Moving yards - am pooing myself

[Hovis_and_SidsMum]

We've finally decided to take the plunge and move Sid after a series of issues where we are currently.
We've found what seems to be a lovely yard with good facilities and good hacking. But it only does assisted livery not the full livery we've had before - and really its DIY but you can pay a woman to help you. Hubby and I think this will be a good learning opportunity and paves the way to one day having our own place.
But I am pooing myself!!
Everyone else seems to know exactly what they're doing and looks coolly efficient - whereas I can see us being in a permanent state of disaray!
We've got to go out this weekend and buy shovels etc and haynets etc. I'm suddenly panicking about what we're feeding him, bed depth, how many times to do a full muck out and how many times to only skip out and all sorts of silly things. Hubby says I'm being a pillock but I'm scared everyone will think we're utterly thick!!
Sid is our first horse and we had him straight in full livery so this feels like a really big step (even though it probably isn't!!)
Is it really such a big deal or am I being a pathetic wuss?!!

 

[jumpthemoon]

Wow - it probably is a big step if you've only ever been on full livery!

Don't worry though, you'll soon get into a routine. Mine goes something like this...

7.30am - turn out and muck out stable
5.30pm - bring in and ride
7.00pm - hay up, horse away
7.30pm - feed and depart to other yard to do next horse!!!
very late pm - my dinner and bed

If the people are nice they will help you out anyway, so I wouldn't worry

 

[amandathepanda]

It really isn't that scary if you have people who can help you when you get stuck & remember everybody has to start somewhere! You know your horse so you will know his likes & dislikes. As long as you work out a routine that will suit your lifestyle, the horse gets fed, watered, exercise & kept warm & healthy then you will be fine! Because you are obviously worried about doing things properly, you are less likely to get things wrong than someone who isn't so consientious because you will genuinely be doing the best you can for your horse. A lot of it is down to instinct really & knowing your horse, but once you start to look after him yourself full time you will soon realise what a special bond you get with your horse just be lavishing all that attention on him.

Remember the horsey world is full of people that are only too happy to offer help & advise whether you need it or not!

Good luck, go enjoy your horse

 

[Hovis_and_SidsMum]

thanks jumpthemoon.
The people seem lovely and I'm sure will help when we're stuck but it seems like the first day of senior school all over again!!

 

[kerilli]

as long as it's obvious to everyone that you're trying to do the best for your horse, i'm sure they'll be nice and helpful. i'd do a full muck out every day if you have time, because it's so much cleaner and healthier for the horse.
good luck, hope you enjoy it... it's much nicer doing it yourself, honestly!

 

[Mid]

we went from no horses, to three on DIY!

they had to be in at nights, as well XD


for the first couple of months it's hard, but then you get in a routine and it's fine

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

I read your post & it was just like the way we were many years ago...we had issues at a yard & moved to the one we are at now & were worried if we'd be able to look after our lad properly. Honestly it will all turn out alright.

You obviously want the best for your horse & you have made the first step by moving to a yard that you are happy with. You will find that most of the other liveries there will answer questions you have & point you in the right direction. It's not rocket science & gradually your knowledge & confidence will grow. Everyone has to start somewhere...Good Luck with your shopping spree. Oh & there are people on this forum with a depth of knowledge & will be able to answer most questions you may have.

 

[bex1984]

You'll be fine! You'll soon get used to it.

Costs a fortune buying forks and wheelbarrows etc though, I moved from shavings to straw overnight unexpectedly in february as we got flooded and had to dash to B&Q and it hurt my wallet!

 

[kimrichards]

its will first of all be quite hard work but fun, then it becomes a strain then its part of your orutine, i have it every year i get to the point of having them in the first week or so is hard (earlier mornings!!) but then the routine begins!!! as bitchy as tyhe horse world is most people want to best for horses and are will ing to help etc!!

I found it hard this year as for 11 years i had horses on my door step then i got a new horse and moved to a yard with better facilities it was very hard to start with but its my routine now.

We're always here aswell hun!!!

 

[Hovis_and_SidsMum]

Thanks for all your support. I'm sure it will be fine and its definitely the best thing for him which is the important thing but i hate being the "new one" at anything. Not knowing where you put things or get things from etc and being paranoid you're not doing things the "yard" way.

 

[vieshot]

Its easy seriously! When i got my pony i was scared that i would get things wrong but you learn from trial and error and by asking for advice. Its quite simply really, your better off mucking out each day as will take 20mins top and your horse will be cleaner, bed depth is your choice so long as its deep enough that they arent going to be touching the floor underneath if they lay down etc. Feed him what your current yard feeds him already and if he loses weight feed him more and maybe ask the feed store to recommend you with a more fattening feed that wont make him fix or whatever reason you think a different feed might be needed, if he starts getting a bit porky then ask someone what feed they would recommend that is less fattening. Its really just a case of doing the sensible option or asking for help if your not sure. Youl be fine!

 

[jmcoo]

i am lucky enough to keep my horses at a fiends farm and it s only me there so i have no rules to adhere by. In summer all 3 are out 24/7. in winter they are turned out during hte day and in at night. mine are all on straw, if i have time i turn the beds up every day to keep the stable clear and airy! then it takes a few mins to pull it down in the evening.
You will get yourself into a routine so quickly so there is nothing to worry about!!! i am sure you and hubby will make loads of new friends at new yard who will be happy to help if you are stuck!
Good Luck!