Trailering in for lessons vs boarding at training facility

[ParadoxFarm]

Keep in mind, also, if you make the big move because you think lessons will be better, what happens when your trainer moves barns? That happens a lot. Would you be happy at the other barn without your trainer?

I agree, trailer out if you can do it. Stock your trailer with as much duplicate stuff as you can so loading it each week is not a chore. Keep stuff in there and all you will needs is horse and saddle.

I keep horses at home, and I have done the trailer-in thing and actually enjoyed it. Now, my trainer comes to me, and I consider myself very lucky.

[meaty_ogre]

It can be a tough call. I’ve done both, and here’s what I learned:

Trailering in to a place works only if
-you are able to work your horse consistently at home so that your horse is fit and able to benefit from the trailer-in lessons
-your horse is trained/calm enough to load, tie/stand for tacking/mounting and doesn’t require a long period to longe/settle in first.
-you are a regular customer so that the trainer is able to build familiarity and rapport with you and your horse

My current horse can be pulled from his field or stall, in any state of work or vacation, and go on the trailer, and get off at the destination and not be an idiot. My last horse was much older and had hauled extensively, but never did learn that trick. They just settle well or they don’t. Sometimes no amount of rehearsing it will get them there. Not every place is condusive to letting you longe/hand walk your horse for 30-45 minutes before your lesson because your horse is a whacko. I’ve also been to places that were seemed welcoming enough, but clear preference and superior lessons/attention were given to boarding students. I can’t say that I blame the professionals there. The person who is paying you full training board should get more than the person who is paying you a single lesson and haul-in fee.

Keeping a horse at the trainer’s has always allowed me to get the most riding done. But it can be very difficult to find a place that is a good fit.

[JLR1]

I have both boarded at the training barn or hauled in. I think in your situation since you are happy with the facility your horse is at I would be inclined to haul out. For me, I just can’t justify boarding at a place that isn’t ideal for whatever reason for one lesson a week. Yes, the haul in fees do add up, as well as time and gas, but that is a small sum to pay for having your horse at a place where you and he are happy.

[SendenHorse]

My barn doesn’t allow haul-ins, and it wouldn’t work for me… but for those with more time who are closer to the barn (so fuel costs stay low) it works great.

Just make sure you get full use of the tack stalls, wash rack, etc if needed. I’d hate to not be able to use the facility besides the arena if I paid that much-- in my opinion its a lot of cash to pay.