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 A Barrel Of Monkeys
Posts: 12972
    
Location: Texas | I think moving would be a great idea. I don't take well to having my  chewed, especially from someone I'm paying for a service. | |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 678
Location: Canada | How this situation was handled by the owner was not professional but clearly you two do not see eye to eye on your horse. It's time you moved your horse. I'd suggest you start looking for a new place (like yesterday). Make a list of what you want for your horse: Additional feed, daily turnout etc. and bring that list of yours to the places you are going to see. Discuss your list and see if that is acceptable to barn owners.
Do not trash, or say how bad the last facility was, or the problems you are having. Leave those problems behind and find some new place. Then once you find a place write a letter to the facility giving them formal notice you'll be leaving. Then it's over.
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 897
| Well I guess a little bit of an update..
Went to check out a boarding facility today, it's about 8 min from my house, has an indoor arena, and big pastures. $385.00/month.
Owner is nice, lives upstairs. Hours are 9am-8pm, but she said since some people travel to shows, etc, if you need to be there earlier to just let her know a day in advance. I told her I'm going to a clinic Dec 2, and would need to pick him up around 7:45am. She said no problem, she would leave his AM grain and hay out for me to give him. She has huge pastures, feeds round bales outside, heated stock tank outside, with automatic waterers inside. Indoor is on the smaller side, some stuff in it, a 4 wheeler for dragging, a hay ladder, etc. It's a nice barn, for some reason I wasn't 100% comfortable. It's probably ME, I get so used to one thing, and I get fixated on that. She also requires you to worm every so often. She said if I end up boarding with her, she sends his stool out to get tested, and she has to see a recording of what I most recently used for deworming.
My other option is opting for 24/7 turnout, rough board with the girl I take lessons with occasionally. No barn. Indoor 1.5 miles down the road to use for $10 a time. Pros are 24/7 turnout. Hubby doesn't want him on 24/7 turnout. He said what if it's freezing rain, and he's worried he will get frostbite, as it can be -20 and lower here in VT some winters. Hubby also doesn't love the fact that it's 35 min away, and every time I want to ride, I have to take the truck and trailer.
I don't know what to do. I need to make a decision by the 21st, as that is when I am paid up until. Either option is only until April.. | |
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 Warrior Mom
Posts: 4400
| Sounds like the $385 is a good place, but if you're not comfortable with it... you aren't comfortable where you are right now either? | |
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Veteran
Posts: 277
| We get -40F actual air temp here and I have never had a horse with frostbite (my horses are out 24/7). Freezing rain sucks, but they're fine as long as they have plenty of feed and wind break. I'd opt for the 24/7 turnout if it were me. | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 897
| want2chase3 - 2017-11-13 3:56 PM
Sounds like the $385 is a good place, but if you're not comfortable with it... you aren't comfortable where you are right now either?
I don't even know why I wasn't comfortable though..I think change makes me nervous. No place is ever going to be ideal, and I need to realize that more. | |
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Warrior Mom
Posts: 4400
| emricmacy - 2017-11-13 5:23 PM
want2chase3 - 2017-11-13 3:56 PM
Sounds like the $385 is a good place, but if you're not comfortable with it... you aren't comfortable where you are right now either?
I don't even know why I wasn't comfortable though..I think change makes me nervous. No place is ever going to be ideal, and I need to realize that more.
I get it.. I've been at my share of boarding barns... not a single one was perfect or ideal in my eyes. There was always something or someone. Just try to figure out what you can put up with and be somewhat happy when you go to your horse | |
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Go Get Em!
Posts: 13503
Location: OH. IO | Have you spoke to the barn owner where you are anymore? I was really hoping you could speak to her alone but that doesn't appear to be possible.if he is already struggling to keep weight on and has arthritis I would want him out of the cold somewhat,but that's just me. | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 897
| Does arthritis get better in the warmer months or the colder months? I guess I'm just worried about making the right choice for him. I'm worried that he will have a hard time adjusting, ulcers, and a huge part of me feels bad that I'm shuffling him around. I wish I could tell him that I'm trying my best to give him the best care possible. | |
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 Expert
Posts: 1718
Location: Southeast Louisiana | emricmacy - 2017-11-09 3:49 PM
I love my MIL but all drama. And maybe the 52+ stall barn is just too much for us, too many people, too much drama. I don't care what other people think, I just know his family is going to grill me, so what should I say to people asking me why I'm moving? I don't want to bad mouth the place but I also don't want to have to explain myself over and over.
Tell them the owner yelled and cursed at you and you felt like you were no longer welcome there! She was way outta line doing that to you.
