Boggle- USA bound!

[Caol Ila]

I never found the winters in Colorado to be particularly difficult. Unlike the winters in Massachusetts, which sucked, and winters in Glasgow, which also suck. CO's front range moderates its cold, snowy days with days where it's bright, sunny, and like 70F. Plus, the skiing is pretty great. And, as you're discovering, the people are really nice. It's a friendly state. With legal weed.

I am hoping that there is a perfect laidback boarding stable for you somewhere. I had one (which was in Boulder and doesn't exist anymore () but there must be others. We showed dressage, ODE, did tons of trail rides, and my barn owners and fellow boarders were awesome, skilled, empathetic horsewomen and men who I still think about today when I need to solve a problem. It was a magic place. Some of those people are still there.

@SBJT, aye, we get chinooks. My parents said there was one this year where gusts were hitting 100mph.

I found horse weight management a lot easier. I don't know if that's just because Gypsum was more suited to it or it actually is easier. In her case, she was a poor doer on UK grass but I never had any problems with her looking like an RSPCA case in the winter when she was on hay full time in the States. Not many horses got laminitis, but I will say that there were more concussive injuries and navicular because the ground is rock hard all the time, while QHs and ex-racing TBs are cheap and plentiful but have crappy feet.

When I went to uni, I was at a barn which was fine for the first three years I was there, but in my final year, it got a new manager who wanted to make it into a Serious H/J and Dressage Show Barn. Pretty sure that's why years later, Fin gets the two bridles pictured below and Gypsum had an endless series of tacky saddle pads like the ones pictured (that barn manager hated them... it was great). I like them and I liked passive-aggressively saying "f*ck you" you to the showing establishment even more. But I do realize not everyone is a rebel!

 

[Michen]

Ok I got my s*** together! Still no bag the thing says still searching.

Did a drive by of barn, location is beautiful. Drove into Denver- super cool. Went grocery shopping and to a liquor store (essential!). Feeling pretty chipper but totally deer in head lights trying to buy groceries. There is so much CHOICE everything is HUGE and just- omg!!!!

They pack the bags for you- now that’s epic.

 

[teapot]

Ok I got my s*** together! Still no bag the thing says still searching.

Did a drive by of barn, location is beautiful. Drove into Denver- super cool. Went grocery shopping and to a liquor store (essential!). Feeling pretty chipper but totally deer in head lights trying to buy groceries. There is so much CHOICE everything is HUGE and just- omg!!!!

They pack the bags for you- now that’s epic.

My brother recently flew back from Italy BA - his bags arrived 48hrs later, without anything updating on the app/BA website so crossing fingers for you!

Are you driving a suitably big US car/truck?

 

[Michen]

My brother recently flew back from Italy BA - his bags arrived 48hrs later, without anything updating on the app/BA website so crossing fingers for you!

Are you driving a suitably big US car/truck?

No a BMW X5! The company will then swap the rental to a Chevy equinox so hardly luxurious but there’s no company car tax like in the UK so I’ll take it.

I’ll buy a truck but need at least 35k for something not ancient or over 100k. And my moneys in pounds. And the exchange rate is…

 

[Michen]

Road the yard is on. I assumed road hacking would be a no but I found some little tiny ones I reckon I can use for fitness etc so that cheered me up!

 

[Michen]

And the weather forecast ? re winters I think anything is better than the dreary British rain. Especially for boggle, he hates it. Riding that horse in the rain is a miserable experience!

Not sure he will be pleased with an indoor school as means I’ll actually ride him in winter ?

I am so desperate to have him here asap I just want to go get him!!!!

 

[CanteringCarrot]

No a BMW X5! The company will then swap the rental to a Chevy equinox so hardly luxurious but there’s no company car tax like in the UK so I’ll take it.

I’ll buy a truck but need at least 35k for something not ancient or over 100k. And my moneys in pounds. And the exchange rate is…

Yeah, but I'm not afraid of a little over 100k on some of these truck diesel engines. They'll run for a long time. For example, on the Dodge Rams with the Cummins Diesel engine, everything else will rot and/or die before the engine. Our Ram 2500 has just over 100k and I'm comfortable with it because the truck is clean (not rotten) and well maintained.

It's not the first experience I have with those trucks either, which is why I chose one again. Fuel mileage isn't terrible for a truck and my neighbors newer Chevy does well too.



Your area is far more scenic than mine! I actually feel bad bringing my young horse here. It's not as scenic as Bavaria and the horse keeping is scary. Cheaper, but scary.

It's not my first time living in the US but I was and still overwhelmed by the food and grocery stores!

