Top Tips for Over Thinkers when Changing Barns
Confession: I’m moving barns at the end of the month.
This was a terrifying decision to make. If I’m being honest, which let’s face it I always am, I love being at my current barn for many reasons. There are so many good things about an equestrian facility. There are 500 acres of trails, multiple barns, generously-sized paddocks, and I have a lot of friends there.
However, I have been at Lancaster for eight years. Much of my history is there as well as local equestrian history right on the grounds. I’ve been a newly returning rider, a working student, and a horse owner. In many ways I have grown as a horsewoman here. The thought of leaving is terrifying.
I have learned how to tack a horse, how and when to blanket, turn in and turn out, feeding, and many more important things. In so many ways I became the person I am today because of this place. I can never thank the Lancaster Family and my trainer enough for everything they have taught me over the years. However, this is an equestrian facility and lesson barn. For much time, I adored the social aspect and taking lessons here either privately or in a group was priceless.
The Search
For some time, however, I’ve been wanting a quieter, private stable. Where I used to crave the social aspect of riding, more and more I found myself going to the barn first thing in the morning when it is quiet. I’ve been increasingly uncomfortable riding with others watching me even in passing, and dodging children learning to steer. It just didn’t feel like a perfect fit anymore.
I hope that means I am growing as a person and a rider as opposed to the opposite. My priorities have changed as a horse owner. While taking lessons this barn was the perfect fit. As a horse owner, I want to focus on groundwork and going out on the trails, which is not the normal at a Hunter/jumper facility. So I started passively keeping my eye open for a good fit for Ferrous and myself for the possibility of changing barns.
Here are my top tips for over thinkers who want to move their horses to a new barn.
What to Look for in a New Barn
- Location
- Number of Horses
- Maintenance of the facility and paddocks
- Discipline (similar interests)
- Trail access (if you’re into that sort of thing)
I really wanted a small, private barn with an indoor ring and access to trails within 20-30 minutes of my home. In the heart of New Jersey horse country there are a number of equestrian facilities, show barns, and private farms but none that fit perfectly.
The barn was only a few years old, well-maintained with indoor/outdoor stall access and with a bright indoor arena. As if that wasn’t inviting enough, the property has direct access to a natural preserve and public park with multiple horse trails.
It seemed too good to be true and I couldn’t ignore the timing. I loved the idea that this was a small facility with boarders, no lessons, and the riders enjoyed hacking out regularly with more timid riders and more adventurous riders as well. So I inquired about boarding.
Giving Notice
All this seemed perfect. The only down side was the sinking feeling in my gut at leaving my barn. Changing barns created some anxiety for me as I am not good with the unknown. More, I was so comfortable with my friends. However, a part of me realized that I rely on them too much and haven’t challenged myself like I should. 8 years meant feeling much too comfortable. I needed a change.
I didn’t sleep at all the night before I told my trainer I was thinking of leaving. I cried when I told her in person, scared to leave and yet feeling like I was abandoning her. I am always afraid of disappointing others. It was horribly awkward but she understood.
Then I told my barn owner and signed the paperwork at the new barn. I felt relief and yet so much nerves. I made sure to give more than the standard 4 weeks notice and I do not want to burn any bridges. After all, I have nothing bad to say about Lancaster and my daughters will still lesson there. In fact, I think they will blossom riding other ponies rather than just their own.
Planning the Move
For an anxious person like myself, the anticipation can be worse than the reality. Now that I committed to moving stables, I have to prepare Ferrous and myself for the move. As a former show horse, Ferrous has been trailered often, however not at all since I bought him. Even before, I was told that he could be difficult to load. Luckily, the new barn owner is willing to trailer him or accompany me through the woods if he wouldn’t load well. Yes, I may be moving facilities but I am not going very far!
Of course, I am slow to adapt to new things and change can be very anxiety-inducing. I like to be prepared for the transport and the transition so I’ve come up with a plan.
Preparations
- Practice trailering or taking the planned route on horseback.
- Organize all your belongings and your horse’s belongings.
- Prepare any calming agents that may be necessary, like CBD oil from Treatibles, our favorite!
- Inform your veterinarian of the new address for their records.
- Change your SmartPak Autoship settings if you use any supplements.
On Moving Day
- Get an early start and plan to take your time. Rushing will create more anxiety.
- Unload your horse and walk him or her around the new barn. Explore the new sights and smells but with you, it will be a little easier.
- Don’t expect anything, just explore.
- Introduce your horse to their new stall.
- Set up your tack and get settled in to your new barn.
Settling In
- Don’t expect a quick transition. Give your horse at least a week to settle in before riding.
- Ground work is your friend.
- Expect a little abnormal behavior at first.
- Enjoy getting to know the new people and environment!
I’m most nervous about the transport, so I plan to give Ferrous his phytocannabinoid oil an hour before we begin transport. More, since he is very food-motivated I will have high-value treats in my pocket at all times. The good news is that he will only be in the trailer for less than 10 minutes.
Ultimately, I’m stepping out of my comfort zone in the hope that it will help me grow as a rider and horsewoman. I don’t know whether it will be successful, but I do think we need to at least try. I will miss the friends I’ve made at Lancaster but I know that I will see them when my daughter’s take their lessons or when I’m massaging clients at the barn. I’m not leaving on bad terms. At the very least I’ll learn a lot about my horse since this is the first time I’ve taken him off property. Go big, right?
