Why do we give horses time to "settle in" at a new home, when we don't worry about that at a show?

You don't really have any other option when you show horses, so the stress is just something you have to deal with if you are going to show. When you relocate, you have the option to reduce stress by transitioning more gradually. Research on equine stress related to development of gastric ulcers has found transportation and showing of horses to be major stressors that significantly contribute to their development. In some cases, ulcers developed after only a matter of hours, with other factors such as disruption of feeding schedules, and use of NSAIDs like bute contributing to the risks. Obviously, health maintenance with routine veterinary service, regular hoof trims and parasite control, dental care, good quality forage and feed, and ample turnout for exercise and social interaction are other factors that reduce stress

So far the research on equine stress has concluded that travel and showing are major stressors that compromise the immune system functions and lead to formation of gastric ulcers, and also that relocation to a new facility is considered to be among the major stressors.

Again, gastric ulcers have been found to develop within a matter of hours when horses experience high levels of stress in these situations. Riding when stomach acid secretion is elevated during stressful events also increases the likelihood that the stronger acids from the lower portion of the stomach will be splashed upward onto the upper portion of the stomach where ulcers commonly develop in horses.

So, it just makes sense that anything we can do to reduce the stress related to a relocation will also reduce the associated risk of immune compromise that leaves horses more vulnerable to illnesses, allergies, or infections, or to development of gastric ulcers which are far more common than we ever realized in the past. The effects of stress don't always happen right away, and some illnesses that develop during times of stress don't become clinically apparent until months later. Trying to maintain a similar feeding schedule with minimal changes in feed type and hand walking or quiet riding, or focusing more on relaxed ground work instead of riding while the horse adapts to the new social order and other lifestyle changes will reduce risk of developing medical issues related to stress.

Because ..... what do you think of when you think of "HOME"? Warmth, security, safety, relaxation. We want our horses to be as relaxed at home as possible and we want them to get used to the area so they have a pleasant association with the area. At a show most people want their horses on a little bit of an edge....simply put they look flashier and show better. WP and perhaps reining may be an exception to that.

Also, 2 or 3 days off work allows the new owner to bond and means there is not this instant negative association with the new owner and the new place. this comes in very handy when trying to catch the horse. Some horses will not allow a new owner to catch them ESPECIALLY if they think they are going to get put to work.

And last is more to the point of old time common sense.....Horses get loose sometimes, especially new ones that may run through a fence or not know the boundaries. If the horse associates the place with pleasantries then it is more likely to return or not go far.

I say it rather does rely on the pony how she takes it. i've got moved yards particularly some circumstances and on no account rather had issues in any respect. i might supply her an afternoon or 2 to quiet down earlier you do any driving, and be careful while driving interior the surrounding section the 1st few circumstances by way of fact she does not be attentive to her atmosphere. deliver her "anchors" - toys, blankets smelling of her, etc so she has a semblance of homestead. And stay together with her longer than universal. : ) i've got cherished taking my horses for long walks on a lead just to get to be attentive to our environment with none rigidity. maximum horses merely quiet down and don't make a fuss approximately it. =)

It's different bringing a horse to a show and a new home for one simple reason. When you bring your horse to a show the horse knows you and has you as a type of 'security blanket'. On the other hand when you bring a new horse home his security blanket is gone and he needs time to settle into his new home.