~Hanz The Thoroughbred: Episode 2~

“The only constant in life is change”

~Heraclitus~

On another episode of “Hanz The Thoroughbred”; This past week and a half has been a whirlwind of change and adventure for Hanz, filled with new challenges that truly highlight his exceptional qualities and training. From navigating unfamiliar locations to meeting new people and animal friends, Hanz has faced his trials with grace and resilience, setting the stage for his future adventures. Hanz once again proves why he’s such a remarkable horse!

On the morning of Sunday, August 4th, 2024, the sun rose above the horizon, casting a golden glow on a clear, warm summer day. With a mix of anticipation and excitement, I hopped into my Honda Fit and headed to the farm where Hanz and I had spent our previous days. The property almost eerily quiet, with only a handful of people around. The calm was fitting for what felt like a fateful day—Hanz’s last at this farm. It was a moment that could be described with bittersweet emotions, as I had seized the opportunity to move him to a new farm, a place I believed would better serve his needs. My unwavering mission has always been to prioritize the well-being of the horse, and this move was no exception for him.

Around 10 am, the trailer arrived, and I had all my belongings packed and ready. Hanz, true to his character, handled the trailering remarkably well. He stepped onto the trailer as if it were just another day, quickly indulging in a mouthful of hay from the hay net that was provided. By 10:30 am, we were on the highway, beginning a journey that was, thankfully, uneventful. Hanz remained impressively calm, standing still throughout the ride, even though the livestock trailer offered him more space than he was accustomed to I’m sure. His composure was a huge relief, and after about an hour on the road, we arrived at our new farm.

As soon as we reached our destination, Hanz’s excitement was awakened! He seemed to be thinking, “Where the heck am I?”—a sentiment I shared in that moment of uncertainty. The welcoming atmosphere at the new barn, however, quickly eased our nerves. The staff greeted us warmly, making the transition smoother for both Hanz and me. I could easily empathize with his feelings, understanding how disorienting it can be to find oneself in a new environment. We promptly settled Hanz into his new stall, surrounded by potential new friends. Thankfully the horses that exuded a calm and friendly demeanor were right near him. Hanz seemed eager to get acquainted, and I was equally enthusiastic about meeting the people at the farm and then new horses too!

We unloaded my car, placing Hanz’s belongings next to his stall, and though the barn only offered stall/turnout board for August, I was thrilled knowing that by September, Hanz would be on full turnout. He would soon have the freedom of expansive, lush pastures, and be part of a herd, which is so vital for his well-being. Watching him thrive in such a beautiful environment, with the space to roam and the companionship of other horses, makes me so happy for him! After all, every horse deserves the freedom to be just that—a horse.

On his first full day at the new farm, Hanz faced the inevitable challenge of adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings. I was determined to make this transition as gentle and seamless as possible, mindful of not overwhelming him. I recently came across an insightful post on Facebook about how horses can suffer from what’s often termed “New Home Syndrome.” It’s fascinating—and important—to understand that a horse’s mood and personality can shift dramatically when thrust into a completely new environment. Some owners mistakenly believe their horse has been drugged during purchase or that they’re dealing with a completely different animal, but this isn’t the case all the time. The truth is, the horse is simply grappling with a significant change that is challenging them a great deal. The best approach is to create an atmosphere that is light, forgiving, and welcoming.

To help Hanz settle in, I took him to the wash stall for a thorough grooming session before our hand walk. There’s something profoundly therapeutic about these quiet moments with a horse, where the simple act of grooming becomes a ritual of trust and connection. We must never forget that even sharing the same air as these magnificent creatures is a privilege.

Our hand walk was slow and deliberate, giving Hanz plenty of time to pause and take in the new sights and sounds around him. He spooked briefly when a truck and trailer passed by, but with calm reassurance, he quickly regained his composure. As we continued our walk, I couldn’t help but admire the farm’s breathtaking beauty. Expansive fields of grass stretched out before us, offering endless room for the horses to explore and claim as their own. I allowed Hanz to graze frequently, rewarding his calm demeanor with the lush, green grass he was so eager to devour. His enthusiasm for the grass was so undeniable, and I could see that it was all he could think about.

Whenever Hanz’s attention wandered, I gently reminded him to focus by applying slight pressure to his hind end, encouraging him to follow my lead. He responded with polite obedience, though his desire for more snacks was ever-present. I never faulted him for it—it was a natural response, and I was simply glad to see him so content.

