I live near downtown Portland, Oregon and have dreamed of a barn close to my home that I can afford. I finally found one. It has everything I've been looking for EXCEPT a covered arena of some kind. It has a wonderful outdoor arena with great all-weather footing that is usable even after the worst rain...and that is a rare thing around here. Also lots of outdoor riding space, which the other place does not have.
I currently board at a large, busy barn with an indoor arena and outdoor arena and all the basics but it is twice the driving distance as the new place I am considering and I've never had warm, fuzzy feelings about it. Feels very sterile but it has everything I need, I suppose. I have always seen it as a "training barn" but I'm ready for a place to really settle in and feel at home.
I take dressage lessons once a week and my instructor has agreed to teach me in the rain, if necessary..although I don't think she's excited about it!! I love being outdoors more than indoors but I'm not used to riding in the rain because I haven't had to.
I would love to hear from other riders who live in wet climates who deal without a covered area to ride. Frankly, I hate riding indoors. I always have. But I'm not used to riding in the rain on a regular basis either! My hose is turned out in the rain so I think she'd be fine.
Thoughts? Am I crazy for giving that up? If I move, my drive distance will be a lot less so I'm able to relax more at the barn when I do go. Not as rushed. Is it worth it?? Perhaps I've just been spoiled and I'm making too big a deal of this...lol!
Would you give it up for the perfect place otherwise?
I currently board at a large, busy barn with an indoor arena and outdoor arena and all the basics but it is twice the driving distance as the new place I am considering and I've never had warm, fuzzy feelings about it. Feels very sterile but it has everything I need, I suppose. I have always seen it as a "training barn" but I'm ready for a place to really settle in and feel at home.
I take dressage lessons once a week and my instructor has agreed to teach me in the rain, if necessary..although I don't think she's excited about it!! I love being outdoors more than indoors but I'm not used to riding in the rain because I haven't had to.
I would love to hear from other riders who live in wet climates who deal without a covered area to ride. Frankly, I hate riding indoors. I always have. But I'm not used to riding in the rain on a regular basis either! My hose is turned out in the rain so I think she'd be fine.
Thoughts? Am I crazy for giving that up? If I move, my drive distance will be a lot less so I'm able to relax more at the barn when I do go. Not as rushed. Is it worth it?? Perhaps I've just been spoiled and I'm making too big a deal of this...lol!
Would you give it up for the perfect place otherwise?