Also, if I was boarding, I'd pick the 9a-8p place. When I was boarding, I would have loved to know the barn owner was on top of keeping the other horses wormed regularly. Also, her rules are up front. Not much gray area to argue about. | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 678
Location: Canada | Your horse is not going to get frostbite. I live in Canada and where I live we have extreme cold weather (-50c) and I have yet to hear of a mature (healthy) horse getting frostbite Your only concern should be rain/sleet because that can chill a horse but run in shelters and waterproof blankets take care of that. A free feed hay will help both keep your horse warm but will put weight on him. The constant movement will help with his arthritis. No place is perfect but neither are you and neither is your horse. A place with safe pens, good feed and a place to get out of the elements is all you need. Anything above that is a bonus.
Edited by RunNitroRun 2017-11-13 8:32 PM
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 Mature beyond Years
Posts: 10780
Location: North of the 49th Parallel | emricmacy - 2017-11-13 3:48 PM Does arthritis get better in the warmer months or the colder months? I guess I'm just worried about making the right choice for him. I'm worried that he will have a hard time adjusting, ulcers, and a huge part of me feels bad that I'm shuffling him around. I wish I could tell him that I'm trying my best to give him the best care possible. I have moved 4 times this year and my mare is doing completely fine. I have had the boarding story from absolute hell this year and I won't even go into detail but it was bad enough that I considered legal action. Your gelding will be fine on pasture if that's the way you choose. My mare is pretty used to the show barn style and she's adjusted to pasture. I'm also in Canada and I've never worried about frostbite.
Edited by bccanchaser16 2017-11-13 8:38 PM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 897
| Husband and I decided on the boarding barn 10 min from home until April, then will be moving him permanently to my trainer's barn where she has 24/7 turnout. Will be going to our current barn tomorrow to tell the owner. I know it's not 30 days, but we don't have a contract. We are paid up until the 21st, so will be leaving then.
I have a question, what will be the easiest way for my horse to transition? We have a lesson scheduled on the 21st. Should I go to the lesson as usual, then after go to our new barn, or is that too much for him? I can cancel the lesson altogether and just move him there on the 21st in the AM? I just want to make this easy for him, and to not stress him out. He's very looky at new places until he's used to them. Any advice would be appreciated.
Edited by emricmacy 2017-11-15 5:36 PM
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Expert
Posts: 1718
Location: Southeast Louisiana | I'd say it'll be harder on you, having to get everything together to go to your lesson and pack up to move. I know I'd be rushed and more stressed, making him tense and on edge. As far as the horse, it just depends on his personality. If he's easily stressed, then you might do the move separately, with no time limits so he won't be rushed and he can relax. If he is the kind who does well at overnight shows, I'd say he will be fine. Plus, going to a lesson first might tire him out a little and take the edge off.
Congrats on deciding on a new place to move to. I think the change will be good for you and I hope you have nothing but positive experiences at the new place. Post an update later and let everyone know how things are going. | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 897
| Nita - 2017-11-15 5:54 PM
I'd say it'll be harder on you, having to get everything together to go to your lesson and pack up to move. I know I'd be rushed and more stressed, making him tense and on edge. As far as the horse, it just depends on his personality. If he's easily stressed, then you might do the move separately, with no time limits so he won't be rushed and he can relax. If he is the kind who does well at overnight shows, I'd say he will be fine. Plus, going to a lesson first might tire him out a little and take the edge off.
Congrats on deciding on a new place to move to. I think the change will be good for you and I hope you have nothing but positive experiences at the new place. Post an update later and let everyone know how things are going.
You make some really good points, thank you! I have only had him a few months, so have never taken him to an overnight show. I don't have a lot to move from our current place now. Our locker there is small, just have a few halters, treats, and clippers besides his tack. I'm going there tomorrow, so will pack up pretty much all of it.
He does get pretty tired after his lesson on Tuesdays, so your right that might not be a bad idea. I've taken three lessons so far with my current trainer, whom I love so far, and he finally is *almost* done spooking at the radio in her indoor..he's such a nut sometimes. VERY looky..The only thing if I move him on lesson day is that by the time we get to the new place it will be pitch black. It's pitch black here at 4:30 now, such a bummer.
Thank you very much for all your helpful advice, I don't feel so alone anymore! | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 898
Location: Mountains of VA | emricmacy - 2017-11-15 5:35 PM Husband and I decided on the boarding barn 10 min from home until April, then will be moving him permanently to my trainer's barn where she has 24/7 turnout. Will be going to our current barn tomorrow to tell the owner. I know it's not 30 days, but we don't have a contract. We are paid up until the 21st, so will be leaving then. I have a question, what will be the easiest way for my horse to transition? We have a lesson scheduled on the 21st. Should I go to the lesson as usual, then after go to our new barn, or is that too much for him? I can cancel the lesson altogether and just move him there on the 21st in the AM? I just want to make this easy for him, and to not stress him out. He's very looky at new places until he's used to them. Any advice would be appreciated.
First, I have been following this thread and I have to say I am so glad you are moving your horse, not only for you but for him also.
