moving yards

[angie]

Hi everyone,

Although I know most of us have or had confidence issues, I know that there is a lot of general horse knowledge amongst forum members, and that is why I need some advice!

I am 95% sure I'm going to move Ella from her current yard to a new one. The pro's are it is 2 mins from my house, 24hr turnout - with her own permanent stable when needed, 60x20 manege on site, and I save over £200 a month. But am I doing the right thing by her in potentially unsettling her?
How can i make the move least stressful. I was thinking of hacking her over as it would be a nice 90min hack. Also, should I leave her to settle in a few days before riding her, or start as I mean to go on? She is generally a level-headed girl, but like all cobs can be a bit sensetive.

Any advice greatly appreciated! Thanks,

Angie and Ella x

[hunting charliehunting]

i would move her on the cost issues alone (you will need any spare money you can get for hay, I think, this year!)
The closeness to your house seems so much more convenient, as long as you liked the "feel" of the new yard.
I f you do decide to move her, I would try and carry on her present regime as much as possible, and accept that she might have a few little "ifs and buts" whilst she settles in.
I think quite a few horses are unsettled by moves, but with understanding most seem to settle fairly quickly.
I hope whatever decision you come to works out well for you both.

[ange]

Hi Angie,

It seems to make sense to move if it's so much cheaper, but at £200 saving there must be something that you won't get? I always have to double-check myself to make sure I'm not doing a 'the grass is always greener' but if you can live without whatever it is that you don't get then move!

If possible do it on good terms, so that if you find you're not happy with the new place you can always ask to move back.

Re Ella's routine - you will still be there and you're a significant part of her life! Be lead by her - don't rush things but also don't hesitate if you are only doing so 'just in case' - you may find she loves the place!

Cheers, Ange.

[angie]

Thanks for your replies. I guess I'll try and take her out from day one, but take it easy and go in company. After all, it's what we do, and it would start a routine off.

The reason its £200 cheaper is it'll be DIY and not full livery (which I have at the mo), and I'll be saving a tank of fuel each month!! Full livery would normally be ideal as I do shift work, but on my days and afternoons off, I like to do her and give her her tea. So the new yard owner - very helpfully - said full livery would be a waste of money, and that Ella can live out 24/7 so that I can do all her care. If I need someone to check her and give her a spot of tea when I'm not there, it's the grand total of £1.50 a day!!

Anyway, I hope to move at the end of this month so will keep you posted how we get on. Thanks again girls,

Angie.

[liz]

The new place sounds ideal and I'm sure your Ella will settle. I moved yards several times over the years and never really had a problem caused by a move. I guess I was very lucky as I kept my horses in private yards for most of my ownership years and only used a commercial (and really nice) livery yard once. I usually rode any of the horses I had the day after arrival as I felt it helped to restore normality. I rode Duke out after he'd had a rest day as he'd had a long journey from Kent to West Somerset. He loved it and behaved really well for a young horse (Avril's training )! Of course, I'd never say that was right all the time as every owner should know their horse better than anyone else and it may not suit all!

[em]

Hi Angie

Moving is always a worry.. but don't forget that it is you who is her constant in her life.. if you are relaxed about it then she should be fine.. so think about what will make you feel less worried and confident that you have done all you can to make it less stressful.. you could hire the school perhaps so your horse has seen the surroundings a couple of times when your there actually tell her this is where you are both moving too ( sounds mad but who can prove they wont understand) .. also when getting ready to leave bag up some of her old bedding then her new stable will smell more familiar.. good luck em x

[angie]

Hi Liz and Em,

Thanks for your replies...I think I will take her out the next day for a short ride with some company, and I like the idea about the bedding. I remember doing a similar thing for our 2 collies when they were pups, and we got the mum's scent on a towel for them to snuggle with.
My current hacking friend has insisted she takes us in her lorry, which is very kind of her, so I don't need to get worried about a 90min hack by myself - which would have the furthest Ella had ever been without a friend.
I will post again when we're at the new place - hopefully she'll just put her head down and graze!!
Thanks again.

