Should I move?

smokey

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Just looking for some opinions. :) I have one horse, stabled on a DIY yard with about 40 others. She usually winters out, but for the past 2 yrs YO has insisted on all horses being in by 7pm in winter. They can go out at any time from 5am onwards. I've been there for 10yrs, and she has only ever lived there. She has her own field, with horses either side. yard is not ideal, poor fencing, ragwort in fields, generally poorly maintained. It is however cheap £22 per week, for stable and grazing. Also, YO can be quite abrupt, and changes rules on a whim, ie the 24hr turnout. There is a school, not huge, not great surface, but it's there. Hacking is directly into the forest.
However, I could move to a DIY yard closer to home, would save me 14miles driving every day. This yard has no stabling, but reasonable grazing, with well sheltered fields. Hacking is also directly onto tracks and woodland. Less horses, and owners. Owner seems nice, my OH has done some work for her, and she seems very pleasant. Have a friend there already, who is telling me to move. Cost is £20 pw just for the field.
I'm tempted, as I go through huge periods of thinking, if I could find somewhere with good hacking, without the yard politics I would move. My only concern is the lack of stabling really, although I want my horse out, having a stable is great for bringing in to groom etc. also, what happens if she needs box rest? She never has before, but my luck.....
Sorry, it's an essay, any thoughts would be appreciated, thank you x

ETA new yard has an outdoor school as well!
 
I think the general poor state of the yard and the ragwort in the fields would make my mind up to go (assuming the YO wasn't attending to matters).

Very jealous of the hacking at both yards!
 
Ye, the ragwort has been an issue for a while, it's not being dealt with, and I'm sick of pulling it myself! Lol. The hacking is fab at both, although the new place is slightly more public, ie there is a huge body of water nearby that is used by the community. That's not a problem though, in fact, it's probably an advantage!
 
New yard sounds much better. You'll save a fortune on fuel if nothing else, and maybe you might be allowed to put up a field shelter (at your expense) that could be used as a stable in emergencies..?
 
That's what I'm inclined to think. Going to have a look round tomorrow, there's a wee show on, so I should get a good feel for the place. Fuel is a definite issue, I could, if I had to, walk to the new yard.
 
Well, been to check out the new yard. I'm moving next weekend! There is a stable for box rest, which was one of my concerns. My field is approx 4acres, split in two. Top half has a wooded area for shelter, and a fenced off bit of hard standing, I can put up a field shelter if I want. Big round hay feeder, which is filled on request, lockable gate. Lovely arena, big field to ride in, with a dressage arena laid out. Hacking directly onto about 4 different tracks. Lovely owner, very cheery and laid back. Secure storage and only 3 other liveries, one of whom I know and like! Oh, and a proper tack room, with a kettle! Lol.
Now I just need to give notice, think that may be a bit of a lead balloon moment, but heyho!
Ets, by wooded area, I mean woodland! Basically a copse.
 
It's lovely, beautiful views, country park and woods to ride/drive in. Didn't even know it was there till OH did some work for the owner. Wish I'd known years ago!
 
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