Watty's Awakening

KajiKita

Love how you are directing VNM’s ‘enthusiasms’ in a more constructive direction … 😉

KK

Watty1

I would say redirected so no damage could be done but something useful achieved. However he found moving horse muck around was not fun so cleaned the digger and came in grumbling about the weather. Hopefully the chap that we hired it from can do the landslide clearing behind the stable block.

If we can clear sufficiently I think I could probably get an old shipping container there which would usefully store some of the machinery out of the weather and make space in the barn. VNM does enjoy pottering in the barn and it is rather full. I need to check but I think shipping containers can be considered temporary re planning.

Suffolk_lass

Yes, they can. My friend bought three x TEU (20 foot) ones for her land. Just consider how you will get machinery in and out of them (over here, they use them for her husband's business and hers; her stacks are on shelving down one side and she now has a pallet-style bench on casters and a pulley to "trolley" things backwards and forwards inside - his stuff is higgledy-piggledy and takes him lots of faffing

Watty1

Thanks @Suffolk_lass Things like the roller, topper, and harrow could all be dragged in and out by the tractor and it could turn wasteland into some where really useful. The quad bike could probably live in one too and that can drive in and out and take the various attachments it has in and out A neighbour suggested using it for parking the horsebox but that isn't viable as there is an electricity box station in the way. (Farm stuff can go in and out via the field) I will think on this and investigate prices.

The digger was collected and the chap who hires them out looked at the space and said he could clear the area in a couple of hours and suggested we hire it again for a day and if VNM struggles he will do the job for him. Such a nice chap.

I didn't really mean ever to do anything with this part of the property but now I am thinking it over as it will tidy it up and protect the back of the stables properly in case more dirt slides into them in the inevitable winter downpours.

When VNM is out I will go and investigate properly - if he comes with me he gets very distracted and would probably have me building a two storey structure for his bikes to live comfortably in 😀😂

Suffolk_lass

Bikes go well in containers… just saying. The best are the used once containers and there are lots of suppliers

Watty1

Have written a very professional (imho) email withdrawing from the sale. I had asked for details of funding and a clear timetable and the other parties advisor sent back more waffle about how his poor dear purchaser faced additional borrowing costs (how???) and how we were only 5.6% apart on price blah de blah

Price was not the issue, it was the lack of actual progress and no evidence of funding and no timetable. Like selling a house to someone who says they have a mortgage but cannot actually show any proof or give any indication when they might move to actual purchase.

Then wrote another email direct to the purchaser as I know her personally in my field of work only to find she is on her hols until end of the month!

Final email to the solicitor I appointed mid July to let her know I have walked away from the deal. I really liked her, she was lovely with a great sense of humour.

There ends Plan A. I have a couple of other plans that are not yet clearly thought out but have been slowly buzzing around so there is a plan B, a plan C and a plan D all to be developed now to see what might fly.

PennysIntoPounds

Good for you 🥂

Watty1

In other news I have been getting weekly "school" reports from the Fell Pony Trainer who comes once a week but her time does not really coincide with when I am free but today it did and I went to watch her session.

OMG !!! I am astound with what she has been working on. The little fat fluffy was tearing around the arena clearly having a ball. She has taught him that canter means get on with it, and he has clearly learnt he canters one direction, then they do a little trot then canter the other then he can stop, get kisses and treats.

When she started he did not even want to go in the arena, was clueless about what anything meant and very resentful. I did not think he would become a riding pony but I wanted to give him an opportunity because, in case anything happens to me, if he is well schooled he will be able to find a good home.

The little fat fluffy pony is clearly a riding pony after all. He was so forward going, charging around, demonstrating that brakes are optional (anyone remember the Thelwell ponies?) and she just laughs. It really was a joyous hour.

Greying_Pilgrim

Lawks, sounds like you've made a good move Watty. Too much headspace required to wait for the purchasers side to progress - and who knows what would lie beyond, even if they got their ducks in a row. Good on you for methodically working through and having alternative plans. This episode won't thwart your personal progress ultimately. BRAVO 👏

Greying X

greenbee

Well done on dealing with the business issue and drawing a line under it. The advisor sounds clueless if he thinks his buyer's borrowing costs are anything to do with you (she should have got on with it faster). You've got plenty of options. And your little fell pony sounds delightful!