[angelac]

Hi Angie
Just been reading through your new yard posts and feeling glad for you that your friend is taking you in her lorry.
When I moved house by about three miles I walked my little cob to his new stable. This was a much nicer stable and he had the same companion and the same routine. He seemed to really enjoy his new home but was never keen to hack out alone again. At this time I was at the height of my confidence so don't think that was a factor.
In fact our first ride out went really well and then it plumetted downhill.
This could be a totally red herring but both myself and an instructor wondered if he worried that he would'nt return home from a hack.
This could be well off the mark and I'v considered other things but I do sometimes think of it. Before that we were slowly but surely on the way up.
In any case all horses are different of couse. I don't think my Highland would give a jot as long as there was plenty of food in his new pad . ( He is the ultimate Mr Greedy )
Anyway enjoy the lift and all the best for your new place.
It sounds really good.
Best Wishes
Angela

[angie]

Note to self - read all of Angela's post before thinking the worst!! I was beginning to think it was a bad decision to move Ella until I grasped what you were saying! Ella too can be led by her urge to graze, so she should be in her element with 24hr turnout, a bit of Hi-fi and a vitamin supplement to give her something different to munch each tea-time.
Luckily my friend, who's yard she is at at the moment, was very good about me moving her, and has said if it doesn't work out, we can go back. Fingers crossed though all will be well. Am counting down the hours to Thursday, but in the meantime am looking at the rug situation! Husband doesn't understand she ideally needs 2 of each weight, or an underblanket, in case she gets too cold and wet. Oh well, a girl can never have too many clothes!

Angie x

[angelac]

Hi Angie
So glad I did'nt give out the wrong message after all !!
I would rather say nothing than be negative.
In view of my experience, I personally would think twice about walking to a new home.
I therefore felt very happy for you to be getting a lift.
At the same time, odds are, the walk over probably had nothing to do with my problems. It was probably always going to be something
My little cob is a much loved but quirky little fellow!
Now that I have another calmer pony, I find I am thinking things over in a less desparate way and trying to plan a re approach.
Your new yard sounds good and you will have the benefit of someone to ride out with which will be so helpful.
My ponies are at home and whilst its lovely to have them close by it is a disadvantage that there is no one to hand to ride out with.
Over the years I have seen many horses move home without ill effect.
In truth my new pony was totally unphased by moving.
He left his home and spent two weeks having revision at the yard of the lady who did his schooling. When I bought him he then travelled 6hrs in a lorry, was unloaded at the ferry terminal into my trailer, endured a choppy 1hr journey on the boat then a short run to my home.
He ambled out and started grazing with no apparent care in the world!!
So all the best for Thursdays move . Enjoy the lift and new yard.
Will look forward to the updates

[angie]

Well, the deed was done on Thursday, and so far so good!

Ella had her flu-tet jab on Wednesday, so was a bit quiet for the move the next day, which may have been a good thing. Anyway, she was turned straight out into the paddock she is sharing with a thoroughbred mare, and they hardly took notice of each other! The other horses in the neighbouring paddock were going nuts, and Ella just stood a bit confused, but grazing in the main.

I took her out in company - with a strange horse - on Friday morning for 30mins, and she was so relaxed she led all the way! I couldn't believe it as normally she can be quite looky, and it's a whole new area she's not seen before. Anyway, bouyed up by that sterling performance, I took her out yesterday on her own - very brave of me as she can be nappy, and we've not done it for a year maybe - doing the same route. She was a superstar!! My girl was so good, and only became tense along a 500m stretch, then relaxed again!

I know it's very early days, and as she settles things can, or will, change, but I have now learnt to give her a lot more credit than I previously have.

i will keep you posted on how she settles in, but thumbs up so far! ;D

Take care all,

Angie and the superstar Ella xx

[angelac]

Very glad it is going well for you