Hi guys, I’d love your opinion given I have few horsey friends to talk to irl.
I’ve been at my current livery yard happily for the last 2 years. While I was on holiday I was Facebook messaged by the yard owner who lives on site to say she’s selling the yard and half her land (she’s keeping all her top fields from which she runs a retirement livery) with planning permission to build a 900 sqf bungalow. This would remove a stable block, and sit directly behind my horses current stable. It’s all very close quarters, so very small yard with a house built literally next to it.
I was surprised to hear this, but obviously it’s up to her what she does with her property. I later found out that lots of people knew well before I did, and some were told in person well before I went on holiday. Which i was disappointed to hear. My yard owner in the same Facebook message said she’d prioritise offers that keeps the livery, she hasn’t spoken to me in person since and I never see her, so I suppose I’m feeling worried about the future. I know these things take a long time to go through, but livery spaces are scarce in our area so it’s not just as easy to up and move. A lot of place have waiting lists often for ages.
My first reaction was okay we need to move, who knows who will buy it and what will happen. I’m especially concerned with building work so close to the yard. My horse can’t be turned out 24/7 and needs a stable. My friend at the yard though says I’m reacting to quickly and to wait it out, which has made me second guess myself. I’ve found a yard that has space 5 minutes from my house, though there are definite pros and cons, so there are compromises. I know this is about weighing it up, but I’m just so worried about making the wrong decision as I’ve been on badly run yards before (can you tell I’m an over thinker! Haha). Would you guys be concerned about the sale / development? Or am I panicking to soon?