Thursday, February 5, 2015

I'm Going on a Barn Hunt, a Barn Hunt, A Barn Hunt

Licorice had a lameness follow up today and though the vet would like to see him on some joint supplements, she pronounced him sound and fit and ready to return to work.

I am still struggling through my anxiety when he pins his ears, doesn't pay attention, kicks at my leg.  My whole body tenses up and I grab at the reins.  Not good, Mona Sterling, not good.  I think I am going to try and find someone to ride him for a month to get him back going again.  I think it will restore both of our confidences.  From there, I can figure out what we're doing.

The other thing we need to do is move somewhere where there are more people.  I ride weekday mornings and I don't mind riding in an arena by myself if there are people 'around'.  I'm not a fan of riding without anybody else there.

So, I'm on the hunt for the right boarding facility.

Must have:


  • Arena - Prefer covered AND outdoor arena.
  • Trails on site - I don't have a trailer.  It doesn't even need to be miles and miles of trails.  It could even be a track around the perimeter of the place.  Just somewhere that is outside and not an arena so we can practice.
  • Turnout - Licorice may just need more turnout.  I know more than one horse who did a 180 in personality when they had the right amount of turnout.  He has had limited turnout the last four months and I think it's not working for him.
  • Timothy Hay - Licorice does better on Timothy than Alfalfa.
  • People -There must be people.  I don't want it to be a graveyard when I ride.
  • Knowledgeable Barn Owner - I'm putting my horses care in someone elses hands when I'm not there.  I want to sleep well at night.
  • Less than 30 Minute from My House and No Major Highways Involved - I don't want to spend my life commuting.
Are there any bloggers/lurkers that know of anything in the Redmond, WA area?  I know of lots of barns, but I'd love to have a personal recommendation for one!  I'd also love to work with a trainer at the new barn, so if you have a trainer to recommend let me know!

1 comment:

  1. Good plan - lots more turnout and no alfalfa - fine for performance horses and pregnant mares, but not so good for most other horses - should make a big difference.

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