First horse at private yard/property?

[Not_so_brave_anymore]

I’ve had many people say this to me and it sounds like a good plan but I am a bit confused- does going a few notches below what I can cope with at a riding school mean temperamental-wise or the horses ability, i.e. go for something really calm when I’m able to deal with spooky horses normally or go for something that is working a few comp levels below where I ride at.

I mean temperament wise really. But if you find a beautifully schooled, easy to manage competition horse, just beware that there's a good chance they won't stay that way without significant professional input. If you're looking to spend 15-20k on a proven eventer etc then I definitely wouldn't be bringing that home as a first horse to try and manage by myself! But you're probably more competent /confident than me!

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Horse will not be alone, there will be other horses. I would never have a horse alone, have friends who have had horrible experiences with that and I know all the damages it can do. There will be 3.

We don't go away often although if we do my cousin owns horses and has already volunteered to take care of the horses and property if ever needed.

The longterm small issues like having no one to hack with aren't my concern- I'm more worried about whether or not it's wishful thinking to assume we can just buy said horse and bring it on to the property with no worries. Does the first week of ownership normally go awry? Or is that a small percent. I'm just wondering if we're in over our heads for assuming we're capable of keeping horses at home just because we can at a livery yard. Is there a big difference? Is it only for the advanced?

If you already have experience of keeping horses, I'm sure you will be fine. Sister and I kept our 1st horse on a farm, with the farmer's daughter's pony. We rarely saw the daughter, or the farmer but our father, who had helped his own Dad and local farmers with their horses as a child, was often around. His thinking was if he bought us the horse, he was ultimately responsible for him. Just make sure that your boundaries are secure.
If I were you, I would put the other 2 horses, if you know them well, onto the land first and work out your routines with them, then introduce the new one. I'm sure you will find not being on a livery yard liberating.

 

[Orangehorse]

I can't see a problem, if you are willing to read and learn.

Basically a horse needs a well fenced paddock that keeps them in securely and won't give them any injuries with sufficient but not too much grass, and hay in the winter if insufficient grass, access to clean water and shelter either in the form of hedges or a stable of field shelter. Their feet need trimming every 6 weeks as they grow all the time, and they need worming or a worm count. A tetnus injection is essential, plus flu if you going to be in contact with other horses or wanting to compete. Frequent poo picking will keep the field clean and reduce the need for wormers. Companions are good.

If you have lessons then that person will be a source of information.

Do not under any circumstances over feed your horse. Wait until it is doing sufficient work that you think it is in need of something extra. But the workload for many horses means that they can do very well on grass alone, with maybe a bag of very ordinary pony nuts for an occasional treat.

 

[Muddywellies]

Speaking from experience, having your horses at home is jolly hard work and very isolating. I had the option to have my own yard again recently, but opted to stay on full livery (im not a first time owner and have had horses for 40 years, and owned my own yards). I have people around me to keep me motivated, regular training, but have the freedom to go away, and no responsibility for the upkeep of the land and yard. It goes beyond caring for the animals (getting feed right, medical issues, ridden and handling issues etc etc) but land management is a full time job and like painting the Forth Bridge! Don't forget maintaining the grass, boundaries, including escapee horses, plumbing (taps and troughs always spring a leak), maintaining the stables and arena, security, muck heap removal, maintaining tracks and driveways, hay and bedding supplies, dealing with trespassers etc etc. Honestly, it's endless and if you're trying to do it all around a full time job, it's exhausting. I remember one time in the middle of the night, hearing a right commotion outside. Went out to find a horse had kicked the entire front if the loose box out. Luckily OH was a builder and managed to repair it that night. We can only assume he got himself cast. Had panicking horses running amok in the field as the police were overhead with the spotlight on the field, so had to get them all in in the middle of the night. And a truly horrific accident when loading a horse once. Of course we also had the annual fireworks in November to contend with. Its endless. Are you confident you could deal with all eventualities and possible emergencies? Take it from me, there's some comfort being on livery. If you have a very good support network who can help at the drop of a hat, then it can work, but judt be aware, it's hard work.