Nearly 4 years ago, I posted the announcement that May and I were moving to Kentucky (with the now-husband). Over the last four years, we have made friends, been on some awesome adventures, and really fell in love with Kentucky. I got to ride at the Kentucky Horse Park (in a tutu), watch the horses gallop around the KY3DE, and splashed through the head of the lake myself.
But life moves on and continues to evolve. So I am excited to announce our next great adventure.
California!
More specifically, the Inland Empire to the east of Los Angeles. Fun fact, I have never been to California, but the area is fairly close to several eventing venues (Twin Rivers, Galway Downs, etc). So I figure it’s fine?
I know horse keeping is a lot different there than in KY. Let’s be honest though, acres of luscious KY grass is GREAT for a thoroughbred and a bit dangerous for May. Obviously, I am concerned about the lack of turnout, but honestly, I think we will figure it out.
I would love to find a place for her with great care, some turnout (I KNOW), and trails, as I plan on getting a trailer and being able to haul out to lessons. But… that’s about as far as I have gotten. So California people – FILL ME IN? Facebook groups for the area? Recommendations for training/boarding?
Seriously, I will take any and all tips I can get. Either way, the plan would be for me to move first and for May to follow in a month or so. We had a great experience with Brook Ledge from NJ to KY, so I plan on using them again for this trip. Hauling in the summer like this isn’t ideal (another reason to not move her in Mid-August), but she has always hauled well.
Out of all the stressful pieces of this trip, I am somehow lease stressed about moving her (but INCREDIBLY stressed about finding the right place for her… and fires…)
Oh and… in case you are keeping track, this means I have moved May a total of more than 2,800 miles. Sorry girl. I promise there are cookies in California.
Fires are a thing but honestly most horse people are prepped for it and willing to help out. There are lots of people with trailers that haul to fire sites to help evac. As far as place to board, you’re a bit more north of my area of expertise. But some tips. Driving in LA area always takes longer than you think. When considering a barn, make sure you drive there during the hours you plan on commuting to the barn to get an accurate estimate of your commute. And you may have a long commute if you are looking for turnout and trails. Good luck!
And if you ever fancy coming to visit San Diego, hit me up! 🙂
Thanks for the insight! I am definitely going to seriously consider getting a trailer once we are settled out there. The husband already has a truck, so that helps.
My biggest issue is that commuting right now is fine… because of the pandemic, but I am afraid that I won’t get a true sense for it until things really open up in California again. I guess I can always adjust as needed then!
Eh I don’t think the traffic has stayed low like when we first shut down. LA isn’t doing a great job of socially distancing so a lot of the traffic is there still.
Also, ask about the barns fire evac plan. Get a dog tag with May’s name, your name and number and if she has any health issues (ie allergies) and attach that to her halter. That way if evac happens and you can’t get there, the people at the evac barn have a way to contact you.
May
###-###-####
You will probably find her on the best watered lawn within 20 miles.
😂😂😂 exactly!
so glad the cat is out of the bag finally. and so sad you are moving farther away from me (you were SUPPOSED TO MOVE CLOSER WENCH) Ha I am stressed just thinking about all you have to do!!
Keep sane if you can. Also I am hoping more people like Alex chime in on things to think about! YAY for bloggers’s help! 🙂 They helped me immensely when we did our move (Remus doesnt have as many miles on him as May on moving but close HAHHA)
If May is miserable in California, you may wake up one morning to a fat palomino in your field. 😉
i would not be unhappy to see May in my field 🙂 Nor would she be unhappy hahahah
Wow, thats a big and exciting move!
I hope you can find her the perfect place !
Thank you! Big, exciting, and a bit overwhelming.
Also the sun is intense. Don’t underestimate it and the heat just because it’s a dry heat.
Have I mentioned I have a UV allergy? AHAHHA Buying all the sun gear now.
I’m so pale I glow so I am right there with you. Coolibar has good sales. Not horse stuff but other types of shirts.
Yeah I dont need to ride in collared, fancy sun shirts every time I ride haha
LA good luck (hate the place) but IE should be easier for you to find boarding options especially in Riverside. I don’t know any Eventing barns except in San Diego and the Bay Area. You can join the Area VI facebook group
Thanks for the insight! LA definitely isn’t top of my list of places to live haha, but for a few years, I think it’ll be a fun adventures. Thanks for the facebook recommend!
Oh (just started drinking coffee and remembered) message Susan Friedland (Saddle Seeks Horse) and see where she boards her horse -they actually have pastures and tracks, arenas and trails. It looks like a LOVELY place!
I am so excited for you! You will be so much closer to me! And Twin and Galway are GREAT venues.
I don’t know of any great boarding facilities in the area but I’m sure you’ll get some help on that…
Congrats on the move!
Thank you! Looks like there is some really cool eventing in that area. Even if it is COMPLETELY different from KY.
Congrats on the move! Not being from CA I have no help to offer, but wish you all the luck in finding the right fit.
Thank you! I am sure we will find our place again in California. 🙂
Wow that’s going to be a big change! Best of luck on the new adventure!
Thanks! Definitely a big change but I think we’re up for it!
Gosh thats a big move! Good luck, I hope it allgoes smoothly.
Thank you! Big change, but I think it’ll be great.
Wow! Big changes! I’m sure you’ll find the best place for May. Since I live on the opposite coast, I have no help to offer… Sorry!
If I was moving to CT, I would be all set haha.
I am of zero use on the recommendation side of things, but GOOD LUCk!
Thank you!! If my life keeps up like this, I might end up near you one day 😉
I wouldn’t complain!
Wow big changes! Best of luck! I’m no use here…
Hahah I appreciate the moral support too 😉
Exciting!! Can’t wait to hear all about your and May’s new west coast adventure!
Thanks! Always an adventure 🙂
I’m still mad.
But excited to visit in like, February.
But mad.
And sad.
It’ll be a fun place to visit? Winter eventing & disneyland. and wine country… and some other stuff I havent thought of yet.
I lived in Orange County for many years and rode in the San Juan Capistrano area in the 90’s.. so I can be of help there but that’s about it. Exciting! The IE has changed and built up so much. What cities are you looking at for living? When do you move?
Looking to move myself in mid August and May in early – mid September. The hubs is going to be working out of the Ontario Airport, so we want to be either South or East of there for horse-reasons. 😉
I remember there being lots of horsey stuff in Norco, and I had friends who lived there and it was pretty nice. And affordable (lol for California). I have to say I’m a lil bummed you’re leaving Louisville as its a top contender for when we move once the stepkids graduate!
I am super sad about leaving Louisville. We might be back eventually though!
Wow! Big move…how exciting! No help from me, as I’ve never even vacationed in California, but I’m sure you’ll find somewhere great. Like moving anywhere, I’m sure it will involve some adjustments, but it’ll be a fun adventure nonetheless.
It’ll definitely be an adventure! And I am sure we will both need some time to adjust.
Wow, good luck with the move and settling in Cali! That’s soooo exciting!
This was lovely to rread