Help me make a decision!

L

Lucy_Ally

Well-Known Member
Joined
22 June 2004
Messages
2,494
Location
Surrey
Visit site
I moved to my yard in April, we moved to a new area and I didn't know anyone so took the nearest and cheapest yard. Things were ok, but I just don't feel like I have settled, Spring is fine but it's me that is unhappy
frown.gif

Reasons for wanting to leave the yard:
- Lots of rats/mice (have had to throw away lots of stuff due to vermin damage)
- Cliquey and bitchy, haven't made any friends really
- I was not given the field I was promised, it was split in two and I have ended up with the boggy ground and not as good grass, I had to supply all my own electric fencing (cost about £200). Have just been asked if the bit of my field that I have been resting (for winter as no rotation) can be used for another horse
crazy.gif

- There is no real management system
- Silly (but has annoyed me), after 3 months the YO still doesn't know the name of my horse!
ooo.gif


So went and had a look at another place that is as close but significantly more expensive. The lady was lovely and the yard is fab, nice big new stables, indoor and outdoor schools, individual turnout but fields rotated, much more professional. Howver no strict DIY, so horse is turned out and fed in mornings, hay, stable and grazing for £40 p/w. I would need her brought in during the week as well so it will add up when I add that on. The YO had a similar philosophy to me and she said that there were loads of people to hack out with etc.

I just don't know what to do!
confused.gif
If money were no object that the new yard would be a definite, but it will leave me pretty strapped for cash especially in the winter.

What to do?! There are lots of yards in the area but hardly any do DIY. There is another one that I liked but they are as expensive, further away and have a waiting list.

Sorry just needed to sound this out.....
 
Is there any way you could come to an agreement with YO that you could do your horse in the morning and they get it in in the afternoon. The assisted DIY on my yard give liveries the option. Sounds a much better yard and if you're not happy then you should move, even if its just temporary until you find something more cost effective???
 
Lucy, when you work out how much you are paying for your own hay and feed, you will probably find that in actual fact you aren't paying any more.

I couldn't remain where you are, if it was me I'm afraid. I would move to the nicer but more expensive yard. Maybe you can make some cut-backs in other parts of your life?
 
That sounds a good deal to me. Round here is £45/week+.

How much is your current yard? All comes down to weather you can afford it, but otherwise I'd say go for it!
 
I would definitely say to try and make a few cut backs and go for the new yard, or try and work out some kind of deal with the lady.

Its £40 a week for full livery at my old yard, or £15 for DIY livery
 
Current yard is complete DIY and £100 per month. When I consider allmy outgoings with her, I will be be about £100/month worse off. I can just about afford it but it will be tight! I don't really spend money on any other hobbies. I am pretty frugal with my money (I am a northerner after all!
tongue.gif
), but I really need to move her before the winter. I liked this place as soon as I arrived. I think I have probably made my decision, just have to get used to being poor for a while, lol!
 
Have to say as someone new to horse ownership I would definitely go with the new yard. My horse takes up a huge part of my life and I'd rather be happy and strapped for cash than a bit better off and miserable. This isn't the first time you've mentioned being unhappy with this yard and the new place might be just what you need - it can't be worse than the place you are now. I've really landed on my feet with my yard; the people are friendly and very helpful - just been offered the ride of two horses in last couple of weeks so me and OH can ride out together, I only have to stand at the fence of the menege watching OH riding to get asked if I want a coffee or a beer by someone and the YO treats my horse like her own (not literally!), ringing me up if she thinks the weather is getting a bit bad and to ask if I want my horse bringing in whilst I'm at work. You can't put a price on feeling content and no one should have to put up with bitchiness plus you might find that the liveries will help you out with bringing in horses - everyone mucks in and helps at my yard. Hope you follow your heart and good luck, I'm sure the lovely Spring will be happy whatever you decide.
 
def move to the new yard - with all the damage from the mice etc you are prob paying more to replace things, the fields sound awful so in the winter you will be paying more to feed your horse and also if the fields are that bad the horses will fight over the food and you dont know if your horse will get injured costing more in vets bills...
I know it sounds negative but I have been in places like yours and you pay more cleaning up the mess due to poor management then if you go somewhere well organised and safe...sounds expensive but prob well worth it...you will be happier and the horse will be too....as it is your only hobby might as well spoil yourself...if it works out too much I spose you could always put your name down on the waiting list at the other DIY yard and just stay at this one and see how it goes....def move from the other yard...being sad and not enjoying it is worse then anything...
 
I know you are all right, paying out money and not being happy is not a good situation. I love spending time with Springy but I aslo enjoy the social aspect of a yard and I find myself more and more reluctant to go down there. The new yard will be much safer and hopefully more friendly and has pretty good facilities. There are more rules but hopefully that will make thinsg run more smoothly.

I am away for a couple of days next week, so will have a long hard think about things and then decide next week, I know I need to move her I just need to figure out if it is to this place or not.
Thanks guys - its always good to have a sounding board!
 
Is there no more yards around your area? This yard sounds perfect, and i know what its like to be in a yard that your not happy with.

I really wish you all the luck in the world
 
There are loads of yards around, but most are full livery which there is no way I can afford or would want actually. The yard is really nice, there is another with a waiting list which I really like so may give them a ring and see if they have any vacancies coming up.

Thanks for the luck
grin.gif
I think I was spoilt a bit at my last yard and if it wasn't for re-locating because of my new job then I wouldn't have moved her.
 
i never use livery yards, i look in the area i want to keep my boys and ask people about empty fields!! im keeping them 10 min drive away from home, 20 min ride from beaches and woods etc etc, ive got the option of stables (their nothing special) and the owner split my field in to 3 paddocks for me and it cost him £300!! he's a lovely old boy!! and theirs 2 other liveries who each both have a field each too. but we say hi and have a little chat as and when, when its only a couple of you its lovely!!! no bitchiness or backstabbing or criticising of each others horses!!! its bloody bliss! oh and i pay £8 a week each for my 2, and its an extra £4 a wk for the stable!!!! i think if i was in you're predicament i would have to move as i dislike atmospheres and bitchiness, id rather pay £40+ a wk at the other yard, even if you only stay there temporary. xxx good luck
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top