I am 56 and don’t check my email. Hence my earlier suggestion to text. Even if the text is just Hey check your email from XYDFarm@ Gmail.
Mt probably is too much spam mail and I got behind.
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This 50 something only occasionally checks my personal email accounts. It’s mostly garbage and receipts.
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I think you have been up front with your boarders about your choice to downsize. Last November, I was the one chosen to leave my barn. I was now the only one actively riding, in what had morphed into a barn of retired easy keepers. In spite of the fact that it was convenient, and that I enjoyed feeding 2 nights a week; it was time to move on.
The news was given in a text, with 30 days to vacate. It took almost the full 30 days to coordinate the move of my 2 boys. I was not able to put them both at the same barn, but they needed to leave at the same time. The BO would not talk to me in person, and sent “what day will you be leaving?” with-in one week of notification. She then sent me almost daily texts demanding leave date or other changes to my horse’s routine. I sent the same text that they will be gone with-in the 30 days, and that I will notify her when the exact day is firm. I did have an immediate evacuation plan if needed, but due to her text harassment I am afraid I succumbed to the temptation of not telling her immediately when plans were finalized. She did receive several days’ notice of departure date and time, and it was followed to the letter.
Rather then, asking for leave date 30 days in advance, in person communication will let you know if they are moving forward in their plans, or sitting on their butt until the last minute. Perhaps my BO thought she was being businesslike, but it came across as angry and aggressive. I know it is stressful, wondering how it is all going to play out, but having your what if plans should help a little. I like the rising board rates for the foot draggers, and the helpful transition help.
My move was stressful for me, but the horses are happy. The retired boy is 45 min away, and after 2 years of sleep deprivation, was snoozing with his new mates within 2 days. My riding horse after an adjustment is happy in his new barn, and we are both enjoying the atmosphere. I wish you all the best for a peaceful transition for humans and equines.
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Anxious and insecure, is my guess. Didn’t trust herself to know what to do if you were a foot-dragger / anchor-reluctant-to-move. She was dwelling on the worst rather than working toward the best.
It is a good point that a pleasantly business-like tone, and process, help a great deal to a smooth transition for all parties, especially the barn owner. And in-person communication can be far more informative than daily hands-off electronic communications.
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1st person/horse left today, the next two are due to leave on the 15th. I am not sure about the fourth, but I don’t mind if she takes a bit longer. I am surprised I haven’t heard anything from her though.
An existing client wanted to bring her second horse back for 5 months (they left after my injury because this horse is is high maintenance, but now her other barn is closing abruptly - her riding horse is at my barn still), but I don’t think I could handle 5 months of a high maintenance horse. I felt bad saying no, as horse owner is overwhelmed with other things, but I am to the point where I realize I can’t keep sacrificing myself for other people. Trying to help her find an alternative place.
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@CHT, Kudos for sticking to your guns and saying ‘no’ to the high maintenance horse, even for a limited amount of time. That’s a hard thing to do.
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