When I got Roman, I was under the impression I'd have my trainer's assistance with regards to him. I had one lesson on him that week and since then, all scheduled lessons have been cancelled and/or she's been too busy when I am available (kids, other appointments, etc.). Her barn hours were M-F 7AM-7PM, closed Weds. for her "day off" and weekends are 10A-7P. Once it started getting warmer and about a week ago, she sent out a notice that lesson hours would be 7A-1P M-F (again no Weds) and every other weekend. Which is great because I work most mornings. >.> And weekends are hit and miss. So... I haven't had a lesson in 3ish weeks despite attempting to schedule something.

Not only that but almost 90% of the time I'm at the barn to ride or hang out with Ro (I'm out there every other day), she's never there if I have a question or concern. She didn't pay much mind to ensuring his saddle that I bought fit OK. She did help me adjust his bridle when I asked. When she is there, she's at home (inside her house). I get this odd feeling like when I'm texting her it is a bit of a bother. Unless I'm on paid (lesson) time, I get a weird vibe. Idk if I'm overthinking this or if I SHOULD be paying her for just questions - I honestly don't know how this is supposed to work, but I guess I just expected something different than what I'm getting. When I first started riding there I paid for a package of 10 lessons and I feel like now, she's kinda blowing me off cause she isn't making money off me. Again - could be overthinking LOL.

The longer he's there, the more bothered I am. Right now he's out in a pasture (more reasonable right now, $150/month) but there is NO shade. When the temps hit 90+ degrees, I feel a little guilty like he ought to have something. The flies out there are absolutely horrid so I got him a fly sheet but I have no idea what temps are too hot for him to be in it. The riding arena is also OK at best - it is almost like an adobe-type dirt. When wet, it is like cement. If it is dragged and groomed, it is pretty nice but still clumpy and rocky. I started thinking about winter (still a ways away) and if it rains, I'll literally have nowhere to ride. I could pay the $250 to keep him in a stall out of the rain, but nowhere to ride. On top of that, this is her personal home property and if her gate is closed (even during her barn hours), I have to call her to have someone put her dogs away and open the gate because her dogs will destroy me and my car lol. Fun!

So I've started looking at my options elsewhere and found a nice barn a bit more local to me (10 minutes closer) where he can have his own box stall with paddock for $275/month. There are TWO covered arenas, an open dressage court and trails to ride on. The only issue is I don't know if there is a trainer or instructor onsite, but at the rate I'm going, I'm not getting much help as it is. :/ I'm going to plan on visiting the location. It is a bit more costly but I think I can make it work. If I'm paying $150 for what I'm getting now, it seems worth it to me to pay the $125 more for a more comfortable situation for us both. At first going there I thought everything would be great but honestly I'm bothered by the fact that if the gate is closed, I can't go in. Her hours suck. I can't get a lesson. I need to ride in the evening some days and I can't - at this new barn I can (hours are 7A-9P). Oh and I can't go out there Wednesdays. I HATE that. But I still might be lacking guidance. I wish I knew it all. :( LOL.

Luckily, I'm experienced enough to know what I'm doing and Ro is easy-going enough that we are OK without constant supervision and instruction. Like, I would literally be happy just plodding along on him, but was hoping to advance a bit as far as BOTH of our riding skills together. I feel like I'm not going to get that where I'm at but I also don't know what the knew facility would hold as far as instruction. I'm sure I'd bump into someone who might be able to help and/or I can find another local barn to take lessons at that works better with my schedule.

My husband thinks I should give the current place some time and that I'm jumping the gun, but the longer I'm there the more agitated I get with the situation. Am I overthinking things? What would you guys do? I have a feeling that moving him so quickly might cause a rift but... honestly, all I care about is that Ro is safe and happy and so am I.

I don't have the most experience with boarding, seeing as I own a property for my horses, but as for how horse and rider should be treated at a facility that seems a bit off. The trainer doesn't seemed interested in helping you improve or keeping your horse safe (what with the whole saddle issue- that's rather important) and it would benefit you to be at a stable where you could receive actual helping hands that make efforts to push you up. You're certainly not overthinking things- they are entirely obligated to do their jobs and if they aren't, then switching is probably a good idea <3

Check out the other place and if it is as nice as it sounds move over there, she doesn't care about you or your horse so I wouldn't care about upsetting her!

And ps I wish I had those prices 😂 I pay $275 a month for pasture board. He has a run in and is far happier outside. But it would be over another $100 to have full board.

I would move, too, if the other place has a free box for Ro.

For me, a pasture without any shade or at least a possibility to move between trees is a no go at all.

Additionally there is the dog and the closed property situation:

I pay for boarding and I have to have free acess to MY horse 24/7 without a fence or a dog- And if I have to call anyone every time I want to see MY horse, even at open barn time, this would be a no go, too.

And then there is this unsatisfying situation with lessons and advise.

From my experience with boarding, I honestly dont think that this would get any better at all, even if you´d give her more time.

So the first day would be the best to move on ;)

But, yeah those prices are good! I pay $565 for stall/pasture board.