Emigration destinations

Keith_Beef said:
If you have an idea of where you want to be, it's fairly easy to get an idea of how many farriers and vets are around that area. You just ask Google Maps to show you where they are.

For example, I asked for farriers around Carpentras, and got this map.

The same works for horse vets, and found a dentist, too.
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I know the area well Keef, and nearest equine vet is over an hour plus away, there are 2 farriers on the edges of the area (about 25/30k away) and neither would I let near mine. 1 yard has a UK farrier fly over every 6 weeks to do 8 horses fully shod and a few trims, he goes out Sunday mornings and back late on Monday night's. Id have to go unshod i think!
 
The Fuzzy Furry said:
I know the area well Keef, and nearest equine vet is over an hour plus away, there are 2 farriers on the edges of the area (about 25/30k away) and neither would I let near mine. 1 yard has a UK farrier fly over every 6 weeks to do 8 horses fully shod and a few trims, he goes out Sunday mornings and back late on Monday night's. Id have to go unshod i think!
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I just picked Carpentras as an example, because I first thought of looking for areas with a few racecourses nearby, and then noticed that Carpentras is sandwiched between two regional parks. I've never been to the town, though (and I've only spent a day in Orange and another in Nîmes, so I can't say that I "knowing the area" at all).

Also, I was thinking more of somebody who might be hesitating between two or three different areas, and this might be a way of deciding.

A few threads here on H&H have made me think that French farriers don't have a great reputation among British riders... I've not been and watched any working in the yards around where I live; the yard where I go for lessons has a salaried farrier, but he seems to come around once every six weeks, on weekdays, while I'm in my work. The next time I here the clang of metal on the anvil in the yards across the street from my house, I'll try to get a look.
 
I'd agree that WA does have beautiful beaches, all along the coast we never saw a bad one. They are mostly deserted too.

You failed to mention the endless flies though. Even in Kenya I was never subject to such flies. I met a lady who has a Welsh and Luso stud a few times and wore a head net and hat and all times (as did she) as they were unbearable. And the ticks are everywhere! That's before you get to spiders and snakes, which aren't as big a problem as you think for most people.

I loved being there and swimming with dolphins but I didn't enjoy riding in that heat! Phew.

It would be amazing to do this though!

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1793326337393714&id=1462764187116599
 
The snakes and spiders definitely get talked up, they aren't as bad as people think. But then they don't worry me, I'm a biologist so I find them all quite exciting. Where I am flies aren't too bad, worst in spring then buzz off in summer when it gets hot. The hot summers do get a bit tedious, as does the HARD baked clay.

I guess there are good bits and bad bits no matter where you live... The fires make me nervous but that is outweighed by how nice it is to live here. Flood isn't a huge problem, it hardly rains anyway which in turn brings another set of problems.

PS I've had dolphins come visit at the horse beach. And at work!
 
Accidental Eventer said:
The snakes and spiders definitely get talked up, they aren't as bad as people think. But then they don't worry me, I'm a biologist so I find them all quite exciting. Where I am flies aren't too bad, worst in spring then buzz off in summer when it gets hot. The hot summers do get a bit tedious, as does the HARD baked clay.

I guess there are good bits and bad bits no matter where you live... The fires make me nervous but that is outweighed by how nice it is to live here. Flood isn't a huge problem, it hardly rains anyway which in turn brings another set of problems.

PS I've had dolphins come visit at the horse beach. And at work!
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Agreed! I haven't even seen a snake this summer, though I know it's been a big year for them (been pretty out East). We were 100m from being burnt to a crisp in 2003, not something I EVER want to experience again. Unfortunately it hit Tathra this weekend, one of our beach getaway areas. It's a part of the country, much like these snow events are for England. Fortunately we are so much better informed these days, and are often well forewarned.

I find the snakes and spiders fascinating (scientist here too) rather than scary, but obviously growing up with them is easier than an outsider coming in and being confronted with them :D
 
I always wondered how much my horse would freak at a kangaroo if I'd taken him with me??

The fire thing really is terrifying, I'm glad it missed you. I have friends in Merimbula, which can't be far from you?