 

[Michen]

Yeah, but I'm not afraid of a little over 100k on some of these truck diesel engines. They'll run for a long time. For example, on the Dodge Rams with the Cummins Diesel engine, everything else will rot and/or die before the engine. Our Ram 2500 has just over 100k and I'm comfortable with it because the truck is clean (not rotten) and well maintained.

It's not the first experience I have with those trucks either, which is why I chose one again. Fuel mileage isn't terrible for a truck and my neighbors newer Chevy does well too.


Your area is far more scenic than mine! I actually feel bad bringing my young horse here. It's not as scenic as Bavaria and the horse keeping is scary. Cheaper, but scary.

It's not my first time living in the US but I was and still overwhelmed by the food and grocery stores!

mind me asking what you paid CC? I’m thinking I’ll get one in Arizona to avoid the salt issue as I’ll be there a lot for work and can road trip it back.

Post some pics of yours! Plus, horse won’t care ?

 

[Michen]

Ps feel bad as should have named this thread boggle and ronaldo go to the USA. Please post all your updates too!!

 

[CanteringCarrot]

mind me asking what you paid CC? I’m thinking I’ll get one in Arizona to avoid the salt issue as I’ll be there a lot for work and can road trip it back.

Post some pics of yours! Plus, horse won’t care ?

I was virtually browsing in Arizona too! And other no salt states. We found one 3.5 hours away, and I don't think the owner drove it during the winter from the looks of it. Perhaps just for some driving and camper towing, or something. It's hard on vehicles here in my state. Dirt roads, gravel, salt, heat, cold and whatnot. So we don't want anything new. I picked up a 2011 VW Jetta TDI to scoot around in. It's been perfect and it's the sportwagen, so perfect for the dog!

We bought an older truck, 2006 model year, for a few reasons, and it's cleeeaannn, with 130k. It was $25.5k used car prices are high here!

Our classic car arrived at the "Port" so we've got to rent a car trailer and pick it up.

Will snap some pics! I'm behind on that! About to do a lot of house painting before our stuff comes. Never ending things to do.

Idk if I need a stable name for Ronaldo or if I will just call him that name. I'm not feeling Ronnie! I think he already knows Ronaldo as his name though.

 

[Michen]

I was virtually browsing in Arizona too! And other no salt states. We found one 3.5 hours away, and I don't think the owner drove it during the winter from the looks of it. Perhaps just for some driving and camper towing, or something. It's hard on vehicles here in my state. Dirt roads, gravel, salt, heat, cold and whatnot. So we don't want anything new. I picked up a 2011 VW Jetta TDI to scoot around in. It's been perfect and it's the sportwagen, so perfect for the dog!

We bought an older truck, 2006 model year, for a few reasons, and it's cleeeaannn, with 130k. It was $25.5k used car prices are high here!

Our classic car arrived at the "Port" so we've got to rent a car trailer and pick it up.

Will snap some pics! I'm behind on that! About to do a lot of house painting before our stuff comes. Never ending things to do.

Idk if I need a stable name for Ronaldo or if I will just call him that name. I'm not feeling Ronnie! I think he already knows Ronaldo as his name though.

Ok cool, maybe I do that then. I don't really have 35k plus trailer lol. This move has cost a small fortune.

I like Ronnie but can understand why you wouldn't. Maybe he will just become something else like Bog did when he was.. Jack

 

[rara007]

Thanks for the updates!

 

[CanteringCarrot]

Yeah, so, a decent used 2 horse starts at 13k around here. I did see an older one, bumper pull, that was older, but looked clean, safe, and modern for 7k. I didn't see it in person though, so that's only from the photos.

A lot of them below 13k will have the odd issue, defect, wooden floor, or be more of a stock style. So it depends on your area and what you're looking for. Of course you can shop around and have one shipped/delivered.

We like the '06 model for a few reasons, and you just lose less money buying a used car, IMO. We do buy with cash though, and my husband is able to do a vast majority, if not all, of the maitenance, so that's an advantage.

Maybe if I lived in an area that wasn't so hard on vehicles I'd be inclined to buy newer things, but if I can find something good and safe that's used, I generally go that route.

Haven't decided on what trailer to buy. I don't know if I'll go gooseneck or bumper pull. Probably just whatever is most suitable, safe, and the best deal at the time. I'm only trailering to local trails for handwalks in the beginning.

I will be exercising my neighbors horse and she also has a trailer should I need one in an emergency or something. We've gotten along great with 2 of our neighbors so far. We lucked out, they're our type of people!

