This might get a little lengthy but I need advice!
I have a 13yo sorrel QH gelding named Shazam.
I moved him in May to a farm on a floodplain, and since then he has gotten some skin irritation due to the bug population in the area. I have also had at least 10 vet bills at this farm since May, when I have never had to have the vet out for anything non-routine in my entire 5 years with my horse.
I am overworked. I work for board, but I come every day to do feed, hay, water, and turnout for 23 horses. EVERY SINGLE DAY from 6-9pm! AND I have another job! AND I am a full time student and my grades a struggling!
Not to mention the barn .... built in the 70's and never renovated. It is old, small stalls, very dirty and lots of hazards. There are 2 riding rings though, and the field is great to ride in. But the field is awful for turnout .... LOTS of big rocks and loose round bale wrappers!!!
So why the hell haven't I left?
Because the people there are so amazing. There are lots of boarders that I am friends with and I love them. The BO is a little crazy, but she is caring as well and very nice. However she clearly does not realize how overworked I am EVEN WHEN I TELL HER SHE IS OVERWORKING ME! But anyway ....
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com I found this other barn, private, 4 stalls, 3.9 miles from my house!!!
The barn is absolutely immaculate, sturdy, CLEAN, and the horses go out in a sacrifice paddock in winter with hay, pasture in the summer with grass. Substantially low board in exchange for care. No riding ring though .... but trail access .
WHAT WOULD YOU DO !?!?!
I am so confused. I am attached to my current barn because I love the people so dearly and I love riding there, but I am sick of being overworked and keeping my horse at a barn I feel is unsafe ...
Please help me decide.
The thing is, you made the choice to work for board. And you agreed to the terms and all the work. Just because things have changed for you, doesn't mean things should change for the barn owner, and she's definitely holding onto that with her decision to let you stress out.
Which is too bad. Means, she really doesn't give a sh! T about you, and just wants a good FREE slave. Wow. She's got the best deal ever.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com And meanwhile, your horse has a skin condition and if he ever gets tangled up in the discarded bale twine ... hmm ... doesn't sound like the other wonderful boarders give a sh! T either. Otherwise, they'd get their candy a $ $ ed out there and clean up a little.
Yes, these people may be wonderful to ride with and you have a riding arena ..... but you are clearly overworked and the place is taking a physical toll on your horse.
If it was one or the other, you might find a solution ,.... but you have both those troubles .... and therefore, if I were you ...
I'd move.
I'd still go visit the people, say hi, and invite them to trailer over to my new digs to trail ride (asking the new barn owner if that was ok, of course).
But I'd move.
Better place. Easiler work load. Yeah.
I mean, really what other choice do you have? Wait until you are so tired and stressed that your grades start going down and you have to sell your horse??
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
Or wait til something really bad happens to your horse?
Move.
I second Dee. If you're being overworked and other areas of your life are suffering, then it's telling you something. Also, if your horse's health is suffering, I would move. You'll still be able to see your friends I'm sure and you'll make new friends at the other barn.
i would move because are you willing to put your horses health on the line for a few friends its not like they dissapear forever you will still have contact with them you have nice trails clean stables you decide a healthy horse, or a few friends
I third Dee:) you are obviously overworked and unhappy. Move to the quieter, safer barn but keep your friends and contacts. Maybe you guys can meet up and go riding together a couple times a month?
I personally would try out the new barn. Sounds nice, and I think you get more personal care, since there's only 4 stalls. You'll make new friends, or maybe bring some friends from the other barn.
No point to staying just to socialize with other boarders ...
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
You're suffering, and so is your horse. Move out and move up. You'll both be happier.
I still think you should move in with me, but the Great Falls barn is awesome.
Move your horse, if you cant get your schoolwork done and its a bad place for the horse .... I understand the whole staying for ur friends and the people being great thing but ive been there, and being able to have your horse at that BEAUTIFUL barn, its the kind of barn i dream of, jump at it! put ur school and the safety of you horse first and foremost, thats my bit.
oh and bask in that barn for a min for me would ya?:)