We might moan endlessly about mud and rain in the UK (then about flies and heat for the 2 days it hits 25 degrees :D ) but there are advantages to living on an island that when it comes to natural events is really quite boring. Even the snow really isn't that extreme.

I think I'd head to mid mediterrean somewhere to live, and I must take my horse to the beach this year. They'll be no dolphins, probably just rain :)
 
I'm going to pick somewhere different and go for Thailand or Hong Kong! I love humid heat and I think the scenery of both places is amazing. However, I imagine it would be difficult to buy horse equipment and supplies but there are always ways to manage as there are yards based over there (I checked ;) )
 
Puerto Rico and the small island of Vieques next to it are nice. I visited both a few years ago; people tie up their horses to browse the grass by the side of the road on Vieques.

You'd have to be careful that your buildings are strong enough to resist tropical storms, and might need to be careful of crime, if you're ostentatiously rich.
 
milliepops said:
haven't a clue, but right now I'd sell my soul for an indoor school :D
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Indoor?! I'd sell mine for just an outdoor school please! A muddy field really doesn't do it for me :( I stopped riding to have a baby and am now desperate to get going, I started getting her fit in March and basically Ive ridden her probably once a fortnight so far - total disaster so far. Hate living in the UK, Im seriously thinking I want to move somewhere sunny.
 
stencilface said:
I always wondered how much my horse would freak at a kangaroo if I'd taken him with me??

The fire thing really is terrifying, I'm glad it missed you. I have friends in Merimbula, which can't be far from you?

We might moan endlessly about mud and rain in the UK (then about flies and heat for the 2 days it hits 25 degrees :D ) but there are advantages to living on an island that when it comes to natural events is really quite boring. Even the snow really isn't that extreme.

I think I'd head to mid mediterrean somewhere to live, and I must take my horse to the beach this year. They'll be no dolphins, probably just rain :)
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They have to live with Kangaroos, they get used to them :D In saying that, mine still spook at them out on rides :o

Yes Merimbula is part of the south coast holiday areas, only 20 minutes from Tathra (the town that lost 70 homes last weekend), and about two hours drive East from where I am.
 
DabDab said:
Northern you are supposed to be pointing out all the downsides... :biggrin3:

SA is not somewhere I had ever thought of, but sounds pretty loverly. Daft question that I have no idea how to phrase in a pc way.... But do you feel safe living there? I've only ever been to West Africa

I think NZ probably wins over Oz, purely because so much space freaks me out a little... I'm just a little island girl :p
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I have lived in the UK, Aus, Ireland...I can't deny that crime is a bit of a concern. However, in an equally non-PC way the reality is that by selling a house in the UK you could EASILY afford a lovely house within a gated estate with 24 hour security. You would also live in quite a nice area I assume so much less of a concern.

For comparison, 450k in pounds could buy you a 4 bedroom house in a very secure, well-located estate with armed guards and perimeter fencing etc. House would have ensuites, a swimming pool, as well as stable block, arena and paddocks as well as accommodation for grooms/domestic workers/gardeners and dedicated bridle paths within the estate. It also backs on to a huge XC course and training facilities so you can hack there to train and compete XC. I am actually thinking of a real house on the market right now ;) It's in the heart of the equestrian community within Gauteng and loads of show venues, instructors etc within a ten minute radius.

For less money you could live in the very affluent areas within an estate in a similar house, just minus the stables etc.
 
Wow JM, that is a good point very well made! And they have aluminium rolling plants in SA.... Hmm
 
I must be weird-although granted I'm not wanting to compete these days but I'd not want to live anywhere other than I do (Scotland). Personally wouldnt not want to live in an armed compound for any money, need to have 24h security, couldnt cope with the heat and bugs in Australia (yes, I have been), the culture in the US (and I have lived there). I could maybe spend part of the year in Portugal although the fire situation quite put me off last year (after decades of visits). Competing wise its fairly rubbish I expect (although we have archery and tilting and endurance, what more could you want) but having travelled alot in the past, quite happy to stay put. I would like to go more remote!
 
