Tough Decision!

Dumbo

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11 November 2012
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Yet again a 'moving yard' thread, sorry! I'll try to keep it brief.
At my current yard, the school is awful, stables are awful, grazing is awful but the people are lovely and there is always someone to hack out with.

Found another yard, in the next village to where I am now. It's a private yard and they've just started to offer part livery, so only one other livery at the moment.
Beautiful american barn with big, light and airy stables, tie up area under heat lamps, secure and tidy tack room, winter turnout on sand paddocks and large fields for the summer. Very large arena with a flat surface! Hacking is just about as good as it is where I am, however only the owner and other livery to ride with.


New yard is more expensive but everything (but exercising) is included and all the horses are really well looked after and follow a set routine. With the better arena I could really crack on with schooling, maybe improve enough to do a few things next summer. Owner is a dressage rider and her boyfriend showjumps and they both teach lessons.


BUT, and it's a big but, my horse is difficult to hack alone and I'd be relying on this other livery to accompany me, and she may be one of those that just wants to gallop everywhere, I enjoy pottering along!

I'm not sure if it's worth the risk - if I move, my horse will have a luxurious home but hacking will be limited, however it could be great to improve the schooling over the winter?

Opinions appreciated!
 
The owner may be pleased to have the income so willing to hack out on a regular basis as part of the deal, she may also be happy to have company, worth asking before you make a commitment.
If the yard is only in the next village is there anything stopping you arranging to meet a friend from the old yard, it could be an opportunity to improve your horse if he either hacks alone at the start or the end of a ride this could really help bring on his confidence as he learns that he can go alone for a short way.
Final thought new people may move in as the yard gets known, possibly even some from the old yard if the facilities are so much better.
 
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