A New Home

This month, I moved Ransom to the barn where I work. I’d been going back and forth for months, mentally weighing the pros and cons, and the situation at Ransom’s current barn had shifted enough to tip the scales towards moving. The primary advantage of our present barn was its price and separation from all things work related. But little irritations built up – an unsafe roundpen with no repairs planned; forbidden grass that went to waste; an inconsistent stall cleaning co-op schedule.

Moving Ransom to CW, just 15 minutes away, looked better and better. It offered convenience, community, and additional education for both of us. Affordability – that was another issue. So I asked God for favor, and He poured out more than I had hoped for in the form of an agreeable barter arrangement.

Then the waiting began. It felt like an engagement, minus the stressful wedding planning. I’d finally made the big decision, and now had to wait to start our new adventure. I was excited that everything had fallen into place for the move, but waiting out thirty days’ notice was a drag. Between increased work hours and a change in routine, I hardly had time to visit Ransom, let alone ride him, during those weeks.

Finally, on a bright Thursday morning, I loaded Ransom up and embarked on our new future. I was surprised to find a touching goodbye card from my fellow boarders, expressing their genuine regret in seeing “Handsome Ransom” leave.

My friends at CW were curious to see the new horse they’d heard about. Although he was admired for his markings, Ransom did not make a good first impression at our new barn. He immediately latched on to his stall buddies, and then had an emotional meltdown when they were out. His uncharacteristic separation anxiety was embarrassing, but I knew he’d settle down in a few days and return to his normal self. Which he did.

Now I pop my head out of the barn office to check on him grazing in the large turnout field, or go for a ride on my lunch break. I’m happy this is home.