Making Momentum CIC Introduction of New Horse Procedure 

As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety, care, and professionalism, Making Momentum will follow this procedure. It is designed to ensure that all horses used for client work are properly introduced to their environment, trained to meet the specific needs of the work, and handled with the utmost care and attention. The purpose of this procedure is ensuring horse welfare and staff and client safety. A well-trained, well-acclimatised horse ensures a safer, more efficient working environment, minimising the risk of injury to both the horse and the client, while enhancing the quality of the services provided. 

Introduction of a New Horse  

When a new horse joins our stables, it is crucial that we handle their introduction to the environment with care. The horse should first be given a period of acclimatisation to adjust to their new surroundings. This includes: 

  • Initial Observation: For the first 14 to 21 days, the new horse will be observed in an isolated quiet, low-stress environment to ensure they are comfortable and free from any signs of disease. They will be kept either in isolation boxes on site or off site (Croft Stables, WA16 9RB) and have access to isolated turn out. 

  • Gradual Exposure: After this initial period, the horse will be relocated to the main yard. They will slowly be introduced to the other horses in a controlled manner. This might involve turning them out adjacent to other horses, ensuring there are no aggressive behaviors or signs of stress, followed by a gradual introduction to their intended herd members. Knowledge of the existing herd dynamics and personalities and information from previous owners will be discussed by senior staff members to decide where the new horse will best fit in.  

  • Health Check and Documentation: The horse will undergo a comprehensive health check by a vet to ensure the horse is fit for work. Tack will be fitted by a master saddler and all necessary documentation is completed in the horse log, including vaccination records, and any information shared by previous owner. The horse will be added to the work log and feeding procedure.  

 

Training the New Horse 

Training is an essential part of the process to ensure that the horse is ready for client work. The new horse will undergo a structured training program that includes: 

  1. Basic Training: The horse will be tested/taught basic commands such as stop, walk, trot, canter, and how to respond to pressure, both from the ground and from the rider. The training will also focus on developing the horse’s responsiveness to cues and ensuring good ground manners. 

  1. Behavioral Adaptation: The horse will be trained to adapt to different environments, such as riding in various settings and interacting with a variety of people. 

  1. Specialized Training: Desensitisation to typical distractions such as traffic, loud noises, or new equipment will take place as well as specific desensitisation to the sights and sounds the horse may encounter during assisted riding sessions. 

When Can a New Horse Be Used for Client Work? 

A horse in the ridden program at Making Momentum must be older than 10 years. The horse will only be used for client work once they have successfully completed the training process and shown consistent, positive behavior under supervision. This includes: 

  • Trial Period: A trial period will be conducted in which the horse will be used under the supervision of an experienced handler or trainer in a controlled environment. This allows us to assess how the horse may perform with clients in real-world scenarios. 

  • Assessment of Readiness: The horse must demonstrate the ability to handle client interactions, follow commands reliably, and remain calm under varying levels of activity. The qualities the horse must display are specified by New Trails Learning and approved by them to demonstrate the horse's readiness and suitability. Only once the horse consistently demonstrates these abilities will they be deemed ready for regular client use. 

  • Minimum Activities the Horse must Demonstrate: The Valenca Method Pattern 1a/b and 2a/b in hand and assisted in hand. Lunging in walk, trot and canter on both reins in tack and side reins. Long lining in tack in walk and trot. Working calmly in the area and out riding around the farm. Neck reining. Count Down Transitions. Pole work and a small jump if appropriate. Lack of reaction equipment such as balls, balloons, bubbles, bow and arrows, bicycles, Toys and Games, farm machinery, umbrellas, polo crosse kit. Lack of reaction to music, loud noises, livestock and dogs.  

By following this procedure, we ensure that every horse in our stables is adequately trained, acclimatised, and prepared for client work. This promotes the health and welfare of the horses, guarantees the safety of our clients, and upholds the high standards of our service.