Why horses show behavioural changes after purchase: Causes & tips

You have been looking for a new horse. You knew exactly what you were looking for and viewed several horses before you found the one.

This was him. He met all your expectations and also passed the pre-purchase examination without any issues. You visited him several times to get to know him better and had good contact with the seller. The transfer date approaches, and then he arrives at his new stable; his new home.

And then… in the days or weeks that follow, he starts to show very different behaviour from what he showed with his previous owner. His character and behaviour seem nothing like the calm, friendly horse you thought you had bought.

Did you buy a “pig in a poke”?
Were you misled by the seller?
Was he sedated?

It can happen, but it doesn’t have to be the case at all.

It is quite common for horses to show different behaviour or a different character in the days or weeks after purchase. This can be related to several factors.

Stress after moving

When a horse is sold, a lot changes for him.
Different housing, a new routine, different people, and leaving behind his familiar environment.

Some horses cope with this more easily than others. The smallest chance of surprises occurs when the way of housing, handling and training closely matches the way you will work with the horse yourself.

From a “closed” horse to an “open” Horse

When a horse goes from being stabled for 23 hours a day to suddenly being outside all day, this is a big change. My experience is that horses can then “wake up” and show more intense behaviour for a while.

This can also happen with young horses that have been in the starting or backing process for several weeks or months. They, too, can “wake up” after being sold.

For young horses between the ages of about 2.5 and 6, a lot is changing in their lives. They are exposed to many new impressions: being backed, continuing their training, trailer loading, perhaps going on hacks. This is a lot to process. As a response, they may shut down a little.

If such a horse is sold during this period, the change in environment and routine can cause him to “wake up”. This waking up can come with bottled-up emotions that may come out in an unregulated way.

Time, structure and leadership

Giving the horse time to adjust to the new situation and routine can help him settle. Start from the beginning and do not expect to continue where the previous owner left off.

Returning to calm, clarity in handling and leadership, and clearly showing what you do want, helps the horse feel safe. Taking leadership in this situation gives the horse peace of mind, which allows him to start feeling secure.

This adjustment period can last from a few weeks to one or two months. After about three months, most horses have adapted to their new situation.

Horses coming from abroad

For horses that come from abroad, the same applies: they need time to acclimatise. During this period, it is good to build a daily routine, but not to introduce new challenges. This helps prevent the bucket from overflowing.

If you buy a horse abroad and want to have him started under saddle, allow him to acclimatise at your own place for a few weeks first before sending him to a training stable. This gives your horse time to settle before new experiences are added.

What to do

• Build a daily routine

• Take calm, clear leadership

• Set boundaries

• Give the horse time to adjust

• Emphasise calmness in daily handling

• Allow plenty of time outside near other horses

• Offer light groundwork (lunging, groundwork, liberty work)

• Seek help if the behaviour becomes dangerous, from an instructor or trainer specialised in behaviour, handling or Natural Horsemanship

In conclusion

When restlessness, confusion and bottled-up emotions give way to calm, trust and a sense of safety, there is a good chance you will rediscover the friendly horse you originally fell in love with.

Enjoy your journey together 🤍