Turn away/grass livery

[MarvelVillis]

I am currently 6 months pregnant and have my gelding on DIY livery. I have been mulling over various options of what to do to manage him and pregnancy/a new born. I did put an ad out for a share for a few days a week which led to nothing. I have considered a full loan but have heard many horror stories and wouldn't want the stress of it not working out and then having to take him back. I have seen an advert for a lovely looking place with good reviews for turn away/grass livery 90 mins away from me. They do daily checks, herd turnout, lots of haylage etc which I think would be ideal for me for the next few months. I could then bring him back to the yard I'm at now when a space became available and I'm ready to ride again (which happens frequently as they are a big yard). He's only 5 currently and is only being ridden once a week, and I have been mulling over turning him away over winter as he's not had a proper break since he was backed.

Just wondered if anyone else has done the same and it worked out well for them? Anything I need to consider or ask?

The only thing putting me off is the thought of him being out 24/7 in all weathers, as he's stabled overnight now, but I know that's more of a worry for me than him as they do adapt and get used to it!

 

[sportsmansB]

Sounds like a fantastic idea
I don't think it ever does a young horse harm to have a break to think about life and grow up a bit

He will definitely adapt to the outdoor life, they all do - unless he was a clipped super fit competition horse when you'd want to let him down gently for a month or two first!

 

[Highmileagecob]

Be prepared for a long haul - trying to fit a horse and riding around a baby/toddler is not easy unless you have a lot of help. Good luck, I hope it works out for you.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Sounds perfect. He’ll be fine with plenty to eat and friends.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Be prepared for a long haul - trying to fit a horse and riding around a baby/toddler is not easy unless you have a lot of help. Good luck, I hope it works out for you.

I agree actually. It’s not easy and tbh when my daughter was tiniest it was easiest! It was when she was awake and more active things got tough.

 

[Highmileagecob]

Still have memories of an ex colleague telling me that she used to put her sleeping baby in the wheelbarrow and leave her by the paddock gate whilst she did an hours schooling and flatwork. Nooooo. This is wrong.

 

[MarvelVillis]

Be prepared for a long haul - trying to fit a horse and riding around a baby/toddler is not easy unless you have a lot of help. Good luck, I hope it works out for you.

Thank you, and yes, I'm stressing out about that already! Luckily my OH is super supportive and we've had discussions about how I'll be able to fit it in when baby is here. In the times I've been really stressed about it all, I've suggested to my OH about selling my gelding, but he's been the one telling me it's not an option and that we will make it work (which was nice to hear from a non-horsey person!) My mum has also offered to babysit regularly which is lovely.

 

[eahotson]

My old boy is on retirement livery which is the same sort of set up.He is very well and very happy if that is any help.

 

[Barton Bounty]

I did it, twice, I found it easy, I was tired though. I was working as a child minder too and didnt take a break from it, all kids under 5 lol. I just bought the kids I looked after, wellies and waterproofs etc . First time I started riding just after my c-section at 6 weeks. I used to express milk, felt like a dairy cow ?.
Id get the kids organised, wrapped up and we would head out for a fun day at the stables. The kids loved mucking out and making feeds, filling haynets. Baby used to sit all bundled in his rock a tot car seat . To be honest most of the other ladies at the yard were so gushy over your newborn that your able to muck out super quick cause you could actually take your eyes off baby for a minute.
you will find your own routine and as the weeks go on it will get easier and you will find people like me offering to look after the wee one to let you ride! That will make you feel so much better mentally ?
I only rode at first when baby was home with dad though. So maybe 3/4 times a week. It is a very exciting time and also nerve wracking to be honest. Dont stress you sound like you have plenty of support to help

 

[maya2008]

Yes, definitely. Then you'll get back on the same horse you last rode, with all the buttons in the right places and manners/behaviour intact, just unfit and ready to get fit gradually with you.

 

[Dexter]

I did it a while back. Packed him off to be a horse for 6 months and see if some niggling stuff cleared up. It did, hes back and sound and working hard now, and definitely better for the time off.

 

[ycbm]

Still have memories of an ex colleague telling me that she used to put her sleeping baby in the wheelbarrow and leave her by the paddock gate whilst she did an hours schooling and flatwork. Nooooo. This is wrong.

I'm not sure if this is a joke? It was normal, even recommended, in my childhood to wrap the baby up well and leave it to sleep in the garden in its pram. This is no diffeent, the child will probably benefit from the fresh air.
.

 

[maya2008]

I took child with, rode with friends and parked the buggy somewhere safe where I could see it and hear it from about 2 months old. I wouldn’t ride solo and obviously needed someone to babysit if I wanted to hack. Both my kids were born in the autumn and youngest had to go everywhere on the bus for her first winter as I had a dislocated thumb and then an operation on one foot. Both kids had the same treatment - a babyhood and toddlerhood of the great outdoors wrapped up in appropriate layers has given them good immune systems, great eyesight (where half their friends are wearing glasses already) and a love of ponies.

 

[Barton Bounty]

I took child with, rode with friends and parked the buggy somewhere safe where I could see it and hear it from about 2 months old. I wouldn’t ride solo and obviously needed someone to babysit if I wanted to hack. Both my kids were born in the autumn and youngest had to go everywhere on the bus for her first winter as I had a dislocated thumb and then an operation on one foot. Both kids had the same treatment - a babyhood and toddlerhood of the great outdoors wrapped up in appropriate layers has given them good immune systems, great eyesight (where half their friends are wearing glasses already) and a love of ponies.

Its the best way for the kids! Always outdoors ?

 

[Gloi]

Still have memories of an ex colleague telling me that she used to put her sleeping baby in the wheelbarrow and leave her by the paddock gate whilst she did an hours schooling and flatwork. Nooooo. This is wrong.

Am I really bad when my first thought was 'well the muck will keep it warm'

 

[Errin Paddywack]

I'm not sure if this is a joke? It was normal, even recommended, in my childhood to wrap the baby up well and leave it to sleep in the garden in its pram.

My mum used to put me out in the pram even if it was snowing.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

My friend put her babies in the push chair at the edge of the school while she rode, if the weather was awful they went in the car and she parked it near the school.