I have an older horse that I got about 4 months ago. She is currently at an amazing barn where she has lived for 10 years. Her previous owner boarded her here along with the fact that the owner of the barn used to own my horse.  She is very comfortable here with her family she has known forever. She is a 26 yr old Arabian Mare.  We are moving because of a job transfer which means that we would need to change my horses barn. I am extremely sad about this and nervous about taking her from her home she is very happy at.  The person we bought my horse from specifically sold her to us so she could still be around my Mare since our plan was to keep her at this barn. I am nervous about moving her. Should I be? Is this wrong to move a horse that has been at this barn with her different owners for so long who lover her? What should I be concerned about and look for? I feel horrible about moving her but I dont have a choice. Please help

Arabians are notorious for living a very long time and being very healthy and athletic in their senior years.  Just make sure you find a nice place with caring owners who are used to maintaining older horses.  She will probably lose some weight during the move, so start fattening her up a bit maybe a month or so before you plan to depart.  Don't feel bad, horses live in the moment, I'm sure she will be fine as long as she has you!

She should be just fine...yes she may have a whinning fit when she's leaving but she will quickly make new friends at her new barn. I agree about making sure the new barn is nice and the staff are caring. Look around at the other horses and make sure they are all well cared for, look to see how tidy the barn is kept and stuff like that, how bedded the stalls are and how clean they are. just make sure that where ever you decided to keep your horse you wouldn't mind staying at either. Good luck with her and just be confident in your move. You can't really be nervous or anything about having to move her. That wasn't your choice, stuff happens in life and the only thing you can do is learn to move on and live life. Good luck!

Thank you so much. I appreciate both of you guys taking the time to respond.  I hope she makes new friends fast and adjusts well...If you have any other advice please feel free to pass it along.  I have ridden for many years but never owned a horse always just leased them... and owning your own horse makes you think they are like people lol You want them to be happy healthy and safe. Again thank you guys

 

 I would agree that if you can find her a stable place with good care, she should be fine.  She will probably take some time to settle in, so be patient as she processes the change, but I would not feel bad about it at all.  She can join a new herd and stay healthy and fit for many years to come!

When I moved Juno to my new barn on my property I got her 2 jennies for company. Soon after that I bought another mare, Havannah, as actual HORSE company for Juno. Havannah had lived her entire 13-year life at a barn in Oregon, so her move to my barn in WA was a mind-blower. Even so, as soon as we unloaded her and put her in her stall next to Juno, she was fine. I have photos of the two of them standing nose-to-nose at the fence separating their paddocks on the night Havannah arrived. They look like they're having a "girls" chat, both were very happy

Thank you... I hope things go smoothly and she makes a bff soon.  The little girl we bought her from is extremely upset we are taking her and moving her.  The little girl is very attached to her and so are the other horses. It makes me feel horrible and maybe its because she is 26 yrs old. Thank you guys for your encouraging words and helping me figure out about moving my horse.

 

ok, I know this is going to sound like crazy advice, but It seems to work. I've moved my small herd of horses on occasion. about the week before we are going to move, I tell my horses that we are moving and I keep a picture of the new place in my mind. I make sure that I discuss the move with each horse. It helps if you are touching the horse, but it works whether you do or don't. Every day, I tell them, out loud, we are moving in so many days. Make sure the new place is in your mind. Keep calm and pleasant, not sad!! Picture your horse at the new place, imagining the horse is happy. Horses seem to communicate with pictures, so keep the pictures pleasant. It seems my horses settle into their new place quicker. OK, another weird piece of advice, make sure they have a chance to say good bye to their old friends, it makes a difference.

hosshappy:

ok, I know this is going to sound like crazy advice, but It seems to work. I've moved my small herd of horses on occasion. about the week before we are going to move, I tell my horses that we are moving and I keep a picture of the new place in my mind. I make sure that I discuss the move with each horse.

 I agree with what has already been said.  When I moved my horse, I had to move her from the place that she was born and raised.  She had lived there for 12 years having never been anywhere else except for one summer of show experience.  Knowing my horse is a worrier, I was so nervous to move her. 

I was pleasantly surprised when I moved her to find that she settled in perfectly.  She fit in right away with no major fits or problems.  My worrying was for nothing.  

Like others have said, she may take time to adjust.  As long as she is being looked after, she will be fine.

 I started my horse on a calming supplement about 2 weeks before the move, just in case.  And I've kept her on a calming supplement (I use SmartCalm pellets from SmartPaks) ever since.  She has been SO much more level-headed since I've put her on it.  Might be something to think about given Arab's typical hot-headed nature.

Nicole:

 I started my horse on a calming supplement about 2 weeks before the move, just in case.  And I've kept her on a calming supplement (I use SmartCalm pellets from SmartPaks) ever since.  She has been SO much more level-headed since I've put her on it.  Might be something to think about given Arab's typical hot-headed nature.