Going from private yard to livery.

[Mince Pie]

Next week I am having to move my horses due to a change in my present YO's circumstances, I don't particularly want to go but unfortunately needs must

My current yard is a tiny private yard with just myself and the YO, the yard I am moving to is a small/medium sized livery yard with about 25 horses on it. I worked at the new yard last year before being made redundant, and I had my horses there. The facilities are good and I have the bonus of knowing my way round etc.

My main concern is the shared storage area, the last time I was at a livery yard we all had our own separate tack rooms so everything was secure, the hay and straw (big bales) was a different matter as it was in a communal storage area and walked off. Are there any good, cheap (must be cheap as currently earning very little and can't afford much) lockable storage containers I can get? Need to store everything that isn't tack or grooming kit.
Also feed bins will be in this communal area as well so looking for feed bins too.

My other concern is Skinny Millie. Obviously my YO knows her story but I am worried about what other liveries may say about her. Should I put a sign on her door telling them that she is on a weight-gain regime, or just wait until they ask me? If you think I should write a sign how should I word it without coming across as defensive?

Lastly, the school. At my old yard everyone shared the school happily, do most of you mind sharing a school or when you are in there do you expect others to wait until you are finished?

Any other tips and hints for me? Must admit as the time gets nearer I am getting more and more nervous!

 

[Kenzo]

I think you may be worrying too much

I wouldn't put a note up myself, because it's got buggar all to do with anyone else but if it makes you feel more at ease, no harm in doing so, you can do it in a none defensive way I suppose, you can buy those plates similar to a stud plate where it details the horses name, owners name, emergency contact details and any special diet requirements etc, suppose you could just add on there that she's poor doer if you wanted.

As for sharing the school, suppose it depends on how big is it and if your horse works better without others in there, I don't think you should have to feel like you have to share but on a busy yard there has to be some and give and take so everyone has a chance to use the school, so it might be that at times you have to share. Perhaps find which liveries do similar schooling sessions to you and a horse your horse gets on well with so you can both work comfortably in the school without any issues.

I'd buy yourself a storage box or two or those plastic box draws so you can keep everything neat and tidy and mark everything so nobody helps themselves to your stuff, although I not sure you can lock them up, maybe just take home anything that is of any real value, its usually things like yard tools people tend to borrow and not return, rather than grooming equitment, I know if anyone else is like me, I like my own stuff, I wouldn't dream of trynig someone elses grooming stuff even if they offered.

Really wouldn't worry too much, just see how things go and enjoy the social side and make some new friends.

 

[Mince Pie]

I probably am worrying about nothing! I have no problem with sharing the school, but I wasn't sure that if I came into the school when someone else is there they would shout at me
Can't take stuff home unfortunately, I live in a static caravan so space is very limited!
Do you reckon that if I made up a load of haynets I could put a "emergency contacts" sheet on the doors, with a note on Millie's to say that if anyone sees her without any haylage please feel free to put another net in? I just worry that people are going to start bitching about her weight from the off, although Olly does look well so that may work in my favour?

I think the main reason I am worrying (apart from being a natural stress head!) is that my last livery yard was a nightmare which is why I was so glad to find a private yard, I haven't been on a proper yard for nearly 2 years now.

 

[Nudibranch]

A friendly but firm note does no harm, it should help keep the noseys at bay. I can sympathise, I spent 15 years doing my own thing and now the yard has become mad busy. But hoping to bring the horses home when we move house.

Re storage - I posted earlier this week about exactly the same thing, some very useful replies. Just search my posts, shouldn't be too far back

 

[canteron]

I have my horses at home, but from time to time have put them on full livery for various reasons.

My main piece of advice is just give everything time. Be pleasant to everybody, but don't chase friendships until you really have got the place sorted and know who is who! You can then sort out who might be a nice hacking companion and who is going to irritate you. The worst thing, IMO is become over friendly with someone and then have to back off, that creates bad feeling. Just be lovely to everyone and the right friendships will follow.

Regarding your horse and the note - follow your own feelings on this one. Nothing wrong with a note, it will at least give people something to talk to you about and introduce yourself.

 

[Mince Pie]

Thanks, TBH I'll probably just stay out of everyone's way, I was just worried about what they might say about Millie Although a sane hacking buddy for her could be a bonus - I never thought of that! I just really hope it isn't going to be like the last big yard I was on

ETA: Canteron thanks for the heads up! Are those big garden boxes big enough for feed bags do you think?

 

[Mince Pie]

Do you think this is well worded enough for a note about Millie's weight?

Hi everyone,

This is Millie, she is a 5 year old ex racehorse who I bought at the end of March. Unfortunately about 2 weeks after I got her she had a very serious accident and had to have 6 weeks field rest. The vet, my previous YO and I think that the stress of both the accident and the complete change in her routine is what caused her too lose a lot of weight.
She is on a strict regime of diet and exercise to help build up her weight and topline, but obviously this will be a long slow road so please bear with me whilst I get her back up to weight. If anyone sees her without haylage whilst she is in please feel free to give her a net, there are some made up next to my bale of haylage.

Eve