Which yard?

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Abacus

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I have a choice between 2 yards and just can't decide. WWYD?

Yard 1: I've been there 8 years. Small and private, only 3 other liveries and I count them all as good friends. One, as well as having her own horse, rides mine during the week which gives him extra work when I can't get there due to work. Good all-year turnout, good hacking albeit some roadwork, nice 40x20 school. Downside: it's 45 mins from work and 30 from home - so getting there any time except weekends is hard. This yard costs about £100/month more.

Yard 2: Very near home (10 min drive, or 10 min walk across the fields). Also small (about 6 liveries, I don't really know any of them yet). Not very good hacking but there are a few circuits, lovely school (not sure on size but maybe 50x25). I could get there before/after work a few times a week plus weekends. Turnout can be limited in winter (but I have half an acre at home that I could use in an emergency). Cheaper.

Really, having written it all down, it's a choice between sentiment (friends and being in my comfort zone) and practicality (close to home and cheaper). Which would you choose?
 
I assume the horse is on full livery with daily turnout all year round plus regular exercise by the friend during the week, my main thought is how would he be if the turnout was very limited during the winter and he only gets ridden when you can fit in before or after work, it may prove more expensive in the long run if you end up paying the yard to exercise him or he gets upset by being in a lot more with the health issues that can go with that. It would not be practical to bring him home each time the yard stops turnout if this is a regular occurrence.
 
Before making the choice I would re-visit yard two, check out the hacking in more detail, maybe even walk it or box up and ride it.

It does sound better practically and being closer you can ride more and not relay on a friend to ride for you.

My yard is 15 minutes walk away, fantastic over the last two winters as I could walk up to see the lad and not have a dreadful 25 minute drive to the next closest yard in the ice and snow :)
 
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