MotherOfChickens said:
but having travelled alot in the past, quite happy to stay put. I would like to go more remote!
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Not weird, I would really hate to move away tbh... I love my little corner of the world. Literally just wish I could put a roof on the school :p OH would like to live somewhere more remote, I think, but that fills me with a kind of panic. I like living so close to loads of competition venues, vets, trainers etc.
 
No it's not strange MoC. I can't imagine living anywhere but where I do and I absolutely adore this country.... But times they are a-changing here right now, so it's interesting to think about a possible backup plan. I'm one of those people who needs to have clear in my head what I would do in a worst case scenario, otherwise I feel insecure and panicky.

The liklihood of me shipping out to another country with parents (in their 70s), OH, brother, three horses, two dogs, cat, goldfish and 2 cars is pretty slim, but it's nice to know I can. I love this country, but I'm not a martyr to it, so if the economy really hits the rocks then I would ship on out I'm afraid.
 
Economy wise with the ohs family business it's already been jokingly discussed to ship out to California perhaps. I don't think it would happen@
 
MotherOfChickens said:
I must be weird-although granted I'm not wanting to compete these days but I'd not want to live anywhere other than I do (Scotland). Personally wouldnt not want to live in an armed compound for any money, need to have 24h security, couldnt cope with the heat and bugs in Australia (yes, I have been), the culture in the US (and I have lived there). I could maybe spend part of the year in Portugal although the fire situation quite put me off last year (after decades of visits). Competing wise its fairly rubbish I expect (although we have archery and tilting and endurance, what more could you want) but having travelled alot in the past, quite happy to stay put. I would like to go more remote!
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I'm with you there. I love my hill top with no-one else in sight, and I love this country, especially the northern half. I wouldn't emigrate anywhere.
 
MotherOfChickens said:
I must be weird-although granted I'm not wanting to compete these days but I'd not want to live anywhere other than I do (Scotland). Personally wouldnt not want to live in an armed compound for any money, need to have 24h security, couldnt cope with the heat and bugs in Australia (yes, I have been), the culture in the US (and I have lived there). I could maybe spend part of the year in Portugal although the fire situation quite put me off last year (after decades of visits). Competing wise its fairly rubbish I expect (although we have archery and tilting and endurance, what more could you want) but having travelled alot in the past, quite happy to stay put. I would like to go more remote!
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Not weird at all- really lovely to feel that way.

I've lived in the UK, NZ, South Africa and in Denmark.

Denmark was lovely but winter was so difficult and the summer is very short. I found most of the competition yards (not all) have limited turn out, limited hacking and most of the riding is indoors.

South Africa meant I lived in the most beautiful cage. The crime was a real worry and your freedom is so limited. You are safe in your cage but there are still bars on your windows and spikes on your walls. I had fabulous horses though and the competition scene is good although African Horse Sickness can be disruptive and a bit scary. Also the posters above are right that there are people to do everything for you, but that's generally because the minimum wage is so low (and generally ignored) so the people doing the work live in appalling conditions.

NZ was the closest thing to perfection but I felt so far away from my family. Very, very beautiful, great horses, amazing hacking. The roads were pretty scary but I think they are everywhere these days. The people are lovely too. I didn't compete but I went to shows with a friend and the eventing scene is great. There are some fabulous horses in NZ!

I love being here though. The UK is so beautiful- the countryside is gorgeous and there is so much variation to the landscape. I'd be very happy to stay here permanently, and my husband feels the same way.

We may end up having to move to the States (Washington state or California) eventually though, but I'm not moving while my dad is still with us.
 
LadyGascoyne said:
Not weird at all- really lovely to feel that way.

I've lived in the UK, NZ, South Africa and in Denmark.

Denmark was lovely but winter was so difficult and the summer is very short. I found most of the competition yards (not all) have limited turn out, limited hacking and most of the riding is indoors.

South Africa meant I lived in the most beautiful cage. The crime was a real worry and your freedom is so limited. You are safe in your cage but there are still bars on your windows and spikes on your walls. I had fabulous horses though and the competition scene is good although African Horse Sickness can be disruptive and a bit scary. Also the posters above are right that there are people to do everything for you, but that's generally because the minimum wage is so low (and generally ignored) so the people doing the work live in appalling conditions.

