Moving yards

[Dontforgetaboutme]

I am moving yards next week, my senior has been on my current yard for years and the younger 18 months. My plan is to move them in the morning & turn them straight out when I get there. They are going to be turned out as a pair. Will leave me rest of day to pack up all rest of my stuff. They are on the same feed as will be given at new yard, I’m taking a couple of bales of hay to transition them to the new hay. Is there anything I can give them to ease them into the new yard? Neither of them are youngsters. Am I overthinking things?

 

[Gingerwitch]

Yes lol
We all do it thought.
They will be fine if you are relaxed, maybe boot the older one if your worried bout his legs just for today.
Relax and enjoy, your oldie will have a new lease of life cause it's exciting.
Get your beds down and stables prepped, everything else can be done later. But it's tiring for you too do be kind x x

 

[dogatemysalad]

Good luck with the move. My tip is to get organised before the day, so that if the unexpected happens, you have time to deal with it and aren't being run ragged.
Sort out your stuff, box/bag/take home stuff you aren't using right now and if you're really organised, clean your kit and equipment so that you arrive on your new yard looking cool, calm and supremely collected.
New liveries will be relieved that the new arrival isn't messy and slobby.
No pressure....

 

[SpotsandBays]

I agree, get everything moved/packed up before the horses. That way *if* there are any issues you can be there, keeping an eye etc

 

[Trouper]

Absolutely agree - get everything else except the horses organised beforehand so that you can have time at the new yard to just "stand and stare" at your two as they settle in. If I thought the water supply were different I might take an initial supply for them to transition over as you are doing with the hay.

 

[Winters100]

Sometimes I read things here that make me feel like a terrible owner! I have to be honest and say that I would just expect the horses to get on with it, just the same as if we were spending a few days at a competition. It would not occur to me to take water, and for the hay I would only bother if I had a very fussy eater. Your horses are lucky!

Good luck with the move and I hope that all 3 of you are happy there

 

[Micropony]

Mine have always settled best somewhere else if I ride pretty much straight after arrival. Same whether going away for a few days or moving yard. Depends on the animal's personality, but mine have always been the types to feel happier when I am telling them what to do. Last one had been moved around quite a bit before I got him so I also wondered whether me riding him straight after arrival reassured him I wasn't going to leave him with strangers, although I do realise how anthropomorphic that sounds!

 

[doodle]

I also would probably move everything else and then move them so you can stay and watch them settle. I have never crossed hay over either.

 

[Bernster]

Yep sounds like you’ve got it in hand. Obv depends on horse’s temperament but ive moved recently. Had 3 to move so took the first with some kit and left her there whilst we sorted the other two. Came back after a few hours (not planned but yet more drama at the old yard ?) and she was already looking quite settled. I did move all my stuff first but that’s because the old yard wanted the horses moved first.

They are often left in on the first day, especially if they’re given wormers, but that depends on the yard.

Good shout re food and hay, although as they get different hay through the year I’m never quite sure about that one. Someone did suggest adding a gut balancer initially but I didn’t in the end.