How far is too far?

[sianmturner]

Busy looking for a part-loan/share at the moment. Not desperate yet which is why I'm having time to think of lots of different factors. I've found what looks like a perfect part loan for me but he's 30 mins drive away (3 days a week). I'm a primary teacher and am at work for 7:30 most mornings. How far is too far to travel to my part-loan in your opinion? Currently I'm that excited I'd travel anywhere but I know, particularly in the winter months, this will begin to ware off and that's when I'm stuck wondering if 30 mins is a bit too far?

 

[Joanne_Stockport]

Mine is about 30 minutes away when no traffic (up to an hour with traffic). I go to the yard 3-4 times but he is on full livery so my time is used for riding. Still spend about 3-4 hours each time (1 hours (or more) driving, 1 hour catching him/tacking up/etc),1-2 hours riding). So it depends if you have the energy and if you need to go twice a day !

 

[Dizzle]

Yup, I had shares in the past that were about 30mins away but I had an agreement with the owner that I would only visit once a day.

 

[nato]

Current yard is about 20 mins away, 30-40 in traffic. 30 mins wouldn't bother me, especially for a share. If it was DIY livery it would probably be too much for me in terms of my time and diesel costs.

 

[sianmturner]

Thanks all. My friend has put the feelers out for a closer one but if one does not come up, I may go up and see this boy. He looks to be a sweety and owner seems pretty grounded x

 

[madmav]

Always tricky finding the perfect combination of horse, owner and location. And then, of course, the yard owner/manager - they can be odd with sharers. Teaching is stressful, riding would be the perfect antidote. But I think you will possibly find that commute a pain after a while. But that could be just me dealing with London traffic.

 

[sianmturner]

Thanks. I think riding is an amazing antidote. Only recently got back on and started up again. Since then I've felt amazing. I spend my life waiting for the next time I can ride. Or even just go up and help out. I love being around the horses - I've always been an animal person and adore my dogs too. I think you're right though - it's a good way of winding down but it doesn't work if you're dealing with stressful traffic and driving times on the way there and the way back. Especially in the winter as I often don't head home until 5:00+

 

[On the Up]

Depends how motivated you are and how right it is! I'd travel 30 mins for the right set up but not if all the boxes weren't ticked I guess

 

[Steorra]

My share horse is about 25 minutes from work and 40 minutes from home, with a bit of variation according to traffic. Luckily, his owner doesn't need me to do mornings, so I only go to the yard three evenings a week. I find it manageable and have ridden 2-3 times a week through the winter.

It's a longer drive than I'd hoped when looking for a share but everything else is just right. Lovely yard, very kind owners, and a super pony to ride 😊. I find that if I click with a share-horse I'll do all I can to make the arrangement work, whereas if we aren't such a good match then it feels like an effort, no matter how convenient. I'd go and see the horse!