NZ was the closest thing to perfection but I felt so far away from my family. Very, very beautiful, great horses, amazing hacking. The roads were pretty scary but I think they are everywhere these days. The people are lovely too. I didn't compete but I went to shows with a friend and the eventing scene is great. There are some fabulous horses in NZ!

I love being here though. The UK is so beautiful- the countryside is gorgeous and there is so much variation to the landscape. I'd be very happy to stay here permanently, and my husband feels the same way.

We may end up having to move to the States (Washington state or California) eventually though, but I'm not moving while my dad is still with us.
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I'm not sure I really agree with the appalling conditions. Perhaps I just happen to stable at good yards but our grooms all live in good, brick on-site accommodation with their families. Hot water, electricity, bathrooms and proper showers, nice beds, cooking equipment etc all provided. It isn't fancy but it's clean and functional. Certainly not a shack without any electricity/water and so on which I presume is what you mean? Most of our guys have been working at the yard for a decade or more, so I suppose they must be quite content.

They're granted 4 weeks leave with pay as well as a bonus before they go on leave, plus one day off per week as well as an additional full weekend per month (Friday to Sunday), and each month are given a set amount of basic groceries too, and their shoes and uniforms etc are provided. They also receive more than the minimum wage, as do pretty much all of the grooms I know of in the area...in fact, they receive significantly more than most full-time staff working in a shop.

I don't live in a security estate (one day when I'm big maybe!) but my parents do and they have no bars on their windows nor any spikes on their walls, nor any electric fencing or anything....so while I'm not saying your own experience of the country is wrong, I do think you are painting an unfairly negative view of the country. Still, I know you hated it, so to each their own. Many of us love it :)
 
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I also got fed up with the UK weather which seemed to be sucking the fun out of riding all winter and then you had to pray for a nice summer. I actually moved over to the US to Wellington, FL. It hosts the winter equestrian festival all winter (http://pbiec.coth.com/) and has some of the best facilities in the world. I was fortunate enough to have a number of contacts already in Wellington to help me get set up. I flew a couple of my horses over thanks to Dutta Corp (http://timdutta.com/). I have been here for 3 years now and haven't looked back at all!

It does get quite humid in the summer but I would rather that than drizzle and the cold. The horses don't seem to mind the nice weather.

I must admit it isn't the cheapest place in the world to live.
 
I like the idea of somewhere like Montana. I'd love to have access to the trails they have. I love the idea of taking off for days into the wilderness with the horse and a couple of friends.
 
I'd be off to Texas in a shot but logistics and pretty zero chance of getting a green card mean it's just a dream. love it over there and feels far more like home than the UK.
 
Ruby's Mum said:
I'd be off to Texas in a shot but logistics and pretty zero chance of getting a green card mean it's just a dream. love it over there and feels far more like home than the UK.
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Isn't it interesting that a foreign country can seem more like home than your own. I suppose some places just feel right, like you fit in there.
 
It's bizarre, I've never had it with any other place. Just absolutely love the place, the people and the shopping, I even don't mind that I struggle with food over there not the best place to be if you're a veggie!
 
Ruby's Mum said:
It's bizarre, I've never had it with any other place. Just absolutely love the place, the people and the shopping, I even don't mind that I struggle with food over there not the best place to be if you're a veggie!
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Shame you can't get a green card. You'll just have to visit as much as possible I suppose
 
I'd go for New Zealand - although I'm not sure it counts as emigrating as I have a NZ passport.
I love the country, and the lifestyle, and the people - not quite sure why I'm here, tbh!
 
mule said:
Shame you can't get a green card. You'll just have to visit as much as possible I suppose
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We've looked into it but it appears to be incredibly complex and difficult to get in. so yes, just have to enjoy trips over there when we can afford it, thankfully BA is about to offer budget prices into Philadelphia so might afford to get over a bit more often depending on the flights out of Phili to Dallas!
 
Ruby's Mum said:
We've looked into it but it appears to be incredibly complex and difficult to get in. so yes, just have to enjoy trips over there when we can afford it, thankfully BA is about to offer budget prices into Philadelphia so might afford to get over a bit more often depending on the flights out of Phili to Dallas!
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There's the always the Green Card Lottery...
 
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