We ended our walk with a loop down to the large barn on the property before heading back up to the smaller barn where he was now boarding. Along the way, my trainer spotted us, waved hello, and even snapped a photo us! Her support means the world to me, and I can’t wait to begin training with her at this beautiful new farm.

Over the next few days, Hanz’s calm and composed nature began to shine through even more, a testament to his remarkable personality and temperament. I’m thrilled to see how quickly he’s settling in and enjoying his new surroundings. Although it’s only been a short time, his swift adjustment has exceeded what I thought was possible. I know there’s still more acclimatization ahead, but I’m incredibly proud of how well he’s handled everything so far.

To help him feel secure and grounded, I’ve been working on establishing a consistent routine. Every day after work, I head straight to the barn to check on him. We start with a visit to the wash stall for grooming—a simple yet therapeutic ritual that reinforces our bond. Our second day of hand walking went smoothly, especially considering the hiccup we encountered earlier when I found out Hanz threw his first shoe during turnout! At that moment, I had to smile and think, “Well, I guess I’m officially a horse owner now!” It’s one of those quintessential horse moments that you can’t help but laugh at, especially since Hanz was due for a farrier visit that same week. His timing was impeccable—he lost his front left shoe just in time.

Interestingly, after discussing with my trainer, we’re considering whether Hanz even needs shoes. His X-rays during the pre-purchase exam showed that his feet are in excellent condition, according to the vet. He’s even competed at Beginner Novice or Novice level (I can’t recall exactly!) without shoes, which is quite impressive. When we hand walked after he threw the shoe, he casually strolled over the gravel as if it were nothing. I was amazed—Thoroughbreds aren’t typically known for having such sturdy feet, but Hanz continues to surprise me.

I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing how the farrier trims and manages his hooves. Hanz has already proven to be resilient and sure-footed, and I can’t wait to see how he continues to grow and thrive in this new chapter.

Alas, our quest for the perfect saddle fit has been met with disappointing results, leaving me out of the saddle for several weeks. The absence of riding has left a void in me, and I find myself constantly daydreaming about the dressage warmups we’ll tackle and the jumps we’ll conquer next. Reaching out to saddle fitters can feel as elusive as trying to catch smoke with your bare hands! However, I finally have an appointment with a fitter on August 18th, so please send all the luck our way! I’m also on the lookout for more recommendations—if you know any fitters, I’d love to hear about them.

Despite these setbacks, my time with Hanz has been deeply rewarding. Our journey together has been a profound learning experience, teaching me that there are many paths to a single destination in horsemanship. The tranquility of our new surroundings, combined with the exceptional care Hanz is receiving, has made this period of transition a joy.

On Thursday afternoon, we had an especially delightful time together. The recent hurricane had kept Hanz cooped up, and when I arrived, he was eager to stretch his legs. In the cross ties, he repeatedly glanced toward the barn doors, tossing his head as if to say, “Let’s go outside!” Fortunately, the rain had let up enough for us to venture out for a walk. Hanz walked with such confidence, exuding a quiet self-assurance that made my heart swell with pride and we helped each other relax. We explored the large barn we’ll be moving to in the coming months, and nothing fazed him—his focus was entirely on the lush grass beneath his hooves.

When we reached the ring, I thought, “Enough walking, let’s have some fun!” I looked at Hanz, and his bright, eager expression said it all. I picked up a light jog, clucking and applying gentle pressure with the lead line. Instantly, Hanz broke into a beautiful, forward trot, matching my pace with perfect harmony. Trotting in hand with him was an exhilarating experience, a moment of pure unity that every horse owner should cherish. As we slowed down, Hanz effortlessly transitioned to a walk without any verbal cue, simply following my lead. I was so excited! We even trotted over some cross rails in the rain, with Hanz enthusiastically pointing himself toward the jumps, eager to move and play.

After about 30 minutes of this, we returned to our small barn. I gave Hanz a quick grooming to remove the wet sand from his legs, and he relaxed visibly. Back in his stall, he stood quietly, content and at ease. I believe Hanz is truly happy in this new environment, and I am equally pleased with the journey we’ve embarked on together.

This experience has reminded me that change is a constant force in our lives, one that can be daunting if we don’t embrace its potential for positive impact. Fear, I’ve learned, has a sneaky way of lying to us, robbing us of the joy and fulfillment that comes from navigating life’s challenges. If nothing is risked, then nothing is gained, and it is often through growth and change that life becomes truly meaningful. With the love of horses in our hearts and the courage to take risks, change becomes a friend, guiding us toward what we truly desire in life. When I recognize that fear is merely an illusion, I understand that there is no change I can’t handle and grow from.

August 8th, 2024