 

[Michen]

Yeah, so, a decent used 2 horse starts at 13k around here. I did see an older one, bumper pull, that was older, but looked clean, safe, and modern for 7k. I didn't see it in person though, so that's only from the photos.

A lot of them below 13k will have the odd issue, defect, wooden floor, or be more of a stock style. So it depends on your area and what you're looking for. Of course you can shop around and have one shipped/delivered.

We like the '06 model for a few reasons, and you just lose less money buying a used car, IMO. We do buy with cash though, and my husband is able to do a vast majority, if not all, of the maitenance, so that's an advantage.

Maybe if I lived in an area that wasn't so hard on vehicles I'd be inclined to buy newer things, but if I can find something good and safe that's used, I generally go that route.

Haven't decided on what trailer to buy. I don't know if I'll go gooseneck or bumper pull. Probably just whatever is most suitable, safe, and the best deal at the time. I'm only trailering to local trails for handwalks in the beginning.

I will be exercising my neighbors horse and she also has a trailer should I need one in an emergency or something. We've gotten along great with 2 of our neighbors so far. We lucked out, they're our type of people!

I was told gooseneck for CO and having driven around a bit now I understand why. I think I want the stability of it when going down those long mountain roads or even snow if I needed to get him to a vet or whatnot.

Tbh, doubt I'll be able to get any of it for 6 months until I build up some cash. So I'm jealous of your wheels!!!!!

 

[CanteringCarrot]

I was told gooseneck for CO and having driven around a bit now I understand why. I think I want the stability of it when going down those long mountain roads or even snow if I needed to get him to a vet or whatnot.

Tbh, doubt I'll be able to get any of it for 6 months until I build up some cash. So I'm jealous of your wheels!!!!!

Ah yeah, that makes sense re the Gooseneck. The hills and routes I would primarily take aren't too steep or winding. I think we will likely opt for a gooseneck, mostly because the truck is set up for it and we'd prefer that anyway. Neighbor said her bumper pull performs fine for local travel though.

We've just been hemorrhaging cash over here! Truck, trailer, car, horse shipping, home improvements, and just things we don't have/did not need in Europe. Plus stuff is more expensive re phone plans, internet, and a few other things.

But if you're not in a rush, maybe prices will come down a bit eventually on used vehicles. Diesel trucks generally hold their value well though.

 

[Caol Ila]

I drove a bumper pull for years (with a Ford F-250). Never had any trouble, and I dragged that thing across the country, twice.

Advantages of the bumper pull are that you can put a shell on your truck bed and use the truck for other things, like carrying skis, bikes, kayaks, camping gear, furniture, etc. The disadvantages are that it isn't quite as stable and you can't haul a mega trailer. But I used my truck for skiing, camping, etc., which necessitated the shell.

Trucks have always been expensive. Wish I could have kept mine. Loved that truck.

CC, Ronaldo makes me think of the football player.

 

[Michen]

Ah yeah, that makes sense re the Gooseneck. The hills and routes I would primarily take aren't too steep or winding. I think we will likely opt for a gooseneck, mostly because the truck is set up for it and we'd prefer that anyway. Neighbor said her bumper pull performs fine for local travel though.

We've just been hemorrhaging cash over here! Truck, trailer, car, horse shipping, home improvements, and just things we don't have/did not need in Europe. Plus stuff is more expensive re phone plans, internet, and a few other things.

But if you're not in a rush, maybe prices will come down a bit eventually on used vehicles. Diesel trucks generally hold their value well though.

Just paid the LA bit for boggle. 1.09 exchange rate, basically pound and dollar equal. That was painful.

Shipping agents still haven’t asked for a penny though- bizarre! Also haven’t heard back from the Amsterdam horse hotel re our horses.

 

[Caol Ila]

The Amsterdam hotel won't tell you anything. I was there, in the hotel rooms above the stable, and I had no idea what was going on.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

Just paid the LA bit for boggle. 1.09 exchange rate, basically pound and dollar equal. That was painful.

Shipping agents still haven’t asked for a penny though- bizarre! Also haven’t heard back from the Amsterdam horse hotel re our horses.

Dude, I haven't the faintest clue as to where my horse is right now! Maybe he's in Amsterdam, maybe he's on the side of the road in Belgium ??‍

I still haven't been invoiced by the vet clinic where he was gelded 4 weeks ago. I've asked them a few times too. Which is weird because I've always had to pay (in Germany) before the horse has left the clinic.

I can't believe the pound and the dollar are so close now!

I'm super curious on my ground transport cost. Especially because I had no clue he was going to Amsterdam ? and received zero quotes on that.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

It's 2022, we have technology. I should've put one of those Apple AirTag things on my horse.

