When it’s time to move to a new barn, relationships with your current barn owner or manager can become strained. It’s hard to bring up the fact that you are moving your horse, especially if you are close with your barn owner or if you have been at your current barn for a long time. If you’re planning to move barns in the future, these tips can help you to do so while staying on good terms with your current barn manager.

Check Your Boarding Contract

Before you start scheduling your departure from your current barn, thoroughly read your boarding contract. Many boarding contracts require that you give the barn owner 30 days’ notice before you move your horse; failing to do so typically means that you are required to pay for the next month’s board, regardless of whether your horse is actually at the barn.

You will also want to read your boarding contract to find out about any other specifications for ending your boarding period.

Provide Notice in Writing

When you do provide notice, do so in writing. Write a formal letter to your barn owner or manager indicating that the letter is serving to provide notice that you will be leaving the barn on a certain date. When giving notice, keep emotions out of the letter, especially if you are not happy with the current situation at the barn. Instead, keep the letter factual and straightforward. Make sure that you sign the letter and retain a copy for yourself.

Communicate About Your Leaving

Even after you have given notice about your leaving, it is important to continue communicating with your barn owner or manager about your plans. If changes occur to the date or time that your horse will be leaving, then notify your barn manager about the changes.

It is also important to speak with your barn manager about any special circumstances that might surround your move. If you would like to bring some hay from your current barn to help with your horse’s transition to the hay at his new barn, then ask your barn manager about this before your moving day comes. Be prepared for the fact that the barn manager may ask that you pay extra for the hay.

Be Honest

In some cases, honesty can be the best policy, as long as you handle it appropriately. If your barn manager asks why you are leaving and you feel that their knowing your reason would be beneficial, then you may want to tell them. In some cases explaining that you are moving to a barn that offers different amenities or which is simply located closer to home can help to smooth over any disappointment or confusion a barn manager may feel over your leaving.

When preparing for your horse’s move to a new boarding barn, leaving your old barn on good terms can make the transition easier.

Original source: How To Stay on Good Terms When Moving to a New Boarding Barn