Livery Yard dilemma - advice please

[JustMickey]

I am a regular user, but I want to ask this under a different ID as I think someone from the yard uses the forum, and I don't want to set tongues wagging before any decisions have been made!

I have recently started a new job, which although it is only 15 miles from home, is actually 25 miles from my current yard (previous job was right next to yard!) Before I go any further, I must just stress that I am very, very happy at my current yard; there are a few downsides (poor fencing, awful surface in school), but that will surely be the case anywhere. I would rather have to do some DIY fencing every now and again than have to deal with the bitchiness I've witnessed on other yards!! However, for a number of reasons, I am pondering whether I need to look elsewhere.

Reasons to reconsider:
- 1hr journey (rush hour) from work each night
- Very tired when I get home - normally 7.30-8pm
- Fuel bill gone up by £15-20 per week (extra 20-30 miles each day)
- Too dark to ride safely in evenings; horse is stabled 24/7 (for numerous reasons); often only gets walked out in hand during the week as not able to ride due to light
- School surface is boggy and uneven, plus no lights - un-useable in evenings. Plus have to pay £5 p/h (not included in livery fee)
- Livery bill gone up from £40 (DIY) per week to approx £55 with YO doing horse in the morning, plus extra bedding above allowance, where horse is in 24/7

Reasons to stay:
- Great YO - very knowledgeable and fair
- Lovely friends
- Great social atmosphere, esp. in summer
- Big, airy, bright stable - good as horse has some breathing issues
- Access to XC course
- Lovely hacking
- Only 15 mins away at weekends, which is about/slightly better than average
- Horse currently very happy, both in summer (out 24/7) and winter (stabled). Owned for most of her life, and know for a fact that she has never been more chilled out and happy.

I guess I'm just looking for some advice, really. My job will not change at least for the next few years, so in terms of work location, the situation will remain as it is. I'm just trying to do the best by my horse, and my instincts tell me that, being in her late teens already, being in 24/7 without being ridden in the evenings is not going to do her ageing joints much good, even if she seems fine at the moment. I'm desperately reluctant to leave my friends behind, but with no sign of lights being erected/the school being improved at current yard, I'm not sure I have much choice. But what would you do? It's such a risk, moving from somewhere you love to a new place. I've been on bad, bad yards before, and I don't want to put my horse in that position again.

Any opinions/experiences gratefully received

 

[9tails]

Have a look around at what is available. It sounds ruddy expensive for DIY with few useable facilities and limited turnout.

 

[JustMickey]

Thanks for your reply, 9tails. I guess it is quite expensive; it's just such a nice atmosphere that everyone tends to overlook the price! But now I'm finding I need to be a bit more practical - head needs to rule heart.

Mind you - I just had an email back from a local riding school, and they are charging £58 per week DIY (more if wanting shavings!!!)

 

[9tails]

Tell us where you are, H&H are far reaching.

 

[ClassicG&T]

I would look elsewhere, £55 is a lot for a non useable school in winter, though i suppose if the YO is doing horses in morning it makes up for it.
But it would save fuel and time if you moved, i know you like your yard but you might find a perfect one somewhere else?

 

[Sussexbythesea]

Doesn't sound fair on you or your horse and is expensive for what you get. She may be chilled but I don't think that is any way to keep a horse unless you absolutely have to. From time to time our circumstances and needs change and it sounds as though this has happened here.

Do your research and see what its out there - visit and get a feel for a place. If something doesn't work out it's not the end of the world. I moved my horse after 4 years at one place and I was really apprehensive, it was OK but in the end didn't work out stayed for a year then moved again and the second move has been really great for both me and my boy. My horse has never looked so good and I have fantastic hacking and get on well with most of the yard. I've never really come across what I would call a "bitchy yard" bitchy individuals yes but not a yard full.

Happy yard hunting

 

[JustMickey]

Thanks for the replies - I really appreciate it! I think I have decided to start looking, even if change is not immediate.

wewillshowthemsantaclaus - I just hope that's the case. All summer I kept saying how much I love it here - and I do. It's just my new job has made it less workable - I long to ride every night, but I just cannot do so safely. They think I'm nuts as it is, as I go out in near-dark with a light on my hat (off road, obviously!)

sussexbythesea - I hear what you're saying, although I will just stress that my horse being in is as much my choice (or rather, hers!) as anything else - winter turnout would be there if I wanted it. She's just one of those strange creatures who hates being out in winter; we persevered with her for a several years and tried just leaving her out with company and ignoring her, but she goes so nuts that she either crashes through the fence or completely wrecks her legs by galloping round and round til someone brings her in. So now we just let her stay in through the winter - and she behaves like an angel!

Am going to get looking I think....

 

[Fantasy_World]

You need to do the best for you and your horse and not think about what friends will and won't think.
Friends come and go believe me, have yet to meet a true 'friend' in the horse world.
Ask yourself this would they leave you behind at a moment's notice because something no longer suited them? Of course they would.
You are correct to think that ageing joints being stabled 24/7 will not help, especially in winter when the cold sets in too.
Horses need to be out as much as possible or have regular exercise ( unless they are crippled obviously) especially when getting older.
My vet told me about my boy who is 20 rising 21 that regular work would be beneficial to him. I try to ride him as much as I am able to and nothing strenous. He also has daily turnout including in winter. Only time kept in when it has been dangerously windy, icy and slippy or else pelting it down and the fields were getting very waterlogged.
You will feel much better for it in the long run and if you can find somewhere that allows you to ride in the evening as well then that would be a bonus as you can unwind after work.
Good luck