceptance of the human as a friend
2. lead politely - no pushing, pulling or barging
3. tie up - no pulling back
4. be groomed and handled , wormed and examined - no biting or kicking
5. accept tack - saddles, rugs, bridles
6. unafraid of clippers - stand quietly
7. unafraid of farrier - stand quietly
8. load and travel easily - lorry or trailer
9. cross obstacles - small jumps, ditches, water etc
10. mix with other horses in a herd - mares and geldings
11. be used to traffic
12. accept other animals - dogs, farm animals
13. be used to shows - not get over excited
14. used to commotion - plastic bags, children, footballs, umbrellas etc
15. washed and hosed - stand quietly
16. If started, also ..... stand to be mounted
17. go and whoa easily
18. walk trot and canter on a loose rein in a school
19. hack out calmly alone and in company
20. safe to ride, no bucking or rearing

I have "road tested" all the horses and ponies and made sure they can do the above (unless otherwise stated ie some natives won't have been clipped) - and usually have this on DVD for you to watch - but please be aware that you will have to take the time to build up a trusting and respectful relationship with your new horse before you can expect the same results.  This can take some time.

Also, they are sound and “vice” free unless other wise stated (see notes).

The "natural gang" on 5 day Pennine Way camping trip

Vices

Most so called vices (more correctly called stereotypies) are a result of unnatural management - so it’s a bit tough blaming the horse! Weaning too early or too abruptly is a major factor for vices such as weaving, box walking, wind sucking etc.

These vices mostly disappear if a horse is kept in a more natural condition, with daily turnout in a herd as an absolute minimum.

Lots of livery yards don’t like to accept horses with stable vices, so you would have a problem. But if you have your own place, and are able to provide natural conditions for your horse, you may be able to live with some vices.

These horses shouldn’t be written off, so if any of my horses show any sign of vice (I haven’t had them all since birth), then I’ll just let you know and adjust the price, so you can make up your own mind.