Horse further away on training livery?

JGC

JGC

Well-Known Member
Joined
16 September 2011
Messages
2,579
Location
France
Visit site
Currently facing a yard dilemma:

I have two horses of 16 years: a super cob who gave me confidence to ride again and is the pony I dreamed about as a kid! She won't be moving. Second horse a Selle Français who is an ex-showjumper in reconversion to dressage. 17.2hh and a bit of a hot temperament at times.

Current yard: out 24/7 in summer, herd of sixes, quite often breaking out of fields (batteries not always checked), sometimes problems getting them out of the field with everyone galloping; box overnight with unlimited hay, in winter out in muddy paddocks in the day in threes. Hacking amazing, lovely people, but the big school washed away and probably won't be redone til next summer. Small school is 18m x 37m. Nearest place that hires out a school is half an hour to 40 mins away, so at best I could do this once a week.

The big 'un is currently at my dressage trainers for fortnight's boot camp because of the issue of not having a decent school. Trainer is an hour's drive away. Trainer rode her for the first time and got pretty excited, said she could be ready for Amateur 1 pretty quickly (i.e. by this autumnn) which is just the level below PSG. I had attended a clinic last year where they said the same - problem is getting consistent work in. Currently even the fields around are being used for hay.

So I'm wondering whether to leave her there on full livery, but I would only be able to get there three times a week most weeks. They have unlimited hay and individual turnout, which is year-round cause they have some sand paddocks. I trust my trainer with my eyes shut. I could keep going for lessons, but that's two hours transport plus comps- it seems like a lot. Intermediary yards are still 45 mins away and often there's no turnout on Sundays or too small hay rations.


Anyone made a similar move or have any thoughts? On the one hand, I'll miss her, on the other hand, I've dreamed of that kind of level of dressage all my life and that is why I bought her. And she's 16, so we don't have forever.

Sorry for the novel 😅
 
I would leave her at your trainer's yard for the summer and try to get the most out of it. Will your current yard keep a place for you to return in September?
 
  • Like
Reactions: JGC
I have moved mine to a trainer's yard for weeks at a time, when it suited me. I keep mine at home, so obviously less convenient and more expensive. Worth it for me though, when I have a specific objective.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JGC
Hmm, not sure whether she'd keep my space. Although she takes in youngsters to start over the summer, she puts them in separate fields and doesn't introduce them to the permanent herds, so she'd be running a herd of 5 on grazing set up for six.

Trainer and YO are very good friends so I can't discuss with one and not the other and obviously don't want to cause rucktions!
 
I'd say you've got one shot at fulfilling a dream and you should go for it. I think from the way you've written it will be a lasting regret if you don't ride at the higher level. And you've got your "pony" to play with closer to home.
.
 
Have you ridden a horse that's working at that level? It's all well and good your trainer having your horse at the level and obviously you'll be riding some of the time, but you've already mentioned she's a bit hot at times. That might increase a lot with schooling. They need to be pretty sharp on the aids, you might not love the end result on this particular horse.
If you're happy that you can cope with her when she's fitter, hotter and has new and exciting moves to show, go for it - you only live once 😁
 
I'd say go for it but put the effort in to go over and ride the 3 x per week, and one of those should be a lesson. The trainer can improve the horse for you, but you'll need the riding time to make the most of it. It's great that you also have the pony at home to keep up the saddle time.
I'd do the same if I had two to ride and the finances. It's a quicker way for you both to improve.
 
ycbm said:
I'd say you've got one shot at fulfilling a dream and you should go for it. I think from the way you've written it will be a lasting regret if you don't ride at the higher level. And you've got your "pony" to play with closer to home.
.
Click to expand...
I think this sums up exactly how I'm feeling
Roxylola said:
Have you ridden a horse that's working at that level? It's all well and good your trainer having your horse at the level and obviously you'll be riding some of the time, but you've already mentioned she's a bit hot at times. That might increase a lot with schooling. They need to be pretty sharp on the aids, you might not love the end result on this particular horse.
If you're happy that you can cope with her when she's fitter, hotter and has new and exciting moves to show, go for it - you only live once 😁
Click to expand...
Yes, been lucky to catch ride quite a few horses, up to and including GP - I'm under no illusions that I can only do that with supervision plus someone else riding the horse too (someone who really knows what they're doing). And actually I think hot is probably the wrong word - generally laid-back, can occasionally have a strong opinion and can be hormonal (just realising she's me, in horse form ... )
Alibear said:
I'd say go for it but put the effort in to go over and ride the 3 x per week, and one of those should be a lesson. The trainer can improve the horse for you, but you'll need the riding time to make the most of it. It's great that you also have the pony at home to keep up the saddle time.
I'd do the same if I had two to ride and the finances. It's a quicker way for you both to improve.
Click to expand...
Yes, definitely at least one lesson a week, I love (good) lessons anyway. It would vary so some weeks I'd get over three or four times, others less, probably an average of three is doable.
Goldenstar said:
I say you go for it at the trainers life is short and an opportunity delayed is often one missed entirely .
Click to expand...
Thank you
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top