Am I making the right decision (Yard move)

L

Lealun

New User
Joined
19 September 2023
Messages
6
Visit site
Hello just wanting some advice as I’m torturing myself which is making me feel anxious & stressed.
I have a rising 6 year old mare…my 16 yr old daughter’s horse ( I can’t ride ) she is currently on box rest with exercise every day after suspensory op, just starting to introduce trotting into her exercise. At the moment the horse is feeling very fresh, feeling well in herself & got loads of energy to let off. 🙈
My problem is that the horses behaviour at the moment has really knocked my daughters confidence. She has been riding horses for 9 years but she takes a lot of her confidence from the horse which the horse did as she is normally really a sensible horse but at the moment the way the situation is she’s scared of her own shadow & any sudden noise will spook her when ridden and walking in hand which has really knocked my daughters confidence to the point where she doesn’t want to ride but she has too as there’s no one else to do it. I completely understand her behaviour as she’s in a stable the best part of 23hrs a day & she’s feeling fresh, feeling well & she has a lot of energy to burn off.
The yard owner where we are at the moment is worth her weight in gold she is so knowledgeable & has helped us a lot but My daughter is very unhappy at the yard we are on. We have been there 2 years & originally moved on with a friend & kids but they have moved off now a good year or so ago.
We have chance to move off onto a yard that’s got friends of both of us there & who my daughter will be able to ride with because at the moment the yard we on it’s a very small yard with no one for her to ride with along with no hacking unless you travel somewhere first to hack & I also live 20min drive away but it’s literally a 4min drive to the new one. Come summer the horse should be back into full work & she will be able to enjoy the summer riding with friends which is what my daughter wants more than anything.
We don’t want to miss the opportunity of moving as these stables don’t come available very often plus if we didn’t move i think it will come to the point my daughter will give up as a lot has happened along the way with a previous horse so she’s had a rough few years 😞
I know the horse is going to be unsettled at first but we will have a lot of people on hand to help if needed, which I know I will probably need.

Can anyone suggest a calmer for her just to help take the edge off for her just to help her settle as we have not long finished treatment for ulcers so looking for something to help support her.
Am I doing the right thing moving the horse??? I really hope I am. I know I’m doing the right thing for my daughter but hoping it’s the best thing for the horse aswell. I definitely know it will be the best decision in the long run it’s just the present time.

Please no negitive comments that I shouldn’t even think of moving our horse but we are so unhappy where we are & the only thing that keeps stopping me going is losing the support from the yard owner which I know is going to tell me I’m absolutely making the wrong decision.
I’ve put off moving twice before as I’ve put the horses needs first but now it’s coming to the time where I need to look at the bigger picture even though it’s going to be hard at first with settling.

Thank you.
 
Is there similar turnout at each yard? If you’re happy with the turnout and horses living conditions then yeah I would move.
 
Absolutely move and your vet should be able to advise on a calmer. I had to "sedate" my ex-racer on first turn-out after hock surgery as he was raring to go!!

Your own, and your daughters, anxiety will also be being picked up by your horse and won't be helping the situation - it is unbelievable how sensitive they are to emotions so the sooner you both are happier the sooner the horse will settle.

Good luck - and don't be swayed by your YM - a thank you and generous leaving present should salve your conscience!!
 
Peglo said:
Is there similar turnout at each yard? If you’re happy with the turnout and horses living conditions then yeah I would move.
Click to expand...
Yes, all year turnout. Not as much grass at new place as haven’t as much land but that’s not a major issue to stop us from moving. The people on new yard are such lovely group where as on the yard I’m at the moment is very like you go up do your jobs ride & go home, it’s very small yard with only a handful of livery’s & I’ve been there 2 years & the odd livery doesn’t even talk to us 🙈New yard its very social they all go riding together etc just better all round. 😊
 
Lealun said:
Yes, all year turnout. Not as much grass at new place as haven’t as much land but that’s not a major issue to stop us from moving. The people on new yard are such lovely group where as on the yard I’m at the moment is very like you go up do your jobs ride & go home, it’s very small yard with only a handful of livery’s & I’ve been there 2 years & the odd livery doesn’t even talk to us 🙈New yard its very social they all go riding together etc just better all round. 😊
Click to expand...

Definitely move then. The new place sounds great and will make so much difference for you both.
 
I too would move under your circumstances. Be completely honest with your current yard owner and express sincerely how much you have appreciated their help and guidance and you very much hope to keep in touch. If she is as nice as you say, she will understand.

I have yet to move yards with any negativity or fall out and have always been reassured I could return if needed. Things change and people move on, sing nothing but praise to anyone in the horse world that cares to listen & you will always be welcomed back.

Good luck 😉
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top