Changing yards....WWYD??

[elephantpoo]

I'm after some responses as to what you would do in my situation........I've been round and round in circles the past couple of weeks and still no decision
We have 2 ponies (DD's we got in Sept '10 and mine in Nov '10). I got mine, unbroken, as a forever pony. DS started school Jan '11, so I was going to give myself a year with Dpony to get him going and then look for part time work to fit around school and my commitments to our famiy business. Ponies are kept DIY at a yard 15-20 mins away from home.
A couple of months ago our business changed and I'm there almost all of the time. The ponies have done nothing since this has happened. Even if I found a few spare minutes to lunge, there's nowhere to do it-the fields are so slippery / boggy.I am barely giving minimal care. My one visit a day takes 1 1/2 hours, during which time I poo-pick, check water, feed, give hay, check rug, rebuild electric fence and give them a quick once over. Less than ideal.
A chance has come up to move them to a DIY yard 5 mins from home. No poo-picking, an outdoor school and one check per day included.
This is my dilemma.......the yard ATM is soooo friendly, welcoming to kids, YO helped me with both of my pony purchases and is so helpful.
The potential yard is a "serious" yard. Eventers, dressage horses....."proper" horses. Kids are allowed, but I don't think that means my DS on his bike in the summer while DD's riding.
WWYD? Shall I stay where I am, with ponies on holiday, and hope work calms down a bit?
Shall I move them and hope that the time I save is enough to input more into work that they both need?
The other option is that I decide this is how it is and look for a new home for Dpony (couldn't sell DD's) rather than watching him go to waste.
This is driving me bonkers!!
Any advice appreciated

I wouldn't move tbh. The stress of children on a posh yard is not worth it.
What I would do is have a look round for a yard that will make life a bit easier, and accept the children.

FWIW, we've been looking round for somewhere which provides more of a service, but is ok for a small mad boy too, but decided to stay where we are for the winter

"The stress of children on a posh yard is not worth it".

It sounds as though you have a wonderfully supportive environment where you are. :)

What about finding a loaner for both ponies? If you can afford it, the loaners' share could be the day to day stuff you can't do. Or might your current YO do more for more cash? have you discussed the situation with her?

Sorry- so many questions!

How old is dd?

DD's pony is on a comparatively "posh" yard and we love it. But I would guess that you may find that there is a way they expect liveries to do things that would make juggling everything even harder than it is at the moment?

CMOTdibbler and AlpinePony - something didn't feel right when I was looking around potential yard. There was nobody there, but it felt tense (?) They said kids are welcome, but when I got home I pictured DS there (he's v. demanding) and I was cringing. You may well be right. The stress of him there would be counter-productive. Also, as marialuisa said, the expectations on a "posh" yard may add even more stress.
And AlpinePony current yard is a very supportive yard. We're all more or less in the same boat. Young kids, ponies and very busy.
I did speak to YO yesterday-what a weight that lifted I exlained all that I put in my OP and she was great, Hadn't wanted to approach her before-she's very busy and has 2 under 5's herslf, but she was lovely. We've come up with a plan. She's reassured me that my 1 visit per day is sufficient ATM, and has suggested we come up with a couple of days where she'll check mine and in return I'll check hers on a couple of days.
seeker - DD is 9. She'd love to do more, but DS is so demading it's really tricky when he's about. I have advertised for a sharer for my boy, but to no avail.
I feel a lot more positive now. Thanks for your comments.

I was at a posh yard myself a few years ago, it was all pikeur jods and Chanel handbags casually thrown around. I always felt very inadequate which I know is silly... I also grew very weary of some jumped-up little 14 year old with a handbag worth more than my car, continuously throwing my headcollar on the floor.

I hated going up. :( no way on earth would my kids have been welcome.

I'm much more at home with ramshackle! ;)

I know what you mean.........ramshackle is much nicer!
Another good thing has happened today-I may have found somebody to short term loan my Dpony!! A girl at the yard may have him and then I will reassess my time commitments later on..............fingers crossed she wants him!

Where abouts in the country are you? Would you just want someone to look after them or would you like a financial contribution to? I might be able to help, my sister wants a loan AGAIN. Her last one she had to leave cos they sold her as couldnt afford to keep her. x

We are in Devon-anywhere near you? The girl who may have him on short term loan is trying him at the weekend.

Sorry, me and my sister are in south east london, kent border. Unfortunatley. Wish i could help. Have you tried advertising online for someone to help out or in friday ads? Its always worth a go. There are heaps of teenagers that would love to be able to fiddle around with a pony, especially if you dont want any money or only a small amount for the priviledge. Just a thought. x