Thursday, October 18, 2012

the donkey made me do it. . .

I have had a hard couple of days. I have had to make some very hard decisions for both myself and Shyloh.

Upon tons of reflection, internal arguments, and doubt, I am moving Shy from the barn we are currently at to another location. The new place has a multi-acre (not sure how big, but it's big!) pasture for outdoor board, filled with trees, trails, a very slightly sloping uphill land, another Haflinger (!!), and a . . .wait for it. . . a donkey (!!!!).  The pasture is so big that when I went walking around it to check it out, I didn't even see the other horses! 

I have said before, Shy truly loves to be outside. I had doubts about stalling her, but I do believe that was the best thing for her at the time. She has had a stall for a year. I do think she enjoys her stall and I enjoy the time we spent there, but she needs to move those legs. Shy's stall time has had her interacting with people daily, being handled by different people, and she has really come a long way with her shyness. 

Now, I think it is time for her to be back outside. It is a more natural environment and she will be on the move most hours of the day. This will be good for muscle maintenance and her gut as opposed to being stall bound, especially through the winter. I am not worried about her being cold. . .
Look at all that hair already! Winter won't be a problem.
 She will have shelter in the form of a large three sided run in, with just a roof on the opposite side of the run in, as well as natural protection from all the trees. 

My few fears involved in moving are that

  • she won't be handled daily (turn in/out)
  • she might think she is wild and free pony for real
  • I won't be able to find or catch her
But then, I must assure myself that we have reached a point in our relationship that this won't be a problem. I was at the new place around feeding time one day (they feed on a schedule), and the other equines knew that and were waiting (quite calmly and patiently) at the gate to be let in the feeding area. I felt good about that. Shy will come to learn the schedule and rather quickly I am guessing since it had to do with food.

I am hoping this is the right thing to do. I hate to be taking Shy away from her horsey friends, I hate to be leaving my friends, but I know I need to do what is in Shy's very best interest. I feel that this is a good move for us. And, there are trails on the property, as well as a burger/ice cream joint up the road with a hitching post for horses! Fun! And to quote an officer I work with who patrols that area "The burgers are made by Jesus and sent from heaven." 

I am an anxious mess, but I have to remember, Shy takes all horse related things in stride. She probably won't care at all and just assimilate into the little herd like she has been there her whole life. We shall see. . .I am hoping to make the move over the weekend or early next week.

New adventures await us!
Princess Shy

13 comments:

  1. It's so scary moving them! I remember moving bre from a barn shed been healthy at for over 6 years. She was a horse who would colic because the wind changed so I was sick about it. I knew it was what was best for her in the Lon run. It sounds like you are making a great choice. It will all work out.

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  2. Wow, Allie, I was stunned to read this, but I can see that being outdoors 24/7 is the best thing for Shy in the long run.
    Will you have the same support and help at the new place?
    I wish you the very best of luck anyway, my boys are settling in well (even Aero the Wuss) so moving is really not such a big deal. The only word of advice I'd give you is try to stick to a routine as much as possible!
    I will keep watching this space :)

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    1. Well, like I said, it was a very hard decision. There were other factors in play that I don't feel comfortable putting out on the web. I know a few people and their horses, so that will be nice.
      Glad your boys are getting comfortable in their new place! Gives me hope as they went a whole lot further than Shy is!

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    1. Thanks Janine. I have been thinking about you non stop. Hugs!

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  4. First off Camryn is a tad bent about Shy wearing a crown, while she had to wear a witches hat LOL
    Best of luck for you both at the new place. Change is hard probably more for you than for Shy. Does the new place have an arena and trainer like you have where you are now?

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    1. The crown was a gift from Kathy that I have now modified for Shy's costume. I love Camryn in her witches hat! I am sure she is a good witch :)
      The new place has an indoor, outdoor, and trails. I have people that can help me, and I might get a trainer.

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  5. That sounds great, I know Shyloh would love it! I do know how you feel about her becoming wild and maybe in the beginning she is but at least you'll know she's happy :)

    I wish you luck!

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    1. I hope it works out. I think it will. I don't think she was unhappy, but I think she will be happier now.

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  6. I just notice this. I am moving my thoroughbred, Splash, from her barn of the past 6 years to another one in a week. I am quite nervous about it as well, since she has some VERY close relationships at her current barn and I feel as though I'm taking her away from her friends. Like you, though, I want her to be able to walk free for more hours of the day than she currently does, as she has arthritis and needs the muscle movement. It's been a very hard decision and I hope it's not the wrong one (speaking about me and Splash). Many good vibes to you and hugs to Shy.

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    1. Six years! I would be a wreck. We have just been at the previous barn as long as I have had Shy. Good vibes and hugs back to you! I think it is much easier on the horses than us! And I agree, the movement is so important! As easy as stalls are for us, I don't think they are for horses. Best of luck and please let me know how it goes!

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  7. Definitely the best thing for Shy, she will love being a 'horse' and will still know and love you, you are going to give her what all horses need - freedom to move and build friendships and do what comes naturally - great decision!

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