I decided a couple of weeks ago that I wouldn't move Dolly home right away - it seemed like extra worry on top of getting a household moved. I need to find hay - I have a couple of sources lined up, but would have nowhere to store it until after I move. I also need to check the fences and make sure everything is good. So, based on that, I was going to leave Dolly at her current barn until the end of June.
On the weekend, I spent a few hours with an old friend that I used to board with. She now boards her horses at a barn about 3km down the road from my new house. She has told me that the barn owners are friendly and would let me ride on their property, as well as introduce me to other neighbours who all ride together. It seems like there are miles of trails and road access in this neighbourhood, along with lots and lots of horse people!
My friend E took me over to the barn to have a look around and meet the barn owners. They were very friendly and seemed pleased to have another horse person down the road. I also met a couple boarders, all who trail ride and seemed more than happy to take me out on a ride to show me around.
As we left, E suggested something that hadn't occurred to me at all. I could move Dolly to this barn at the end of May to have her closer! It was a pretty smart suggestion and I've been thinking the idea over for the past couple of days.
There are a few benefits:
- Dolly would be 5 minutes down the road, instead of 30+ minutes away
- I could get to know the barn owners
- I could get to know the surrounding property and trails, as well as meet some fellow riders
- I could try Dolly in their indoor arena to get her used to that
- There are at least 2 well known western coaches that give lessons at this new place - I could get a bit of coaching in that I wouldn't normally have access to
- I would have access to a nice sand ring
I have to decide by the end of the week what I'm going to do so I can give notice at my current barn...
Any thoughts? I'm terrible at making decisions, so any input is welcome! :-)
10 comments:
With all the new responsibilities you'll have moving a household and setting up a new one I think if it were me I'd move Dolly closer. Five minutes versus thirty is a time saver. The other benefits are you'll make new riding friends close to home. You'll learn where all the trails are and in the winter you may be able to pay to use the indoor. I think it's a win-win situation. Good luck with whatever you decide.
If I was in your shoes I would move my monster to the closer barn in a heartbeat! But I know how much it sucks leaving a barn you really like. When I my old barn the owner and I basically bawled that I was leaving, but she understood that moving my horse up to my husband’s family farm for the summer while we closed on our house was the best option for us. I still really miss all my barn friends but now that I have a trailer I have the ability to bring my boy in for some lessons and ride with my friends again!
Looks like your benefits list is pointing on moving Dolly closer. That's what I would do with all the other things you have going on. Good luck in whatever decision you make!
Connie
If it were me I'd move her closer too! Thirty minutes doesn't seem like a lot until you are in the midst of moving and have little time to spare. You'll appreciate that quick trip down the road to see your pony!
I think I would move too. Just think how nice it would be to have her that close. When you get sick of dealing with unpacking, you can just pop over for a little pony rejuvenation therapy and start getting to know the 'locals'.
First, I feel like I must have been a terrible listener yesterday. I'm sorry. I promise I will get over myself soon and go back to being normal skatterbrain not worried/angry skatterbrain.
I think it sounds like a good opportunity to move forward and get familiar with your new surroundings and neighbours. I imagine it might be hard to get to know neighbours when there is a fair bit of space between properties - this gives you the opportunity to make friends who have a common interest. Besides, if you get to know the trails I bet endurance lady will trailer in. Heck, I'd go too if I still have a horse to ride by then.
It seems the only con - leaving your current barn - is something that is going to happen eventually anyway. All the more reason to establish a new network of contacts close to home. Seems to me that having good relationships with horsey neighbours is a good thing when you plan to have your horse live on your property.
I guess the only other thing I'd consider is cost but since you didn't mention it I figure it's not an issue.
Go for it, embrace your new life ;-) If it sucks you can always move her back, I'm sure D would be flexible.
Thanks for the feedback everyone!
RB - I don't think I mentioned this yesterday! Don't worry...
:-)
It was in the back of my mind - I had emailed the barn owner and didn't even know if she had an open spot. I heard back from her last night and the problem moved to the front of my mind, so I thought I would post something to free up some brain space! lol
You are a good listener! You have a lot on your mind now, so don't feel bad!!!
I was offered several horses to ride on Sunday, so maybe you could come out and ride at some point if your situation doesn't improve...
Thanks :-/ I was worried I didn't give you space/time to mention it. Or that I completely spaced out and didn't remember you mentioning it (the prospect of this kinda scared me, lol).
I am guilty of already wondering if they would have a horse for me to borrow so I can hit the trails with you. I'd love to, no matter what else happens in my horse life.
I think it sounds like a wonderful idea. It will be a plus all the way around, meeting new people in the area, new riding buddies and way closer to your new house!! I say...do it!
Sounds like there are more pros for the idea, and no negatives. Sounds like there are no reasons not to move Dolly to this new barn.
~Lisa
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