Keep it Simple

In order to save time (and a little money), I recently moved my horse ten minutes away from my home. Its a DIY/partial board place, nice arena, good place.

Except, the folks there aren't too friendly. Attempt to ask someone how they're doing or make small talk, no one wants to talk for long. I'm out there riding 4 or 5 times a week, in the arena alone, hardly see anyone else riding.

As someone who is pretty outgoing and can talk your ear off (and since being at the barn is pretty much the only social life I get..), this is a bit upsetting to me.

I'm not about to get up and leave because of the setting, I just got here! But hopefully people will warm up to me.

So I'll make small talk here... and I'm also pretty curious about other people's experiences...

How important is a boarding stable's "atmosphere" to you? Do you like to keep to yourself, or would you rather have other horse people to talk and ride with?

My poor pup has anxiety during storms. It's a hard and sad thing to watch. He shivers severely, urinates, pants, attempts to practically get under me, goes off of food for hours, and absolutely freaks out if someone is not in sight. This dog is normally fine, zero separation anxiety otherwise. He's a good dog.

The vet and breeder both recommend I try to distract him, turn up the tv, put fans on blast, or otherwise drown out the sound, and to not coddle him. I put a dark blanket over his crate and leave it open for him (which he usually loves), but during storms refuses to go in his crate. I also keep him by my other dogs, none of which are fearful of storms, in the hopes that he will see from their behavior that there is nothing to worry about.

Unfortunately these methods have not worked. The last resort is to put the dog on medication. For his comfort I may need to do that, but would like to explore other options as well.

Does anyone have experience with the Thundershirt? I have one ordered and hope it will help. I am curious about other people's experience with it with their dogs.

If anyone has any other advice or tips, please share!

I asked my friends, "how was it getting your second horse?"

One said it wasn't that big of a deal and she never regretted it. Another said it was twice as expensive and took twice the time.

I have one mare currently. However the poor thing has been subject to everything I want to try, a short list including 50 mile endurance rides and jumping which I am both doing with her now, and wanting to try eventing, sport horse, and mounted shooting... archery too. Bless her for being so patient! I am always doing something, but would prefer to not break my horse down. If I had a second horse, this one would be my endurance only mount as that in itself is a task!

I am in school but still have time to spare, even with a horse and studying. Not to mention, since moving, my horse will soon be just 10 mins from my house. Granted, I will admit, I am very fortunate to live 30 mins from university, and my schooling has been paid for.

The thought of getting a second horse has been in my mind, although that process will probably take a good year in itself.

So, just out of curiosity, how was getting a second horse for you? Easy? Difficult? Interested in other people's experiences.

I know some people do, some people don't. I haven't in the past but I'm debating on starting... easier clean up!

Do you trailer with shavings? Why or why not?