Things are obviously not going well out at the ranch. Well, in all honesty, there are a million things wrong with it, but after almost two years without horses it was the perfect place to be able to relax and have fun and enjoy Captain, and without it I wouldn't have found Ace. But...
1. It's an hour away. Gas is killing me. I can't see my horses but two or three times a week, and for me, I feel like I am horribly neglecting my horses. I am the kind of person who used to check the weather hourly to see if the horses needed their blankies on or off. I am usually over an hour early for the vet or farrier, so I can get the horses groomed and loved on before they are subjected to such *GASP* horrible people. Now, I can't even be there for the vet or farrier, unless I can somehow get a ride up there. Instead I have to pass on messages to the barn manager, and they usually get lost in translation.
2. Speaking of vet care... I had to threaten that I wouldn't pay my bill to even get the office to pass a message along. They told me, and I quote "the ranch seems to have things under control." SURE, the ranch might, but I don't even know what going on with my horse! I keep getting mixed messages from the barn manager, especially regarding Ace's recovery. That's kind of scary, right? Plus the farriers do their own thing, without consulting my vet OR myself, and that pisses me off.
3. It's more political out there than the presidential election out there. We've apparently befriended the "wrong" people, and now life has become a living hell. I was yelled at for tying in the "wash racks" and told that my stuff was all over the barn. Well, no it's not, and there are about two dozen people who tie in the wash racks. Anyway, our halters were taken off of the tie spots where they were hanging, my grooming bag taken from the corner it was tucked away in, and Emma's shoes were taken from by the step where she sits and changes them, and thrown on the floor of the barn manager's office. Okay, that's disrespecting my crap, and I DON'T LIKE THAT.
There are a million more reasons, but I don't want to whine and complain for too long. I'm also really not happy with Ace's weight. He's a hard keeper, and they refuse to feed him more, even if I pay them extra. It's just ridiculous. I'm tired of it and I want out.
So, we're getting out, to the most awesome situation ever. It's literally 5 minutes from my house, and we will be doing all the feeding ourselves. I can see my horses twice a day!!! We found a paddock to rent with a huge wooden shelter at a barn that's totally non-drama--about five or so retired ladies have their equally retired horses out there (and who are more than happy to feed for us if we go on vacation). We'll have to ride through the neighbor's gate and use their indoor arena, but that's not a bad thing at all. There's a round pen on site, so I can still give lessons to kids without having to drag them or their parents anywhere. They can be on supplements, have blankets (which we weren't allowed to have at the ranch...), and get as much food as they need. I am SO excited that I basically can have my horses back. The ranch was fun while it lasted, but I want my horses near me. I want to call ALL the shots regarding their care and have actual contact with my vet and farrier. I want to be sure they're being taken good care of, since I'll be overseeing everything. They'll finally be home.
I'll be taking pictures of the place ASAP. It's sooo nice I just can't even get over it. At first I had a few misgivings, but as the move comes closer (November 16th!!) I get less anxious and worried and more excited. My two boys also get to be roomies, which they'll adore. They have some kind of SERIOUS bromance going on. The only thing I'm dreading is packing up all of my stuff...
P.S. Yesss I know I've been tagged for Ghost it Forward. I'll do it tomorrow, since it's actually Halloween and all. Also, if you've been reading, comment so I know who you are and I can tag you. I don't know many people on blogger!
2 comments:
Aww, "bromance" ! Those boys are too cute.
I am SO glad you found a place that works out for you -- sucks that they had to stir up drama like that, but c'est la vie. You are OUT of there and that's all that matters!
I think the only reason I tolerated my old barn as long as I did was because I COULD be there everyday.. But it gets tiring when you are paying full board and still HAVE to go out to make sure your horse is fed every day. ;P
I hope the new place works out. GET SOME PICTURES!
Aw, thanks ptchee. They love each other more than their mommy, which makes me sad. But it's still cute. :P
I'm really glad also. I can't wait to "win" the hearing and then slam it in their faces that we are leaving anyway. HA! So much red tape on their part and it's not even going to matter.
I totally agree with you, though. I'm in that situation right now, though I can't see them every day to make sure they're getting good treatment. At least now I'll know FOR SURE without having to pay someone. ;)
PICTURES COMING ASAP!!
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