Moving yards...

atlantis

atlantis

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So I'm having to move Lottie due to financial issues as I'm changing my job and it's less money.

I feel pretty guilty about moving her as she is settled where she is, although there are a few things that are better about the new yard. I don't have a choice though I can't afford the part livery any more and the current yard won't let me change to DIY.

My main concern is that she will be out on her own. She has been before and was fine and settled. There are other horses on 3 sides of her new field and I'm going to set up a grass track. She is currently out with 2 others in the day, one of which Lottie hates!!! I mean really really doesn't get on with!! They hate each other!! Lottie simply keeps well away from her, which suits the other mare it appears. This mare is in at night so then it's just Lottie and one other very sweet pony.

I've tried to find a yard that does group turnout but there simply aren't any round here. It's all individual. Her new field has shelter which her current one doesn't. She will initially be living out, in at night in the winter.

I'm moving her the day I'm taking her to a clinic, so I have my friends lorry. Can't get transport any other time. So she'll be going for her lesson and then on to new yard. She settled ok when she moved to our current yard but I know she's going to miss her pony friend and her neighbours.

Any tips on how to make the move less stressful?
 
I think moving into a new field when she is a bit tired after the lesson sounds ideal, she will be too busy getting her head down to eat the grass to be stressed about it, she has moved a few times in a fairly short time so should be fine, keep to her normal routine as much as you can and encourage her to use the shelter by putting her feed, if she has one, in it.
Having had many horses arrive here over the years I find most settle in very quickly as long as they have others around them that are well settled and relaxed, normally within a day or two they are at home and part of the gang even if they are not actually in with another one they react to what is going on and pick up the yard routine.
 
be positive said:
I think moving into a new field when she is a bit tired after the lesson sounds ideal, she will be too busy getting her head down to eat the grass to be stressed about it, she has moved a few times in a fairly short time so should be fine, keep to her normal routine as much as you can and encourage her to use the shelter by putting her feed, if she has one, in it.
Having had many horses arrive here over the years I find most settle in very quickly as long as they have others around them that are well settled and relaxed, normally within a day or two they are at home and part of the gang even if they are not actually in with another one they react to what is going on and pick up the yard routine.
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Thanks bepositive. I can always rely on you for sensible replies that put my mind at rest. I'm such a worry wart!!! That's a good point about her being tired I think she'll be ok really. The main reason I don't want to move her is that she's moved so much. I simply don't have the money though so we do have to.

I have a really good feeling about this yard. I went to look round fully expecting not to like it but it just had such a lovely feel. The horses looked happy and chilled and the YO, her daughter and the other liveries I met were just lovely. We hung around for nearly 2 hours and were under no pressure to leave and DD made firm friends with their little dog. I just hope Lottie likes it too.

She doesn't have a shelter, just natural shelter in a corner from trees/hedgerow. I like her field and they have a mini that may benefit from the track if they don't mind her sharing. I'll see how we settle in and then ask maybe. The mini is also available for DD to have a sit on too!!!
 
Moving lots won't kill her. Think of all those top end competition horses - they fly the world competing, and home is where the haynet is. :) I'm really lucky - my mare competed all over the show, and she's moved a LOT - she just takes it all in her stride. I think she's been in 18 yards in 15 years, including 4 in a year when we moved house 5 times in a year too!

Best of luck with the move - she'll be nice and tired from her lesson, and as long as there's food under her nose, I'd imagine she'll be fine. :) xxx
 
I had to move my youngster from being on a livery yard to private fields on her own (first time kept alone ever) she was absolutely fine distracted by the new fresh grass to chomp on and loved all the attention off me, I did get a shetland pony to keep her company a few months after moving but this was more because I felt as a baby she needed a cheeky friend to play with. I'm sure Lottie will be fine settling in and probably happy to get away from this moody mare she hates haha! :) xx
 
Yes I think she'll be pleased to see the back of her. Lottie is bottom of the pecking order but the other mate bullies her really. They've been better since the pony was put in with them but it's a hate hate relationship really.
 
I think it works really well that she's going to the clinic and then moving - hopefully she'll be tired and settle easier.

I moved my boy back in November and learnt a few things -

It will take a few months until they are fully settled: you'll notice it in a few subtle ways but don't be too worried - horses just need time to adapt.
Be positive and try not to get too nervous - she will read your energy so try send a positive message.
Take time to get know others on the yard: don't spend hours nattering rather than doing jobs, but try to integrate when you can.
Give her time and space to settle in, but keep her reassured that you haven't abandoned her too! Fuss and carrots always seem to work :D

I'm sure she'll be quite glad to escape the nasty mare! My boy had been group turned out for years before I moved and although originally he had a lovely field buddy when he arrived, he's currently on his own and really enjoying the peace! As long as she has others in sight - and maybe able to chat over the fence? - then she should be more than content! If you're worried you could always bring a book and sit near her like I did for an hour or so - so she doesn't feel alone and it makes you feel better too!

p.s get her into a routine as soon as possible - it will really help!
 
Yeah I think I will establish a routine straight away. She is currently out all the time but new field has quite a bit of grass so I'm going to bring her in for a few hours in the day I think.

I've just heard that the local riding club is moving its dressage shows to the old yard. I really would stay if I could but simply can't afford it. She's already let my stable too so I can't stay now, even if I could afford to.

I think that's making it harder. It's not like we're moving cos we don't like it. It's simply the money!!!

She'll be fine though!!!
 
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