Michelle

The barn I have been at for 6 years decided they are mad at me for exploring my options as far as boarding goes, so I am not sure I will be staying there when I get my horse. They have been making rude comments about me, and I've heard them talking behind my back, plus they are charging a RIDICULOUS amount for boarding...and there is a barn 5 miles away that is charging $175 less (and includes a lot more with boarding) and my dad has known the owners since high school and my aunt used to board her horse there many, many years ago and it is a wonderful place. I mentioned to my current barn that the other barns in the area were charging $175 less and they said that their price is the average in our area...which its not, AND I have to bring my own grain on top of their ridiculous price. I understand hay is expensive and grain prices will be going up, so boarding everywhere is going to go up...but their price is just not right and I'm not going to let them take advantage of me like that. Plus their horses only go out a couple times a week, and I want mine out daily, sun up to sun down (new barn does this)...its not fair to keep them in a stall that much, I don't want him to develop bad habits.

Part of me does not want to leave because I have been there for so long, everyone there is like my family and I really love them all. I would also be able to ask for help if I encounter any problems during training (the barn owners daughter gave me lessons). Another part of me is saying its time to grow up and start over fresh somewhere else. I know I can do this...

I just can't make up my mind...and I don't have an extra $175+ laying around. This is all that determines if I get him or not. I'm more than happy with him, I just need to decide where he is going to stay.

I don't know where to go.

BorderKelpie

What an ugly situation. That awful of them to treat you that way. I'm going to suggest that you interview the other boading facility and hang around to see how the other boarders treat each other and the horses. (I had an experience years ago where everyone seemed to get along, but when no one was around, one of the ladies would chase the horses in the pasture with a whip to 'exercise' them. No one realized what was happening until someone was home unknown to her the day she accidentally put a horse through a fence. Made us all wonder how many of the other unexplained injuries were actually her fault.)

If they are being that ugly to you just for looking around for a more affordable option, they probably won't be there for you or your horse when you really need them. You, and your horse, deserve a calm, stable (no pun intended) supportive environment.

I wish you all the best with whatever you choose to do.

Michelle

Exactly my thought. I went and visited the new barn and I really liked it. I met the owners and their daughter, but no other boarders were there. It seems like a very calm, family environment. My dad has known the owners since high school, and my aunt boarded her horse there many years ago, so they know my dads side of the family. I've also read about their barn online as well and there is nothing but nice things said about it and the people there...

I just need to grow up and move on, which is hard for me because I HATE change. I've been at my current barn for so long it is scary to leave.I need to stop thinking about what they are going to think of me and if I lose friends over this, I lose them...friends always come and go. I think I am going to board at the new barn and see how I like it. There's no avoiding dramatic horse people...they're everywhere, but at least I will have a fresh start with new people, my own horse, and a new barn that takes great care of their horses.

Lepski110

The temperament of horse business folks will never cease to amaze me!

Michelle

I know right? There's no escaping dramatic horse people...they're everywhere.

But here's some good news...I emailed the owner of the horse I am looking at getting, and he is going to arrange for the vet to come out and look him over. After the vet certifies a clean bill of health he is coming home with me and is going to stay at the new barn I visited last night.

Also a little question I forgot to ask them last night...do you typically bring your own feed and water buckets for their stall or do they provide them for you? I just was excited to talk about my horse I didn't ask many questions while they showed me around. The most important thing they brought to my attention was sun burn. Since one half of his face is white, and the skin is pink, I need to invest in a good fly mask and some horse sunblock for around his eye (human sunblock will burn his eye).

I'm really hoping everything works out...I'm beyond excited.

Jane Day

Call the barn manager and ask if you need to bring your own buckets. If so, use a Sharpie and write your name on it. I can't tell you how many buckets, lead ropes, stirrup leathers, saddles have gone walkabout in years past.

Michelle

Will do, thanks!

I'm also trying to find a name for him. Right now they call him Flash, but I'm not too keen on it...I like unique names. I've been looking at native american names and the ones I really like are

Ashkii
Cheveyo
Comanchee
Takoda

Any suggestions?

Lepski110

Names are personal. Try them out when you are with him, you'll feel it when one fits!