My gelding is 23 and has been at his current barn for 4 years and seems to be very happy there. He has a best buddy that he is turned out with along with several other geldings. I thought I wanted to relocate him closer to me but now that I have a plan to do that I am second guessing. My horse is currently located 25 minutes across town, not a terrible drive but it adds up when you are driving multiple times a week. I plan to relocate him about 5 minutes from me to 24/7 pasture board with a nice grassy pasture which would also save me some money. He also does have access to grass pasture now. BUT I am conflicted, he is content where he is and he has a buddy he is pretty attached to. Should I just leave him where he is at since he is happy? I am mostly moving him for my convenience. I just don't know what to do. I am supposed to move him in a week but haven't given any down payment so can back out which I don't want to do but I need to do what will make my horse happy. What do you think?
jsmith0399
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More details would be helpful. Would there be any other horses in the new situation? I definitely wouldn't move him to be alone. Also, if you move him and there are other horses there, what would you do if they didn't get along? There are no guarantees your horse wouldn't get picked on or pick on others. What about shelter in the new field? Is there space for all the horses to get inside? What about insects/sun/wind/rain protection? How would the feeding situation work? Again, if there are other horses, can they be separated to make sure they get enough feed, or are they fed together in a group? What if your horse doesn't get his share of feed and loses weight? Or gains too much weight and needs to be managed? Is the field safe from people who might pester or harm him?
I would move him -- if his attachment to the other horse is the only major concern you have. As long as he has suitable company at the new place, as well, he'll settle in and make new connections. But as gottatrot said, there are other considerations.
It’s important to know about whether there are other horses at the new location and also his temperament - does he tend to easily find a spot in a new herd and take changes in a stride?
If the new location has other horses and is otherwise equivalent and your horse deals with change as well as one can, seems to make sense to explore the move.
If he’s high spirited, tends to be stressed or have a hard time with herd social dynamics (or if he would be alone at the new place), I would leave him where he currently is.
If the new location has other horses and is otherwise equivalent and your horse deals with change as well as one can, seems to make sense to explore the move.
If he’s high spirited, tends to be stressed or have a hard time with herd social dynamics (or if he would be alone at the new place), I would leave him where he currently is.
If the other necessities are the same of companionship, safety, amenities are all offered....
I would move him...
If him being closer to you would allow you to see him more often, spend quality and more quantity of time with your horse....then yes, he would be moved.
With a closer locale then you are also saving on the cost of gas/fuel and more time to spend with more frequently to me is a win-win for you.
Time is as valuable as actual $ in your pocket...
But, before moving all the must-haves must be in place and available so the horse is safe, and has amenities to make their existence comfortable as can be in their home.
🐴... jmo...
I would move him...
If him being closer to you would allow you to see him more often, spend quality and more quantity of time with your horse....then yes, he would be moved.
With a closer locale then you are also saving on the cost of gas/fuel and more time to spend with more frequently to me is a win-win for you.
Time is as valuable as actual $ in your pocket...
But, before moving all the must-haves must be in place and available so the horse is safe, and has amenities to make their existence comfortable as can be in their home.
🐴... jmo...
Wanted to add, if I could move my horse so she was just five minutes away from my house, I would do almost anything short of commit murder to make that happen. So jealous!! I'm 40 minutes' drive from EVERY barn I can afford.
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