Moving from a small yard to a big busy one?

[WombatStew]

At the moment the horse I share is kept at a very small yard with only a handful of liveries and the YO's horses. His owner wants to move for various reasons, the biggest being that she wants to be somewhere where there is more going on and more people around which I get. So, at the weekend we're moving to a very large, busy yard that holds competitions most weekends. The facilities are great and I'm looking forward to (hopefully) a more sociable environment but I'm also slightly apprehensive about what it will be like!
I'm sure there are a million unwritten rules and I don't want to go in and make a fool of myself! So is there anything important I need to know/remember when we move? Any top tips?

 

[Baileybones]

Be aware that every single owner / rider on the yard can ride and handle your horse better than you ;-)

Seriously it should be lovely and having company around is always nice as are great facilities.
I made this type of move earlier in the year and it has been a culture shock mainly because whilst on the whole very nice people I'm constantly amazed at how they all have an opinion on absolutely everything. Some are so busy discussing other peoples horses they can be at the yard for several hours and not have time to ride their own!

Rules should be clear - i.e if need to book school, remove droppings and jumps from school etc so don't worry about that. Just be prepared to remember that you know the horse best. I've stopped even trying to explain my logic and now just smile sweetly and agree that they're probably right and then just carry on as I was

Big yards can be fun so enjoy

 

[soulfull]

Big yards can be great fun. I love mine
Don't expect everyone to like you or you them. It's the same a life In general.
Don't ask other liveries for advice as some will keep giving it forever
If you need to know something ask YO

 

[paddi22]

I love bigger busier yards as there's more fun. Best thing i found with bigger yards is not to get too drawn in or involved with any personalities too soon. Be equally friendly with everyone till you get the lay of the land, and don't express strong or bitchy opinions about people or it will get around.

 

[benson21]

I would guess the main one to remember are, always pick up any poo your horse has deposited in the school, always pack away jumps in the school after use, never leave just one horse on its own in the field. You will probably find there is at least one that knows more about your horse than you do (!) there is one on every yard, so just take that with a pinch of salt.