Not sure what to do - loan, sell, stick at it...?

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Kittykins

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Over the summer I changed jobs and was (I thought) able to keep a horse for the first time in my life. What I didn't take into account was quite how much more time my new job would take up of my life, and as a result I've found myself rushing around, racing to the yard in the evening (sometimes quite late), racing through yard chores and dashing off home to get some sleep to do it all again the next day.

I absolutely adore my new horse, but she's just not getting the time she deserves at the moment, and this job situation could realistically last or get even worse for the next few years.

Added to this, the owners of the yard I'm at have turned out not to be particularly nice and are clearly only in it for the money, with the result that I spend all my days at work worrying about wether she's been fed, turned out etc etc.

Clearly I need to do something - she's starting to get quite naughty, apart from anything else. She has also turned out to be a lot more talented than me on the riding front, so the quality of her work is also going down.

But what to do? Should I loan her out in the hope that in a few years she'll be a little saner, and I'll have a bit more time? Or do I just cut my losses now and say a sad goodbye? Or should I move yards and see if a happier environment suits us both better? I just don't know! :(

Chocolate for all who got to the end.
 
Dont give up yet

What sort of livery are you on DIY, assisted, Part or Full?

I think given your work Part Livery would prob be the best solution, then all you have to do is go up and ride?

But I do think regardless you need to be able to trust and be happy on the yard you're at
 
Depending on what your budget is, you could consider moving yards and keeping her on Full Livery. That way, she will be looked after by the yard staff everyday and you won't have to go up everyday if you don't have time. Some Full Livery also includes having the horse exercised/schooled a certain number of times per week which would help keep her schooling up and keep her fit so that all you have to do is enjoy her. Then you won't feel guilty for giving her less attention because you will know she is receiving the care and attention she needs.
 
Hi,
personally I think I'd try and move yards, where you could have her on Part livery and know that things were being done... If it still doesn't work out then consider loan/sale?
Good luck!

Becky x
 
I know how you feel. My yard is notoriously bad for 'forgetting' to do things and have the cheek to charge through the nose for it. My yard is also 30 mins away from my house and I am constantly rushing around too, because I don't trust the yo to do things for me and only use them when I have absolutely no choice and then hope that they do what I'm paying them for. If I could, I would be out of there in a shot but there really arent any good yards in my area so it's a case of putting up with it for the time being and we are moving out of the area in a few months, hooray!

I would definitely look for a better yard. I'm sure that in a better place where they could take some of the pressure off by being on part livery you would feel much better about things and would have more time to enjoy your horse
 
Hi, first of all whatever you decideiwould find a new yard asap, with people you can rely on. Not turning your horse out is acceptable!!!
Could you get a sharer? That would help with the costs and maybe up to full livery to help with exercise maybe, then youll still have your horse for when you have time, weekends and when you have time off work. Maybe you could try this option before you go down the selling/loaning route. :)
 
Maybe you should think about changing yards and see how that goes. I have 8 horses and will say I don't see them every day I rent a field at a livery yard but have friends that check on them weather Im down or not. Don't give up x
 
if it where me, i'd get a sharer, offer someone say 2 free days riding, in return for the stable duties you normally do, that way u dont have the chores, she's ridden more, and you still have her! x
 
get a new yard

then i think id get a sharer who wants to help out for rides? then u could maybe have tuesday wednesday thursday off
 
Personally if i were you, i'd first of all, look for another yard. You need to be sure your horse is happy and looked after and i personally wouldn't trust someone who "forgot" to turn your horse out.

Depending on money, maybe full livery would be an option, you can still go up, even do whatever you want yourself and have them cover everything else, such as, you feed and they turn out, muck out etc, or however you want.

Whichever livery package you go with, perhaps try and get the YO's to exercise and ride your horse? It varies the day a bit and the horse gets to stretch it's legs and do something productive.

Another option, would maybe even be to do a share? Set out days a week for you both, though it might be harder to find someone suitable that you trust.

I would definately change yards though, you need someone who has the horses interest at heart and not profit.
 
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