When getting any equipment ready, make sure you thoroughly clean it before your horse arrives to prevent the spread of disease. To disinfect equipment, dilute 5 tablespoons (74 mL) of household bleach per 1 gallon (3. 8 L) of water. [2] X Research source Try to use the same bedding as the horse’s old home if you can.

You’ll want to consult your veterinarian if you have any questions about changing your horse’s diet. Gradually change the horse’s feed over a few weeks if you have to. You can also add sugar or Kool-Aid to your horse’s water a few weeks before the move and then add it to its new water supply to help your horse adjust to the water at its new barn. [4] X Research source

Keep your horse’s feeding and turnout schedule as similar as possible to what it’s used to. Make any necessary changes to its feeding and turnout schedule gradually.

Make sure you put enough hay and water in the stall (or small paddock if it will be at pasture).

During this walk, you should let your horse explore at its own pace. If your horse wants to graze, go ahead and let it do so.

Grooming sessions are a great way to keep your horse calm and relaxed.

Give it about week after the move before you start putting your horse to work.

Start with a 3:1 ratio of old feed to new during the first 2 days. Then transition to a 2:2 ratio during days 3 and 4, and a 1:3 ratio on days 5 and 6. By day 7, you can give your horse just the new feed. [11] X Research source Consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about colic or other dietary issues.

The effects of sedation will last anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on how your horse’s body reacts to the medication. Don’t let your horse eat or move around while it’s sedated.

During the isolation period, put the horse in a place where it can see other animals without coming into direct contact with them. Make sure other horses are out of the range of flying droplets from horse snorts or coughs.

During this step, make sure that there is a physical barrier between the horses. Use 2 smaller pastures that share a fence if you can.

Don’t be concerned if there’s sniffing, squealing, and face-pulling. This is completely normal. You should watch the initial meetings carefully, just in case there is an incident. Be watchful for signs of aggressive behavior such as pinned ears or kick threats.