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15 Comments
Liz Goldsmith
You and Ferrous will be fine. I’ve been at small, private barns for the past 15 years or so. While I miss the friends, I love the solitude. It sounds like you are only a hack away from your former barn mates, so you will have the best of both worlds. Also, sometimes riding right away helps your horse settle in. I know mine do best when they have a job and are a bit tired. After all, we frequently trailer them to events, foxhunts or trail rides, so I wouldn’t worry too much about riding.
Heather Wallace
Thank you Liz! That makes perfect sense. Ferrous always surprises me but I’m the worrier in the family. He’ll probably be fine, while I”m the one running around all looky. I’m very much looking forward to a quiet barn especially since I relish my quality time with Ferrous. And yes, we are a very easy hack from my current barn- only down the road!
Pam Levy
How brave of you! Well done! It’s a hard decision to make, but you must always do what’s best for you and Ferrous and this sounds like just what the doctor ordered. Being at a small, private barn is amazing. You will learn to challenge yourself in ways you never thought possible, and the sense of freedom you’ll feel at being able to just do your own thing is going to be liberating for you. Best of luck with the move (which is going to be fine, I promise!), and with this next phase of your journey xx
Heather Wallace
Thank you Pam! Ferrous has settled in nicely and I’m still figuring out the social dynamics, but liking it a lot so far! We had a few rides in the indoor, played with some desensitizing equipment, and even went on a trail ride with two others. I love that this place is much quieter and the riders love to explore the trails. So far so good!
Becky
What a lovely article! Good luck with settling in! It’s a momentous step but so exciting! Xx
Heather Wallace
Thank you! It’s been about two weeks and we’re really enjoying it. Still settling in, but I think we’re going to do well here.
Roosa
You and F will be fine! It’s always scary moving to a new place but it does sound like the time was right and this was 100% a step in the right direction! It’ll lovely to see the progress you make at the new barn, looking forward to reading about it!
Heather Wallace
Thank you! So far so good, and we are definitely stepping outside our comfort zone. Updates soon!
Jennifer
How’s it going? I jus5 moved my horse. I was at old barn 40 years him 20. He is a solo horse but since the move he’s globbed on to another horse. Behavior very out of character. I miss my old horse! 2 weeks in will it improve?
Heather Wallace
Hi Jennifer! I’m no behavior expert but if he’s been alone a long time he’s probably very excited to have a friend. Especially, after 20 years at the same barn. It’s going to take awhile to adjust for both of you. I will say that we had to move a few times to really find a place where we both felt completely comfortable and it does make all the difference. Also, I do a lot of bonding exercises with my pony so he while he loves being around the other horses he can walk away from them and be happy.
Alexandra
I am in the same boat as you. I only bought my horse two months ago, my first horse. We moved to the new barn but now I’m feeling like it’s not so good a fit for me as I thought. I love the trails and the help but Captain keeps getting beat up in the pasture, they don’t turn out seven days a week. I’m moving to a new barn that Captain will love because he’s outside way more often and I will love because it’s half the driving distance and still has trails. But it’s only two days away and I am so anxious right now about it, even though I’m 99% sure it’s the right move. I know what you mean about loving the social aspect at first but then really just wanting the peace and quiet to work with your horse in the end. That’s where I’m at too and this new barn has half the horses and boarders. Best of luck!
Heather Wallace
Hope the barn move went well and huge congratulations on getting your first horse! Are you liking the new place so far?
Braden Bills
I’m going to be moving, so I’m going to need to get a new barn for my horse. It makes sense that I would want to get one that will be the right size for a single horse! I definitely won’t need anything too extravagant.
Camille A
I am also moving and wavering dom’t know if it is right or wrong for the both of us. I have been promised 5 day turnout ( I would be responsible for the weekend) with everything included except blanketing. Not that much wrong with the barn I am at except I can never have time in the arena or the open pasture and at times I can’t use the round pen. Large facility and I believe more boarders than the facility can accomodate. Feed is good, have to paddock clean my self or be chareged a lot of $$$. I guess there are a lot of reasons to move. The anxiety comes from the new barn has made a lot of promises but not in writing, no reviews to consider. I guess what I am saying have been promised a lot but don’t know the barn owner. Mayabe my anxiety is appropriate. I have a foundation qtr horse out of Impressive and she can be very sensitive and does not do well in a barn stall even with a run out for very long. My concern is the lack of turn out and quality of feed and also moving from a place where she seems to be comfortable with her life, even though I can’t spend as much time with her every day as she would like. WHAT TO DO? Maybe I am not trusting my instincts, telling me even though you are not happy with the barn you are at, you really don’t know what to expect at the new barn. Side note the new barn does not seem very proffesional the contract didn’t list all the services promised. Thanks for any thoughts.
Heather Wallace
Hi Camille! Thanks for your message. I would definitely want any boarding agreements in writing. If they are unwilling to have you sign an agreement, or write in the details you’ve verbally agreed upon, that would be a huge red flag for me. You said there were no reviews, what about other boarders? Would it be possible to quietly speak to one or two and see how they like the barn and the management? No boarding situation is ever perfect, unless horses are on your own property, however you have to put both your best interests and your horses first. This new barn may not be the right fit, but you might find something else that is even better for the both of you!