Changing yards - advice please!

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Mongoose11

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Hi All,

I am a foal in terms of posting but I have been lurking a while and now it's my turn to ask for help.

Background - always wanted 'my own' little yard. I now own my first horse (big hairy cob) and after sharing and loaning for so many years on other peoples yards I now have the chance to take on a lease of my own and find a livery to join me. Will give a run down, try make it quick and then I would like opinions please.

Yard I am at now - not my lease, too many horses on winter grazing meant zero grass from Christmas! Big hay bill, have to come in at 11 am every day as no point standing out, can't make my own decisions about turn out. Horrid metal gates to unlock and lock at yard entrance, very open grazing, no natural shelter, stables quite run down but 'authentic' BUT Lovely two girls, shared duties, nice hacks in company, school up the lane.

Possible new yard - my own lease, find my own suitable livery, same acreage as old yard but will be for 2 not 5, tranquil setting in grounds of manor house, amazing american barn stables - really is 5* - auto drinkers etc, menage opposite barn with lovely surface, post and rail, lovely hacking nearby but probably will have to go out on my own most of the time (I usually ride more on my own but after an amazing hack in company this morning I am getting cold feet!).

So, what would you do?

Urgh - I hate decisions. Both yards are the same price.....

HELP!

Billie xxx
 
I'd be off to the new yard like a shot, provided I had somebody to join me.
If I couldn't find a livery, I'd be looking for a companion horse as I wouldn't keep mine alone.
 
I just don't want to let current YO down, think she will have a tougher time with her 3 without me and my sharer to ride out with. Feel like I will be buggering up her summer!

Will be looking for a livery otherwise companion pony it is!
 
I'd definitely go for the second. But don't take this the wrong way as I don't have a clue how experienced you are, be aware at new yard there'll be no-one to give a second opinion if you need one. Also not exactly hot on tax matters myself, but it might be worth checking you won't get in trouble for sub-letting. And if you do, make sure you get good advice on livery contracts etc.
 
Thanks all so far!

LittleLegs - Owner is expecting me to sub-let second stable and also they live in the manor house on the grounds and have had horses for over 20 years (now retired from riding and owning) so I know I could get a second opinion if need be. Am now feeling ready to take on the challenge!

Anyone else who might be able to think of any pitfalls or positives - opinions sought!?
 
Having your own yard can be hard work maintenance wise, however I wouldn't change it. The only thing I really, really hanker for, is some company. We have bad hacking, no real facilities and I have no friends :(
But if you have those things or can at least get them then I'd say go for it, Im sure old YO will understand.
Enjoy and good luck :)
 
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