Atlanta boarding

[Doctor_sOrders]

Hi all,
I have made the decision to head out to Atlanta! I was debating Atlanta vs Dallas a while back and Atlanta won out.

I’m interviewing for accounting positions, some in Alpharetta and some in Midtown.

I plan to live ITP around L5P, Druid Hills, Virginia Highlands etc. area.

Where should I look for boarding based on those locations (may need separate suggestions for working in Midtown vs working in Alpharetta.)

My main requirements:
Around $700 a month, but less would be amazing
Fantastic care (lots of good quality hay, nice extensive turn out and a safe facility)
Good footing
Hours that accommodate the working population, can’t do the 8-6 thing.

Thanks for any and all suggestions!

[relocatedTXjumpr]

Are you looking for basic board for that price? Or board AND lesson/training for that price? Full board or pasture?

Some farms require lesson/training packages in addition to board, are you looking for that kind of situation, or looking for a place that will allow you to bring in your own trainer for lessons later?

[Doctor_sOrders]

It really depends. I think I need full care as I will be working full time and pursuing my masters part time as well. I’m ok with a required lesson/training package as long as they have a one lesson a week option. I know some places require more than that but more at A show barns and I’m not looking for that.
Just a fun, laid back place to be that is friendly to working ammys who may have to ride at strange hours.

If the care is excellent and the footing good, I can make anything else work. No trainer, required lessons, multi discipline, no showing, some showing, whatever. My main priority is that I won’t worry about the horse on the days I can’t make it out.

[rosegold]

Congratulations on the upcoming move! I used to live around ATL – can’t say I liked it, but I knew plenty who did. L5P is a really cool neighborhood!

Unfortunately I can’t give any solid advice as my favorite trainer in the area passed away a few years ago and I never boarded with anyone else, but I’ll keep an eye on this thread in case anyone else posts names that I can give a good second to.

From what I remember, though, do expect to drive at least 30 minutes one-way (probably double that if you’re planning to live right in the city as you mention) to get to horse country. You’re probably aware of the driving culture already, as ATL has a bad rap for traffic congestion and spread-out distance, but in case you weren’t – it’s no joke.

[Regina_Filangie]

Look at South Wind Stables in Conyers if you’re working in Midtown, or if you end up living in one of the areas mentioned. Jim and Michelle Bassett run it and they’re great. Board is in your price range since it’s not in Alpharetta where all the fancy farms are And they have a lot of working adults who ride in the evening so you’ll fit right in.

[vxf111]

Personally I would live/board outside the perimeter. Cost of living and commute is going to be better that way, I think. The areas you’re suggesting are more like where the college kids live I lived in the Druid Hills area when I was in school. Are you going to Emory?

For sure NO WAY I would WORK outside the perimeter and live inside. Dat’s some crazy talk!!!

It’s been too long since I lived there to recommend barns but you’re going to LOVE Atlanta. It’s great!!!

[Doctor_sOrders]

No I’ll be at Auburn, but online for my masters.
I have a friend I’ll stay with in Druid Hills temporarily but I’m open to looking at other areas to live. I do like being in the city though near some night life.

Are there specific areas that have large concentrations of barns that I should shoot for? I know a few west like Powder Springs area. I know Conyers is a big horse area to the east and Alpharetta to the north.

This is proving pretty difficult to decide but I’d almost rather pick a barn first, then try to find a job and housing around that. I am in accounting so I don’t think I have to necessarily be downtown or anything for work

[OveroHunter]

I grew up in Alpharetta and then moved out east a bit past Conyers, and I would say go to Alpharetta over Conyers from my personal experience. There are many more barns in Alpharetta to choose from.

Rosegold, was your late trainer Chris Elliott by chance? I used to ride with her in the early 2000s and she was the best.

[Raine]

Yes, if you want lots of options, head towards Alpharetta. I am in Conyers area and love my current situation, but it did take several years to evolve into what I needed. Sadly, Alpharetta was never in the cards for me due to work/commuting requirements as well as budget.

edited to add: if you are going to be in ATL the first half of November, the Atlanta Fall Classics AA shows will be in Conyers at the GA Intl Horse Park. The dates are 11/9-13 and 11/16-20. You would be able to see most of the area trainers in action.

[Doctor_sOrders]

Great everyone, thanks!
The company I’m most seriously looking at is in Alpharetta. Any specific barns around that area that would work within my constraints?

Thanks again!

[vxf111]

Most of the H/J barns are in the Alpharetta area.

[Raine]

The three that came to mind first all start at around $1200/mo for board & lesson packages. But I don’t know the Alpharetta area well, so I’m sure there must be other options closer to what you need budget-wise. I’m sure others in that area will pipe in.

[Doctor_sOrders]

Ugh yikes. $1200 is not in the budget. I could stretch to $1000 but then that either needs to include a lesson package or be at a facility where they don’t require a training package on top of that $1k.

[Doctor_sOrders]

What about going further north than Alpharetta? Like Canton or Cumming?

[HunterJumperGin]

I have friends with their private barns in Canton, and it is beautiful horse country. IF you happen to look on the southside, I board at Jay Victory Farm (minutes from Chattahoochee Hills facility). We have several northside boarders there as well. Our full board is in your named budget- check us out!

http://www.jayvictoryfarm.com/

[relocatedTXjumpr]

There are a couple of nice farms in Cumming…however the commute from the location you mentioned is going to be a freaking nightmare.

I did send you a PM, or two.

[tweetfaip]

Tim Staples has a barn that would be close to your budget. Miriam Offermans is the trainer there, Milym Equestrian. It’s a nice facility with good turnout and a covered ring as well.

[Perfect10]

Hunter’s Glen with Jenny Gelb has wonderful care within your budget. She is in Alpharetta. I would personally live and board in Alpharetta if you can swing it. It’s a very horsey community and Alpharetta is growing quickly. Canton/Cumming is growing but probably not where you would like to live if you want to be close to the nightlife. There are a few barns there (Segars Stables and Tim Staples’ farm) but I think they are both towards the top of your budget. I couldn’t imagine living ITP and driving to Alpharetta. That’s insane. If you wanted to live ITP, I would look more south of ATL than north.

[Doctor_sOrders]

Thanks everyone!
I know where he will be for November so these are all suggestions I have time to look into/practice commutes etc. and will have to see what I can tolerate. :yes:

[Lucassb]

[QUOTE=Perfect10;8902457]
Hunter’s Glen with Jenny Gelb has wonderful care within your budget. She is in Alpharetta. I would personally live and board in Alpharetta if you can swing it. It’s a very horsey community and Alpharetta is growing quickly. Canton/Cumming is growing but probably not where you would like to live if you want to be close to the nightlife. There are a few barns there (Segars Stables and Tim Staples’ farm) but I think they are both towards the top of your budget. I couldn’t imagine living ITP and driving to Alpharetta. That’s insane. If you wanted to live ITP, I would look more south of ATL than north.[/QUOTE]

Totally agree with this. Jenny Gelb’s place may not be super fancy but the care is fantastic and they are super knowledgeable as well as very, very nice. It might be a bit of a challenge to get a stall though; they stay pretty full. That would absolutely be my top recommendation.

You are welcome to PM me if you want recommendations about who/where to stay away from.