dilemma

szar1023 · 02-14-2007, 02:39 PM

Well, I am new to the horse world, only had Chance about 8 mths, and I purchased him from the guy I was taking lessons from. I board Chance there. I became good friends with him and his wife....I love them to death. But now that I am becoming more "experienced", I am beginning to feel that his "ranch" isn't providing me with what I need. He has two arena's (one is actually his neighbors that he can borrow), and area with a round pen and hot walker, and then 2 smaller areas where he separates young / males / females for feeding on hay. My problem is, if I want to use the arena, he may have horses in there and I feel like I am intruding by asking him to move the horses out. However, if I am coming in for a lesson (taking barrel lessons from his wife) he will always have the arena ready for me.

They have trails and a pasture (he needs to unlock the gate because it too belongs to someone else) which aren't really providing me with the experiences that I am wanting. They arrange "real" trail rides, and I have been with them in a parade, but I need more.

I am considering trying to locate another place to board Chance that may have more opportunities for me, but I am so afraid that I will hurt their feelings....plus they need my $$ (full care board)

I don't have a trailer yet, but intend on getting one as soon as I sell my corvette....which also means I have no experience trailering a horse other than observation. Maybe by getting my own trailer, I will be able to satisfy my desires....is it difficult to trailer alone? I am really nervous when I try something alone that I have never done before.

What do you think? Any suggestions?

szar1023 · 02-15-2007, 01:47 PM

I guess nobody is interested in putting their 2 cents in eh? That's ok, I understand. I think after I get my own trailer, I will go out on my own on occassion, and that will probably resolve it all.

What would REALLY be great was if I could have him in my back yard! But, that's not the case, so we do what we have to do.

Dawn · 02-15-2007, 01:52 PM

Moving does sound like it might provide you with more opportunities. But there are almost always negatives as well. You seem to actually have a decent setup where you are now. You could talk to him about when you're going to be there so he will know when you want to use the arena.

Is trail riding what you're most interested in? Or barrel racing? Or something else?

Trail riding on your own can be dangerous. And depending upon your experience, not safe at all. Perhaps there is someone you're friends with that you could invite to go on rides with you? They can chip in some on gas for the use of your trailer.

Keep in mind when looking for somewhere else to keep your horse. The horse's health is the most important thing. Look into how they care for the horses, how they handle them, what feeding strategies they offer, turnout, etc...

Shotgun93 · 02-15-2007, 02:08 PM

If you are considering relocating, will you have someone that can help you with lessons? Being new to horses, it's a good idea to be sure someone can help you when you need it.
If you aren't happy where you are though, move. Maybe you could board elsewhere and trailer back to their place one a week for lessons, that way you are still getting instruction and they don't feel abandoned.

As for trailering, I traler by myself all the time and I never have a problem. Just get someone experienced to help you out with learning to drive a trailer - especially being able to back up. It really surprises me how few people can safely back a trailer. And then practice - the more your practice everything from hitching up to hauling to unhitching, the better you'll be. Make sure you have safety equipment for the truck, trailer and horse and always carry a cell phone.

szar1023 · 02-15-2007, 02:21 PM

Thanks! Appreciate the input. You are right, I am still pretty green, and should ALWAYS have a partner when trail riding. I am intersted in barrels (maybe pole bending too) AND trail riding....and you are right also about letting him know when I am coming out and if I will be needing the arena. I actually thought about that on my way home today. I think I will also ask him about this "horse training stick" too.

Thanks!

Dawn · 02-16-2007, 11:30 AM

I don't think it ever hurts to be on the lookout for somewhere else to keep your horse though, and to have a backup plan. Who knows what will happen. A couple of years ago, I was in a situation where I had 5 days to move my horses, no where to go, and no way to get them there. So it never hurts to have somewhere else in mind.

