What to do when you bring them home
Expert guidance from Luke Compaan of De Rust Equestrian
Buying your first horse at auction is both exciting and daunting. You’ve successfully navigated the bidding process, and now you’re standing in your yard with a young horse who’s just had their entire world turned upside down. What comes next can make all the difference between a future star and a long, frustrating journey.
Luke Compaan of De Rust Equestrian has worked at two of South Africa’s biggest auction houses and now specialises in training and retraining young and challenging horses at his facility in Hartebeespoort. His approach is refreshingly straightforward: slow down, assess honestly, and build a solid foundation. Here’s his advice for anyone bringing home their first auction purchase.
Luke’s six essential steps
- Allow for proper downtime
The transition from an auction environment to a new home is a massive adjustment for any horse. They’re dealing with new surroundings, unfamiliar routines, different handlers, and a new herd dynamic all at once. Give your horse genuine time to settle in and decompress. There’s no prize for rushing this phase – in fact, the quiet time you invest now will set you up for success later. Think of it as building a solid foundation before you start construction. Some horses need a week, others need longer. Watch for signs that they’re relaxed: eating well, moving freely in the paddock, and showing interest in their surroundings.
- Assess where the horse really is
It’s easy to assume a young horse is further along in their training than they actually are, especially when you’re eager to get started. Luke recommends taking a deliberate step back and reassessing the basics honestly. Start with the fundamentals and build from there. Ask yourself this simple question:
“Does my horse go where I ask, at the speed I ask, without resistance?”
If you can’t answer with a confident yes, that’s your starting point. There’s no shame in going back to basics; it’s the mark of a thoughtful horseperson. Work on responsiveness to your aids, establishing clear communication, and building trust through consistent, patient work.
- Don’t ‘jump’ straight into jumping
This might seem obvious, but it’s worth emphasising: only introduce fences once your horse is genuinely relaxed, rideable, and confident in their flatwork. You’re not training for next month’s competition, you’re building a long-term athlete. Solid foundations now will pay dividends for years to come. A horse who can’t maintain rhythm, balance, and straightness on the flat isn’t ready to tackle obstacles. Rushing this stage is one of the most common mistakes new owners make, and it can create problems that take months or years to undo.
- Build partnership before you chase goals
In the early stages, resist the temptation to focus on achievements or timelines. Instead, invest your energy in understanding your horse: their personality quirks, what makes them confident, what worries them, and how they communicate. Establishing genuine trust and a two-way relationship will influence everything that comes later. Every champion partnership started with these quiet, unglamorous early days of simply getting to know each other. This mutual understanding forms the bedrock of your relationship for the future.
- Get them out and about – sensibly
If your youngster is comfortable and relaxed, start incorporating hacking (trail riding) into their routine relatively early. Varied terrain and new environments develop their brain, build confidence, and provide crucial exposure to the real world. However, if they aren’t mentally ready for adventures yet, don’t force it. Simple activities like hand-walking around the property, hand-grazing in different areas, or just spending quiet time together can go a long way toward building confidence. The key is meeting your horse where they are and progressing at their pace, not yours.
- Ask for help when you need it
There will inevitably be moments when you feel unsure, stuck, or nervous; this is completely normal, especially with your first auction horse. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional who has experience developing young horses. Guidance at the right moment can prevent small issues from becoming long-term problems. The investment in a few training sessions or even just a consultation can save you months of frustration and help ensure both you and your horse stay safe and happy. Remember, asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of wisdom and commitment to doing right by your horse.
Get in touch with Luke
Whether you’ve just brought home your first auction purchase or you’re hitting a roadblock with a young or tricky horse, Luke Compaan and the team at de Rust Equestrian are here to help. Based in Hartebeespoort, Luke offers:
- Professional training and retraining for young horses
- Problem-solving for challenging behaviours
- Foundation work for auction horses
- Consultations and advice for owner-riders navigating the early stages
With experience from two of South Africa’s biggest auction houses and a practical, patient approach to horse training, Luke understands exactly what auction horses need to thrive. Reach out to him and see how he can help!
Contact De Rust Equestrian:
Tel: 083 639 8370
Instagram: @derustequestrian
Website: www.derustequestrian.co.za