A land/grazing how much and other questions

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chaps89

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I was stunned to be offered a field to rent in response to an advert I put up, small fields suitable for horses are like hens teeth around here.
Went to view it tonight and I'm on the fence.
I think about 4 acres.
Post and rail in reasonable condition on one side and mature hedging on all other sides (it's a funny shape) with just 1 section that would benefit from reinforcing with fencing of some description.
There is some ragwort, not an unmanageable amount but worth mentioning.
The field has been topped twice this year (mostly to try and prevent the ragwort flowering then spreading) so there is dead grass still but plenty for them to still eat. I'm not sure if this is a problem? (Obviously any dead/dried ragwort would be problematic I know!)
There is mains water (Currently turned off but they're happy to turn it on)
Access is a somewhat overgrown gateway on a single track lane opposite someone's house, with a small incline up to the field. So slightly tricky.
Really nice family who own it.
There is a footpath that runs along the fence line through the field which is used by dog walkers.
Surrey area, good hacking and a school to hire 15 min hack away.

So, what would you pay? They're happy for me to have liveries as company or sole use although I would still need to arrange a companion. I can put a track system up (the biggest attraction) so long as it isn't too 'lairy' (fair enough, although not right next to their house the field is in sight and no-one wants to look out on a jungle of electric fencing!)
Also, do water costs usually get included in the price of rent? They mentioned a water meter so I fear that it could work out costly whoever pays!
Or would you say it's a nice idea but a literal field with no hardstanding or tie up points is madness?!
 
You can soon put in tie-up points! I would want to fence off the footpath, so that dogs etc don't stray into the horse fields. I have no idea how much you should pay. How much do the owners want? I would try to negotiate a price for the fields, rather than a price per horse, though.
 
I agree with fencing the footpath off if possible, as walkers will not keep dogs on a lead no matter what the law says. And, many don’t have much control. However, a local farmer who did that, to stop attacks on his lambs, faced an awful backlash from the locals. They did have to suck it up in the end, he sheep netted the whole route.
If you pay for water, it should not be too much assuming it’s rated as non domestic. For 3 Horses, my bill is approx £30-35 a quarter including the standing charge. I have no idea on what it would command in surrey, but north of you on Bucks/Beds/herts borders it would probably be around £300 pcm if has water, more if there is some kind of shelter or buildings.
 
I also wouldn't worry too much about the water we are metered and keep two and I know it's not masses. We also get a non-return refund for drainage based on the maximum then can drink.

The thing I would give most serious consideration to is the footpath.
 
Thanks for the replies so far.
Re price I asked if they had a figure in mind and they said they have absolutely no idea and would be led by me :o 2 other fields have been advertised locally recently-
1 was vague and just said large field, lots of grass £300, the other is 9 acres awaiting water to be installed, for £450. A couple of acres with school and menage was up for £500 recently apparently.
No formal shelter other than the hedgeline and no buildings. I did ask about putting a small shed up which they are ok with so long as it's discreet. I presume planning permission wouldn't be necessary for that or putting down some paving slabs to provide a tie up area?

The footpath they said when they moved in people used to use the field as a free for all and recreation ground but they've worked with the villagers and most are now quite good about using it as a footpath and respecting that it's a private field. I think they quite want the field to be in use to discourage people further tbh.
I'd put signs up saying about horses grazing and to keep dogs on leads. It's a fairly long stretch and I'm just wary of cost to fence it sufficiently to keep dogs out as presume I'd need wooden posts and horse safe stock fencing? I'll look at some of the agricultural merchants to get an idea on price for materials at least.
 
To keep dogs on the footpath a decent electric fence, bottom strand quite low will deter most dogs
Just make sure you put warning signs on so no-one complains
 
People will compain if you fence the footpath in, and the chances of you getting away with an electric fence without a lot of hassle is slim as children and dogs are poorly controlled and bound to touch it. Other than that it sounds ideal,
 
The footpath would put me off completely. Especially as walkers have had free rein before. I wouldn't want people coming to see my horses with fruit and treats.
 
