I've made a Very Big Decision.
I'm moving Connor.
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| No matter where I go, I'll have to deal with a downgrade in arena footing. I have been so spoiled. |
I know there are people in parts of the country with options when it comes to barns, and changing barns is not a big deal. In my area, there are almost no options. Once you're in a good spot, you don't really move, unless you buy your own farm.
I've been at my barn for six years now, five as a boarder. I have absolutely no problems with it, it's perfect in every way, besides the 80 mile round trip from my house, and the fact that it puts me too far from the Dressage trainer I'd like to haul into every so often.
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| This is the non-horse trailer drive time Google Maps says it takes for me to go from my house, to my barn, to my Dressage trainer's barn, back to the barn, and back to my house. And she doesn't teach on weekends! |
You have to have a Plan B at all times as a boarder, though, and there's only one Plan B I'd ever consider in this area. I actually toured it a few years ago when my trainer raised board prices and I freaked out about money. It was built in 2006, has an indoor and an outdoor, feeds Tribute (which Connor is already on), has trailer parking, has lovely big stalls with auto waterers, and only boards a max of 7 horses at a time (4 at the moment). Oh, and it's three miles from my house.
(Cue Connor's breeder going: "It's THREE MILES FROM YOUR HOUSE?!")
Yeah, I literally cannot even imagine my horse being under 10 minutes from my house, but I'm about to find out what that's like. I didn't end up moving him when I looked at it the first time because I didn't have a truck and trailer back then, but now that I do, I can haul out for lessons.
(And hence the need to get a trailer Connor actually likes - he's about to start spending a lot of quality time in there.)
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| Same round trip as above, but from possible new barn. |
My trainer is on board with this plan. I started to talk about how I'm riding less because of the drive and my life, and she understands completely and suggested this barn as an option now that I can haul in for lessons. Little did she know her suggestion has been my Plan B for years. We've all tentatively agreed on May 1-ish as my move out date.
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| Possible new place |
There are two very big things that have to happen in order for me to be able to make this move though: I have to get the trailer situation settled, and I have to get a Dressage saddle, since I currently co-own mine with a girl at my current barn.
It's nerve wracking, but I think it's the right move.
Changing barns is always hard -- especially when it's not because of the care or anything, just because a better situation has presented itself. Hopefully you get your saddle and trailer situation sorted out quickly and enjoy your new barn!
ReplyDeleteI moved Courage 50% closer to my house and the time savings alone was worth it. I don't think you'll regret this. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great plan. Being so much closer will be huge for your time at the barn. And the fact that you can still work with your trainer is awesome. It is scary making such a big change, though. It will be worth it!
ReplyDeleteThis makes me both sad and happy for you. Sad because I know how much you love your barn and trainer (and who wouldn't?! it looks fabulous!) and happy because being that close to your pony will be totally awesome. Good luck! :)
ReplyDeleteMoving barns is SO stressful but you will LOVE having your pony so close! It makes a huge, huge difference.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy for you and excited to hear more about the new barn. Having moved a few times (more than I should probably) I think its both exciting and stressful. It's scary to leave a place that you love but with the ability to trailer you have so many options and you're going to LOVE the short drive :)
ReplyDeleteEeeek! It's so hard to move, even when you have options (I have lots of options. They're all various levels of sickeningly expensive, but #options) and it seems like your current barn as been so wonderful. Three cheers for a trainer who understands, helps and doesn't take you leaving personally, and I hope having Connor 10 minutes from your house brings you so much joy. It seems like it's Big Decision Spring for a lot of the bloggers I read, and it's going to be exciting to follow your experiences as a reader :)
ReplyDeleteGood for you! We cut 15min when we switched barns but it comes out to be more than that when you add in my drive time to ride Comrade after taking care of my own horses. Then I went from 92 miles round trip to 64 miles. I would love to be closer, but our area has expensive housing. Can't wait to hear about you riding more.
ReplyDeleteSounds stressful, but like such a good move in the long run. I hope you get the trailer and saddle situation figured out in time so you can get back to enjoying Connor full time!
ReplyDeleteI bet you will be so much happier without the commute! Looks like a lovely place, too!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a beautiful place! Excited for you!
ReplyDeleteChange is always hard, but if you're not happy, something needs to change! <3
ReplyDeleteI love having my horses close to home. I'm sure you'll love it to. Have fun.
ReplyDeleteUuuuuughhh at that absurdly long commute! Sounds like a positive move. Glad the trainer is on board, I hope that makes the transition easier for you!
ReplyDeleteI've missed a lot on your blog lately!! The barn move sounds like a good and necessary move to me. 3 miles away... you can even bike that! Good luck selling the trailer, and in your saddle search too.
ReplyDeleteTough decisions but as someone who lives a 5minute stroll from the barn, you won't know yourself when Connor is so close.
ReplyDeletePS - I contacted you on insta DM about CWD conditioner ;-)
Distance is rough. I definitely think it is a wise choice to move closer
ReplyDeleteUmmm....3 miles. That's amazing!!! I bet you are going to love that.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't imagine being over an hour a way from my horses.
It's sad to leave a place you've been in forever, but I'm sure you will love having him so close now!
ReplyDeleteI am still processing this. I totally understand the 'why' and I think it's going to be great for you both. Selfishly, I'm sad because now we will be like ships passing in the night! Literally both riding at TWO of the same barns but never seeing each other!!! Thats crazy!!
ReplyDeleteI know. Leaving my friends, specifically [trainer] and you and FBR is the hardest thing. I wouldn't be doing this unless I absolutely couldn't deal with it anymore. It's one thing to do it once a week for a lesson, but as a boarder, it's brutal.
DeleteHaving the barn so much closer to your house will definitely change things, my commute was killing me inside and in the end i think it kills everyone. Good for you!
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