Importance of barn neighbors (horses)

[StraightForward]

My girls are lucky to have stalls in what used to be a broodmare barn - just 5 16x16 stalls with outside pens about the same size. There is a draft cross mare, Z, between Annabelle and Tesla, and they both are quite fond of her. There is also an Arabian mare across the aisle who goes out with them in the same turnout group, which has been consistent the entire time I've been there. The Arabian is fine in turnout, but not really buddies with anyone. The other stall on that side has a gelding that I just found out will be moving in the next month or two, and I'm trying to decide if I should ask to move Tesla to his stall.

Pros:
The pens on that side are 50% bigger.
It's a few steps closer to the tack room.
North side of the barn, so it would be cooler/shadier in the summer.
I think there would be a little extra storage space in front of the stall.

Cons:
Not quite as good a view of the activity going on around the barn.
Arabian neighbor is not very social.
She would be across the barn aisle from Z. I say this is a con because she is not herd bound insofar as acting up when one or the other is out of the barn. She does run and hide behind Z in the pasture when I go to catch her, and I doubt that would change.

Opinions?

[Srhorselady]

Moving horses can be traumatic for them, however this is so close that is not likely to be major. Since Tesla is large a stall that is 50% larger would be a major plus. Since the turnout situation will stay the same, I think I’d do it.

[heddylamar]

Is anyone moving in immediately? If not, I'd ask to move with the caveat you might want to move back in a few weeks.

We have two horses in our 8 horse barn (with only 6 horses) who move stalls frequently. They seem to do just fine in all scenarios.

[StraightForward]

There is a waiting list. An old horse was PTS Friday and stall filled Saturday.

However, I could switch her with Annabelle, who I don't think would care as much. So I should probably just ask for the stall and stop overthinking.

[heddylamar]

I really doubt she'll care, since Annabelle and Z will still be within sight.

[Hayburner]

I would ask to move to the other stall.Sounds like a bit better arrangement for you and your horse.

[piedmontfields]

I agree with the try it with the understanding that it might not work out.

In my barn, some horses do fine with moving stalls on a semi-regular or seasonal basis. Others (like mine) do not. So instead mine deals with new neighbors on a semi-regular basis!

[Chisamba]

considering the neighbour's are all familiar, I would not anticipate moving stalls to be a problem. having said that I did switch neighbour once and came in with the wall dismantled and the horses somewhat scuffed up

[StraightForward]

Thanks all! I thought about it quite a bit, and decided not to move her. First, I witnessed how much the Arabian does not appreciate Tesla's company when they were in turnout the other day, and second, she is close to a lot more activity with the wash rack and another grooming area right near her pen. She's very social and inquisitive, so I don't think the little bit of extra space is worth the tradeoff of being more isolated at the back of the barn with one grumpy Arabian.