A small shed for feeds or such like should be fine but if it’s for shelter, you’ll probably need planning permission, that or a movable shelter on skids, which doesn’t require planning as such but you might get a visit from planners esp if walkers go through, amazing what some people will ring the council for! I have a public footpath running along the edge of my field, I have electric fenced a path along the fence line and bpnever had any issues bar one person walking through with her 2 JR running amok, to the point of running almost up to the house and round the back, I just stood with arms folded glaring at her dogs and her, not seen her since..everyone else with dogs have been very considerate, either keeping dogs on leads or v close by them, usually just get the usual oh isn’t he lovely about my horse!
 
TheMule said:
People will compain if you fence the footpath in, and the chances of you getting away with an electric fence without a lot of hassle is slim as children and dogs are poorly controlled and bound to touch it. Other than that it sounds ideal,
Click to expand...

So long as you leave a wide enough path (check with planning/access) and put a visible sign on the fence, electric fencing is fine.
 
chaps89 said:
Thanks for the replies so far.
Re price I asked if they had a figure in mind and they said they have absolutely no idea and would be led by me :o 2 other fields have been advertised locally recently-
1 was vague and just said large field, lots of grass £300, the other is 9 acres awaiting water to be installed, for £450. A couple of acres with school and menage was up for £500 recently apparently.
No formal shelter other than the hedgeline and no buildings. I did ask about putting a small shed up which they are ok with so long as it's discreet. I presume planning permission wouldn't be necessary for that or putting down some paving slabs to provide a tie up area?

The footpath they said when they moved in people used to use the field as a free for all and recreation ground but they've worked with the villagers and most are now quite good about using it as a footpath and respecting that it's a private field. I think they quite want the field to be in use to discourage people further tbh.
I'd put signs up saying about horses grazing and to keep dogs on leads. It's a fairly long stretch and I'm just wary of cost to fence it sufficiently to keep dogs out as presume I'd need wooden posts and horse safe stock fencing? I'll look at some of the agricultural merchants to get an idea on price for materials at least.
Click to expand...

OP, plastic fencing posts and electric tape should be sufficient, with a sign at each end warning that the fence is electric.
 
Many fields I walk my dog through in Surrey have electric fencing - no issue provided you have the signs up warning it is electric.

I would say £250 - £300 pm is fair for no facilities but good fencing & decent hacking. I would suggest a mobile shelter which you can use to tie to for grooming etc.
 
Pearlsasinger said:
So long as you leave a wide enough path (check with planning/access) and put a visible sign on the fence, electric fencing is fine.
Click to expand...

Oh absolutely, but people still like to complain! I had someone complain that they may touch it and it set off their pace maker. The path is 2 metres wide, there is only 1 strand of electric on the other side of the posts and there were warning sides all along
 
Thanks everyone. I get the feeling the owners won't mind me fencing off the footpath and are tough enough to handle any push back from it but I'd obviously discuss with them first.

I need to now work out companion issues. I'm guessing 1 isn't enough as then it e'll be on their own whilst I ride? Although we did this when we had land before and they did get used to It?
The purpose of having my own place is to be able to control fattys weight a bit more effectively (hopefully!) and to have it to myself. So another DIY livery probably doesn't work but I'd be happy to offer a full livery type service for an oldie or something that needs turning away or similar but is there likely to be much call for this? I'm thinking it covers costs more effectively than getting a 2nd (or 3rd!) one of my own and whether I have an extra one on livery or as a companion on loan or bought by me it's the same work and attention they require. Any thoughts?
 
Definitely find the money to get the footpath fenced in. I rented a couple of acres next door to my old house and it had a path running thru it, it was the local dog toilet 😐 people genuinely used to come off the road, stop and let their dogs in, and stand at the stile.
I tried all sorts, but we moved again shortly after
 
Sometimes you can land on a pony as a companion that doesn’t stress when left on its own, I had one years ago and she was a star at being left whilst I went hacking, make sure they’re respectful of electric fencing though!
 
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