Two weeks on at new yard . . . why didn't I do this before?

PolarSkye

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Having spent the majority of my horse ownership time on large livery yards, I moved Kal to a small private yard two weeks ago. Honestly, it's heaven :).

There's a small, purpose-built barn with four large stables and a feed room . . . just YO's daughters' two ponies, one other livery and me and Kal. There are another six ponies on the property, but they live out, so there is plenty of equine company. The yard is on a family "estate" (for want of a better word) so is very private, but there are people about so it doesn't feel isolated or lonely. Grazing is good and only a minute's walk from the barn/yard. The school is fab, tons of jumps, there's a horse walker, an indoor washroom/solarium (with hot water), washer/dryer, tack room and YO's husband is putting in a tea room and toilet next weekend.

It is so peaceful, laid back and relaxed. Kal has settled really well (he loves his harem - the other three occupants of the barn are mares). YO is kind and friendly, as is other livery. Because there are only four of using the school it's in great condition and sharing is never a problem.

I have always shied away from small yards because our only experience of one made Kali really unhappy and stressed . . . but we are both so happy away from the inevitable cliquey-ness of large yards that I'm wondering why we didn't do this before.

Don't get me wrong - I've taken something positive away from every large yard we've been on, but I'm realizing how lovely small yards can be.

P
 
Sounds wonderful, lucky you ! TBF though, not many small yards have the facilities that yours has. Usually, you'd need to go to a larger competition yard to have the things you describe.
Enjoy your new found yard.
 
Sounds wonderful, lucky you ! TBF though, not many small yards have the facilities that yours has. Usually, you'd need to go to a larger competition yard to have the things you describe.
Enjoy your new found yard.

To be fair, it is sort of a competition yard because YO's daughters' ponies compete (BSJA) . . . feel so lucky to be there :).

P
 
i know what you mean :)

i was on a yard of 4 of us (2 being YOs) and us 2 liveries...!good facilities too!! just a shame turnout wasnt good my horse got too stressed/ill because of it all!...

But its peaceful!

im on a bigger yard now but still very quiet and private - i couldnt go back to a big yard!
 
To be fair, it is sort of a competition yard because YO's daughters' ponies compete (BSJA) . . . feel so lucky to be there :).

P

Yes, I thought it would be. Friend has a similar set up, all the facilities and the ménage for 3 horses are amazing.
At least this winter you won't have to compete with everyone trying use the ménage at the same time. ARRGGHHH winter blues !
 
I'm on a private yard and the previous DIY Livery yard I was on just doesnt come close to how good Gizmo and I have it. The YO's lodger is my boys sharer and the only other people who are there are sharers for my YO's horses so I'm the only livery. We have stables, grazing, large hard standing yard with a new menage and amazing hacking on our doorstep :)
I must admit though I am tempted to put him in full livery for the winter but it wont happen, hahaa :o
 
I've been wondering around thinking the same thing also, for the last few weeks :-) having been on a yard totally stressed out of my head for quite a considerable amount of years it would appear (you never notice these things), now on my own with my boy and a companion who we have acquired and absolutely loving it and funnily enough, my lad entire attitude to life has changed also....

Good isn't it OP!!
 
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