 

[Caol Ila]

It's 2022, we have technology. I should've put one of those Apple AirTag things on my horse.

Not sure that would help. I have one on my bike, and as I sit here and look at my phone, it has no idea where the bike is. But if I leave the room, I can see the bike in the hallway.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

Not sure that would help. I have one on my bike, and as I sit here and look at my phone, it has no idea where the bike is. But if I leave the room, I can see the bike in the hallway.

? I was kidding... But good to know.

 

[rara007]

Shipping agents work on about 1950s time. You’ll get an invoice in an unspecified number of months…!

 

[SBJT]

I never found the winters in Colorado to be particularly difficult. Unlike the winters in Massachusetts, which sucked, and winters in Glasgow, which also suck. CO's front range moderates its cold, snowy days with days where it's bright, sunny, and like 70F. Plus, the skiing is pretty great. And, as you're discovering, the people are really nice. It's a friendly state. With legal weed.

I am hoping that there is a perfect laidback boarding stable for you somewhere. I had one (which was in Boulder and doesn't exist anymore () but there must be others. We showed dressage, ODE, did tons of trail rides, and my barn owners and fellow boarders were awesome, skilled, empathetic horsewomen and men who I still think about today when I need to solve a problem. It was a magic place. Some of those people are still there.

@SBJT, aye, we get chinooks. My parents said there was one this year where gusts were hitting 100mph.

I found horse weight management a lot easier. I don't know if that's just because Gypsum was more suited to it or it actually is easier. In her case, she was a poor doer on UK grass but I never had any problems with her looking like an RSPCA case in the winter when she was on hay full time in the States. Not many horses got laminitis, but I will say that there were more concussive injuries and navicular because the ground is rock hard all the time, while QHs and ex-racing TBs are cheap and plentiful but have crappy feet.

When I went to uni, I was at a barn which was fine for the first three years I was there, but in my final year, it got a new manager who wanted to make it into a Serious H/J and Dressage Show Barn. Pretty sure that's why years later, Fin gets the two bridles pictured below and Gypsum had an endless series of tacky saddle pads like the ones pictured (that barn manager hated them... it was great). I like them and I liked passive-aggressively saying "f*ck you" you to the showing establishment even more. But I do realize not everyone is a rebel!

View attachment 100829View attachment 100830View attachment 100832View attachment 100833

Oooh that is a super fancy bridle! I’m loving the saddle pads by the way ?

 

[Michen]

The Amsterdam hotel won't tell you anything. I was there, in the hotel rooms above the stable, and I had no idea what was going on.

Well I had a bunch of photos and whatsapps off them yesterday am, just nothing since which I think is reasonable

 

[Michen]

It's 2022, we have technology. I should've put one of those Apple AirTag things on my horse.

Wish I'd put one on my suitcase....

 

[SBJT]

I drove a bumper pull for years (with a Ford F-250). Never had any trouble, and I dragged that thing across the country, twice.

Advantages of the bumper pull are that you can put a shell on your truck bed and use the truck for other things, like carrying skis, bikes, kayaks, camping gear, furniture, etc. The disadvantages are that it isn't quite as stable and you can't haul a mega trailer. But I used my truck for skiing, camping, etc., which necessitated the shell.

Trucks have always been expensive. Wish I could have kept mine. Loved that truck.

CC, Ronaldo makes me think of the football player.

I use a 2hr BP straight haul and never had issues but it does suck up the diesel quicker. A gooseneck would be better if you can get one reasonably priced.

I put a truck camper in the bed of my truck and pull the trailer behind. Its not bad but occasionally requires nerves of steel.

 

[Michen]

Dude, I haven't the faintest clue as to where my horse is right now! Maybe he's in Amsterdam, maybe he's on the side of the road in Belgium ??‍

I still haven't been invoiced by the vet clinic where he was gelded 4 weeks ago. I've asked them a few times too. Which is weird because I've always had to pay (in Germany) before the horse has left the clinic.

I can't believe the pound and the dollar are so close now!

I'm super curious on my ground transport cost. Especially because I had no clue he was going to Amsterdam ? and received zero quotes on that.

Hahaha. God I love that we are both going through this relocation drama together I don't know why Bog ended up going to Amsterdam either, assumed it was to do with the strikes or something.

 

[Michen]

Waiting for my boy he flies tomorrow- argh! I’m going to be a mess, casually scouring flights to LA and wondering if I can swing it with work after 48 hours ?

 

[Trouper]

You might be pushing your luck!! On the other hand - in the interests of your sanity.....................