Should I move yard or stay

[Bobthecob15]

Seeing things in black and white often helps. Good luck with the move.

I 100% agree with this!!

 

[ycbm]

Yes I've heard lots of people rave about pea gravel turnout areas!

They would more commonly use up to 10mm pea gravel, but they are all great for conditioning feet as long as they aren't too deep and the horse doesn't drag its toes.

 

[EventingMum]

We all know what is ideal for horses but sometimes have to make compromises however there are certain things that are not acceptable and it sounds like there are quite few unacceptable things at your current yard OP. I would definitely move to the other yard and just manage the lack of winter turnout as best you can, plenty of exercise and in hand grazing if possible and the turnout in the school should help minimise problems and your horse should have a much happier owner as well.

 

[Above the snowline]

Thinking outside the box (or mini stable) could you get a discount at your present yard if you mucked out every evening yourself and bought your own bedding. You could pay another livery to muck out for you when you can’t.

 

[Bowie]

Welcome to stage 2 of horse ownership- knowing your horse, knowing more in general and developing a ‘gut feeling’. Personally I would move for all above reasons already mentioned. I understand that it is a big decision and one that is as scary as buying. I am at a great yard and have learned a lot from them but the knowledge on this forum alone is great. This has given me confidence. One question would be ‘how long is winter at the new yard? ‘. But tbh would not stop me from moving. Would be more about what I can do to ensure more riding/groundwork in the winter. A plan once there. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Genuinely hope all will be well. Lucky horse having you

 

[My equine life]

If it’s 24/7 turn out in summer I would stick it out for the summer where it sounds like his welfare needs will be met in the summer but keep looking for yards over the summer to see if you can find somewhere with more turnout that you like. Where are you based?

 

[Red-1]

I would have left at no rug changes, let alone the stink from lying on a stable with no bedding.

I would move now and see how winter goes. I doubt it will be 2 hours a day on the indoor arena though, more likely to be while they muck out. However, if you are riding daily it is preferable to where you are now IMO, and I presume summer turnout is more plentiful.

I would, however, keep an eye out for an option 3, with winter turnout. The yards you have discounted, I would not dis them for having rules; rules can keep everyone safe and be fair. Sometimes it is also good to have a strict YO as it tends to prevent cliques.

 

[Fred66]

I would keep looking as no winter turnout would put me off, is your current yard full livery? If so can you ask for more bedding or do his bed yourself

He is getting winter turnout just not on grass. Albeit the turnout is only for a few hours.

Many grass paddocks in winter end up as mud baths with hay thrown in to supplement lack of grass.

If I were OP I’d move, the lack of winter turnout is the only con and the current yard has a list of them.

 

[splashgirl45]

He is getting winter turnout just not on grass. Albeit the turnout is only for a few hours.

Many grass paddocks in winter end up as mud baths with hay thrown in to supplement lack of grass.

If I were OP I’d move, the lack of winter turnout is the only con and the current yard has a list of them.

If you look at my later post I hadn’t realised OP had already looked at other yards so I agreed that she should move to this one as overall it is much better than the current one,

 

[Fire sign]

I would move to yard 2 provided that my horse was a relatively chilled type of personality and not a hot blooded type that might get over fresh from no turn out and buck me off

 

[Barton Bounty]

Firstly, I would ask if there was an option for DIY at the yard you are at until you find something suitable.
BB had a big box and hated where it was… moved him to a slightly smaller box and he has a window and a door and is happy as hell BB does get tons of sawdust and has mats down, he is the messiest horse on the planet lol..
turnout, as long as your horse is getting turnout of some sort , id be happy

Move and dont look back…. Just at the right time to get settled in for summer

 

[Cheetchy]

So strangles test booked for Monday and transport booked for Thursday, paid a month notice but not staying the month, my boy will be in his new big stable soon enough thanks everyone for their advice.