Next, going to your lesson then taking him to his new home would be the same as going to show where you expect him to pay attention while riding then adjust to being stabled somewhere new. I would view this as a great opportunity to see how he will handle the changes as this will help you once you start hauling and competing. Stress is not always a bad thing especially when it is in a training situation and that is the way I would view the lesson/move.........a training situation.
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 897
| hotpaints - 2017-11-15 6:59 PM
emricmacy - 2017-11-15 5:35 PM Husband and I decided on the boarding barn 10 min from home until April, then will be moving him permanently to my trainer's barn where she has 24/7 turnout. Will be going to our current barn tomorrow to tell the owner. I know it's not 30 days, but we don't have a contract. We are paid up until the 21st, so will be leaving then. I have a question, what will be the easiest way for my horse to transition? We have a lesson scheduled on the 21st. Should I go to the lesson as usual, then after go to our new barn, or is that too much for him? I can cancel the lesson altogether and just move him there on the 21st in the AM? I just want to make this easy for him, and to not stress him out. He's very looky at new places until he's used to them. Any advice would be appreciated.
First, I have been following this thread and I have to say I am so glad you are moving your horse, not only for you but for him also.
Next, going to your lesson then taking him to his new home would be the same as going to show where you expect him to pay attention while riding then adjust to being stabled somewhere new. I would view this as a great opportunity to see how he will handle the changes as this will help you once you start hauling and competing. Stress is not always a bad thing especially when it is in a training situation and that is the way I would view the lesson/move.........a training situation.
Thank you for your advice! I am going to take it 100%! I will use this opportunity for a training session and see how he does, so we can prepare for the 2018 season! | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 897
| hotpaints - 2017-11-15 6:59 PM
emricmacy - 2017-11-15 5:35 PM Husband and I decided on the boarding barn 10 min from home until April, then will be moving him permanently to my trainer's barn where she has 24/7 turnout. Will be going to our current barn tomorrow to tell the owner. I know it's not 30 days, but we don't have a contract. We are paid up until the 21st, so will be leaving then. I have a question, what will be the easiest way for my horse to transition? We have a lesson scheduled on the 21st. Should I go to the lesson as usual, then after go to our new barn, or is that too much for him? I can cancel the lesson altogether and just move him there on the 21st in the AM? I just want to make this easy for him, and to not stress him out. He's very looky at new places until he's used to them. Any advice would be appreciated.
First, I have been following this thread and I have to say I am so glad you are moving your horse, not only for you but for him also.
Next, going to your lesson then taking him to his new home would be the same as going to show where you expect him to pay attention while riding then adjust to being stabled somewhere new. I would view this as a great opportunity to see how he will handle the changes as this will help you once you start hauling and competing. Stress is not always a bad thing especially when it is in a training situation and that is the way I would view the lesson/move.........a training situation.
Thank you for your advice! I am going to take it 100%! I will use this opportunity for a training session and see how he does, so we can prepare for the 2018 season! | |
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 Can You Hear Me Now?
Location: When you hit the middle of nowhere .. Keep driving | Meep.Meep - 2017-11-13 4:06 PM
We get -40F actual air temp here and I have never had a horse with frostbite (my horses are out 24/7). Freezing rain sucks, but they're fine as long as they have plenty of feed and wind break. I'd opt for the 24/7 turnout if it were me.
Ditto, I have all of mine but my stallion on 24/7 turn out and we get colder then that, last week we hit -30 with the wind chill out of the blue early... they always have big rounds infant of them, a tank with a heater and I have a section thats inclosed on 3 sides by bush and a spot with a run in. Even my 24 year old boy with stifle issues is out 24/7 because I find he gets stiff if he's in. People always comment poor horses but they prefer it; I do a horse by horse basis on blanketing but 85% of them don't need or want one. | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 897
| Today was moving day..all went well. Owner of the new boarding barn had a small area set up for him outside to hang out, with hay and water but could still interact over the fence with the geldings he will be in with tomorrow. 4 to a pasture. It was almost 60 degrees here in VT today and it's been in the 20's lately so took his blanket off and he rolled twice, so I think he settled in fine so far!
I'm happy so far, obviously I would love if we had a barn at home to keep him, but that's a goal for a few years down the road! I like that this facility is smaller. Halters off in the pasture, she has the whole barn on a worming schedule, and seems to really be on top of it. Its less than 10 min from my house. And we are both on the same page, it's only until April and she's fine with that. I made sure to secure a spot with my trainer at her barn.
Old barn owner came to me today telling me that I was never really comfortable there skyways, and I never really settled in. I was going to say something but I didn't. I just thanked her and said no hard feelings. I don't do well in big crowds, I just go to the barn, say hi to anyone there, groom and ride my horse, clean up any mess that I made and leave. Maybe because I wasn't the type to hang around?
Thank you to everyone who has helped me out with advice!
Edited by emricmacy 2017-11-21 5:14 PM
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