Moving yards?

U

UKa

Well-Known Member
Joined
3 September 2004
Messages
958
Location
Herts
community.webshots.com
Oh, I think I just need some input into my stream of thoughts. Gist is that our yard is under threat to be closed within the year and so have started to think about moving. I have the option now of going with a friend to a small yard that seems really nice, basic as it is, but it has no school (and I have just started taking lessons again as like to do the odd dressage show) but more importantly it is a bit furher away, especially as ideally I like to get there by bike at the weekend as I have two children and a husband that wants to do things and we can't afford to run a second car. It woudl take around 40mins to cycle one way.

Now, they are planning to build a school if they get enough liveries (owners are new and just starting out) and the hacking around there is superb. My girl also consumes an awful lot of grass (skinny TB that only puts on weight when on lots of grass) and where we are at the moment it was really good as masses of grass. Anywhere else doesn't seem to have anywhere near as much, This small place gives you one field for winter and summer and that's it. No idea how big it is as cannot estimate. We would perhaps get around it by strip grazing.It's a problem that I will probably have to face either way. Also, benefit would be that we would move with a friend as our horses are also now together in a field...

I am really tempted to just go but will also look at other options although some of them nearby are much pricier, which is not really affordable for me at the minute.

Would you go the extra mile to go where you think your horse could be happy rather than go a shorter distance where it may not be as good?

Hope this all makes sense
 
I struggled with going further and moved ky horse back to my original yard a year later. I personally would also struggle not having a school.
 
Think about it with your eyes wide open - today is a good day...Would you be able to get there on a bike if its snowy and wet like it is in a lot of places today? The grass is an issue too if you have a poor doer. I don't like the "school to be built if enough liveries" bit either, sounds like a get out clause. I would be inclined to wait and keep looking, you're not in a dreadful rush if the yard is not closing for a year.
 
Presume you are DIY? I would actually very carefully consider the practicalities of transport. 40 mins cycling each way... is a long time...Also, from previous experience, unless the asset is built (ie the school) never ever take it into consideration. They need planning permission and building a school is not exactly cheap!

I would keep looking for a better option or chat to hubby about car share etc but as this would not be a short terms option I think it might end up causing more grief than it should.
 
If the small yard builds a school you may well find their prices go up so will not always be the cheap option. Also if they haven't done their sums properly, prices could also go up even without a school. I know of quite a few new yards where the initial budget hasn't been realistic.

Don't know where in Herts you are but I don't have a car and manage to get to yards using public transport train and/or bus, it means not all yards are doable but I have managed to get to 4 so far. So that could be an alternative to cycling at times.

I would keep looking but I would also be careful not to be in the situation that a yard is shutting and gives notice and everyone is looking at the same time
 
peony said:
My first thought was, who in their right mind wants to cycle for 80 minutes a day! :p
Click to expand...

Haha :) It would only be at weekends and possibly not all the time every weekend. I can use the car on weekdays at my leisure but I have two small boys and a hubby who hates being stuck at home at weekends and in order to not get the flack it is sometimes easier if I can get to the yard independently. I would not consider it if cycling every single day...
 
criso said:
If the small yard builds a school you may well find their prices go up so will not always be the cheap option. Also if they haven't done their sums properly, prices could also go up even without a school. I know of quite a few new yards where the initial budget hasn't been realistic.

Don't know where in Herts you are but I don't have a car and manage to get to yards using public transport train and/or bus, it means not all yards are doable but I have managed to get to 4 so far. So that could be an alternative to cycling at times.

I would keep looking but I would also be careful not to be in the situation that a yard is shutting and gives notice and everyone is looking at the same time
Click to expand...

Exactly right to all of these. I am sure prices will go up but at present it is cheaper than what I pay now and I am willing to factor in a price rise.

Public transport exists to this one yard although limited at weekends which is when I need to be independent from the car. Weekdays I will drive.

And yes, I don't want to be looking when everyone else is... that could leave me with even less options! THANKS everyone!
 
I would worry that the arena would never happen.

The 40 min bike ride would soon get to me!

You could move now and still look for better options but moving your horse twice could be unsettling.
Or wait and see if your current yard closes and continue looking to see if there is anything better around.
 
So hard, I looked at other yard today that ticks all MY boxes including distance. Unfortunately they only do individual turnout though which I am not sure she can cope with... I have no idea whether or not it will close in a couple of months (if place gets converted), in the summer (when a new farmer comes on board) or not at all. Not sure I want to be in the position to worry all the time or just move now, somewhere that is halfway suited...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top