I posted this in stabling also. But thought I would get good opinions here. The barn where I currently board is now for sale. I am bummed as I love it and it's 5 mins. from my home...wonderful care.
I found a potential place with everything - and a bit more, than I currently have. Lovely care (friend of a friend, comes highly recommended and we met and clicked). Lovely property and barn. Big ring on property (don't have that now...I have to trailer out and when time is an issue, it is limiting my training vs. being able to hop on and train a bit, then ride out) and extensive rideout and trails immediately behind farm. (have some now, but not this nice or to this extent). Also 5 mins. from my home. The ONLY hesitance I have is....
My older gelding would be turned out with 2 babies to start (5 & 6 mo. old colt and filly). Colt will be gelded. I met the babies - they are darling and quiet. One is a bit tentative, the other more curious. They are being handled, haltered, etc. with plans to be trained. Owner is also getting an adult horse of her own to ride soon, so my guy would eventually be out with the 2 babies and another adult.
My gelding is currently out with 2 older geldings. He is low man on totem pole but will pin his ears to make a point. He has NEVER ever had issues with field mates. He does seem happier with small herd (vs. large which is where he was before I got him). He is so relaxed now and settled at his current barn, I worry about suddenly putting him at new barn with 2 babies. Most I have talked to laugh because they know his personality. He is very "been there, done that". NO spook, rides out alone...stoic. He is 20 but still has get up and go. I ride 3-4 times a week. He is arthritic and perhaps being with the young ones would help keep him moving more. I have no worries that he will be fine toward them, but I worry about him not adjusting or feeling stress (again, me probably being paranoid!)
Any warnings? Encouragements? Success stories? Otherwise, this place is fabulous....great grass, pastures, scenic.........I can really see us there...and better facilities for me Thanks!
I found a potential place with everything - and a bit more, than I currently have. Lovely care (friend of a friend, comes highly recommended and we met and clicked). Lovely property and barn. Big ring on property (don't have that now...I have to trailer out and when time is an issue, it is limiting my training vs. being able to hop on and train a bit, then ride out) and extensive rideout and trails immediately behind farm. (have some now, but not this nice or to this extent). Also 5 mins. from my home. The ONLY hesitance I have is....
My older gelding would be turned out with 2 babies to start (5 & 6 mo. old colt and filly). Colt will be gelded. I met the babies - they are darling and quiet. One is a bit tentative, the other more curious. They are being handled, haltered, etc. with plans to be trained. Owner is also getting an adult horse of her own to ride soon, so my guy would eventually be out with the 2 babies and another adult.
My gelding is currently out with 2 older geldings. He is low man on totem pole but will pin his ears to make a point. He has NEVER ever had issues with field mates. He does seem happier with small herd (vs. large which is where he was before I got him). He is so relaxed now and settled at his current barn, I worry about suddenly putting him at new barn with 2 babies. Most I have talked to laugh because they know his personality. He is very "been there, done that". NO spook, rides out alone...stoic. He is 20 but still has get up and go. I ride 3-4 times a week. He is arthritic and perhaps being with the young ones would help keep him moving more. I have no worries that he will be fine toward them, but I worry about him not adjusting or feeling stress (again, me probably being paranoid!)
Any warnings? Encouragements? Success stories? Otherwise, this place is fabulous....great grass, pastures, scenic.........I can really see us there...and better facilities for me Thanks!