02-14-2007, 02:39 PM	#1
szar1023 Full Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cedar Hill, Tx Posts: 27 Images: 21 Blog Entries: 33	dilemma Well, I am new to the horse world, only had Chance about 8 mths, and I purchased him from the guy I was taking lessons from. I board Chance there. I became good friends with him and his wife....I love them to death. But now that I am becoming more "experienced", I am beginning to feel that his "ranch" isn't providing me with what I need. He has two arena's (one is actually his neighbors that he can borrow), and area with a round pen and hot walker, and then 2 smaller areas where he separates young / males / females for feeding on hay. My problem is, if I want to use the arena, he may have horses in there and I feel like I am intruding by asking him to move the horses out. However, if I am coming in for a lesson (taking barrel lessons from his wife) he will always have the arena ready for me. They have trails and a pasture (he needs to unlock the gate because it too belongs to someone else) which aren't really providing me with the experiences that I am wanting. They arrange "real" trail rides, and I have been with them in a parade, but I need more. I am considering trying to locate another place to board Chance that may have more opportunities for me, but I am so afraid that I will hurt their feelings....plus they need my $$ (full care board) I don't have a trailer yet, but intend on getting one as soon as I sell my corvette....which also means I have no experience trailering a horse other than observation. Maybe by getting my own trailer, I will be able to satisfy my desires....is it difficult to trailer alone? I am really nervous when I try something alone that I have never done before. What do you think? Any suggestions?

02-15-2007, 01:47 PM	#2
szar1023 Full Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cedar Hill, Tx Posts: 27 Images: 21 Blog Entries: 33	no interest I guess nobody is interested in putting their 2 cents in eh? That's ok, I understand. I think after I get my own trailer, I will go out on my own on occassion, and that will probably resolve it all. What would REALLY be great was if I could have him in my back yard! But, that's not the case, so we do what we have to do.

02-15-2007, 02:08 PM	#4
Shotgun93 Senior Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Southwest SD Posts: 13,786 Images: 132	If you are considering relocating, will you have someone that can help you with lessons? Being new to horses, it's a good idea to be sure someone can help you when you need it. If you aren't happy where you are though, move. Maybe you could board elsewhere and trailer back to their place one a week for lessons, that way you are still getting instruction and they don't feel abandoned. As for trailering, I traler by myself all the time and I never have a problem. Just get someone experienced to help you out with learning to drive a trailer - especially being able to back up. It really surprises me how few people can safely back a trailer. And then practice - the more your practice everything from hitching up to hauling to unhitching, the better you'll be. Make sure you have safety equipment for the truck, trailer and horse and always carry a cell phone. __________________ In the quiet light of the stable, you hear a muffled snort, the stamp of a hoof, a friendly nicker. Gentle eyes inquire, "How was your day old friend?" and suddenly, all your troubles fade away. -Author Unknown

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02-15-2007, 01:52 PM	#3
Dawn Senior Member+ Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Tennessee Posts: 31,295 Images: 1386	Moving does sound like it might provide you with more opportunities. But there are almost always negatives as well. You seem to actually have a decent setup where you are now. You could talk to him about when you're going to be there so he will know when you want to use the arena. Is trail riding what you're most interested in? Or barrel racing? Or something else? Trail riding on your own can be dangerous. And depending upon your experience, not safe at all. Perhaps there is someone you're friends with that you could invite to go on rides with you? They can chip in some on gas for the use of your trailer. Keep in mind when looking for somewhere else to keep your horse. The horse's health is the most important thing. Look into how they care for the horses, how they handle them, what feeding strategies they offer, turnout, etc...

02-15-2007, 02:21 PM	#5
szar1023 Full Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cedar Hill, Tx Posts: 27 Images: 21 Blog Entries: 33	Thanks! Appreciate the input. You are right, I am still pretty green, and should ALWAYS have a partner when trail riding. I am intersted in barrels (maybe pole bending too) AND trail riding....and you are right also about letting him know when I am coming out and if I will be needing the arena. I actually thought about that on my way home today. I think I will also ask him about this "horse training stick" too. Thanks!

02-16-2007, 11:30 AM	#6
Dawn Senior Member+ Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Tennessee Posts: 31,295 Images: 1386	I don't think it ever hurts to be on the lookout for somewhere else to keep your horse though, and to have a backup plan. Who knows what will happen. A couple of years ago, I was in a situation where I had 5 days to move my horses, no where to go, and no way to get them there. So it never hurts to have somewhere else in mind.