I can't decide which barn to board at. There are two options. Here they are:
Option One-
A barn I've been taking lessons at for years. Pros- There is an AMAZING instructor there to train me and my horse. I can help out with my trainer's lessons. I know all of the horses and everyone that goes there. The horses have good care. Cons-It's $300/month and doesn't have as many features as option two.
Option Two-
A new barn I've never been to. Pros-Has heated water, two arenas instead of just one, has forest to ride in, and a wash rack. Only $225/month. Cons- My trainer is very important to me and I really value her as a trainer and person. I don't know if she does lessons at other locations and I don't know if the barn will allow it. Option two is only about 5 minutes away from option one, but I still want to help out at the first barn, and it would be a lot of unecessary traveling.
The only big thing holding me back is the money/my trainer. I'd rather board at option one because I know everyone and everything, I want to keep my trainer, and it's convenient. But option two is cheaper and has more features... What do you suggest??
It sounds like the most important thing to you right now is a trainer - therefore stay. An additional $75 is a small price to pay for happiness. Later on after you've gotten more training, perhaps then you can think about moving.
I personally believe the most important thing is the care your horse will be receiving other than having a good trainer. The first thing I look into is the hay provided and feed options. If you can work out the expenses I would go with the place where you feel most comfortable.. Is that the price for partial board?
You can haul your horse to the other barn for lessons or can your instructor come to the new barn? My horses are at home but I haul 1/2 hour away to lessons once or twice a week.
The only big thing holding me back is the money/my trainer. I'd rather board at option one because I know everyone and everything, I want to keep my trainer, and it's convenient. But option two is cheaper and has more features... What do you suggest??
Sounds like you already know what you're gonna do. If you're happy where you are and are ok without the features, then unless you're really in need of money I'd stay where you are.
I would also stay. And if you are helping out around the barn already maybe you could see if that could help knock off some of the board payment, that's what I did when I boarded
If it is only 5 minutes down the road why can't you still work there and talk lessons with your trainer, but keep you horse down the road for the sake of your wallet?
I'd opt to pay a little more at a place you know and are happy with vs a place where you may be unhappy. Fancy features won't make you happy if you regret leaving, miss everyone, and most importantly, you're coach you like so much isn't there.
Have you talked to the coach/BO about this? Be honest and upfront about the two options if you think they're apt to be reasonable about it. Who knows, they might be willing to cut you a little bit of a deal in order to see you stay once you say how happy you are, especially given as how you've been a customer for years.
The thing is I'm still going to be at the original barn a ton because I'll be helping with lessons, and it would be nice to be able to have my horse there since I will be there so much.
Thank you for your opinions everyone, it really helps! I'll continue to think things over.
Glad to give some outside input If you are going to be at your original barn a lot anyway save yourself the gas/money/hassle and just keep your horse where you are now. You can always move if need be but having your horse somewhere where you know how things are run and you know the people there will really put your mind at ease even without the extra "fancy" stuff
I don't actually have a horse (yet,) however, I've taken lessons for years and I've had on and off leasing- I'm starting again in January. My instructor might sell more of hers again though, so I always like to be prepared encase something happens.
That is pretty exciting! If you are leasing through your instructor you should see if you could do it for a longer period of time, or if you are able to invest in long term horse ownership why not see if she can help you look for a horse, or a lease if that is something you are more comfortable with She probably knows a lot of other horse owners in your area and would be able to go out with you to check out different sales and leases while giving you information on whether or not the horse you look at would be a good fit Just remember that as exciting it is to have a horse you should take your time, shop around, and weight different options before jumping in Good Luck!
Option one sounds best. If it's a bit pricey for you why don't you talk to your trainer and explain the situation, if you're willing to help out regularly, maybe cover some of your own horse care you might get it for the same price.
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