General Thoughts On Going From DIY To Keeping Horses at Home

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hph

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Hi all
Wildly speculative post here as this is probably at least five or 10 years away...BUT what general feedback/advice do people have for those like me who currently have their horses on DIY and are loosely planning (possibly pipe dream) to buy a place with land and keep the horses at home?
Also I'd be doing it all alone (woe is me) so no unpaid help from partner or anyone else. Anticipate it will be extremely hard work but hoping cost savings and horses being on site will just about make it worth the effort.
I guess land management is the biggest thing, yes? Fencing/maintenance and so on. Buying haylage in. Buildings maintenance. Muck heap.
What else?
 
You may want to consider the thought that having horses at home will save money.....it is often more expensive with proper field maintenance, fencing and general repairs.

It's amazing being able to look after your horses as you deem fit but can be a hard slog with all the maintenance and also you need to consider who would look after them if you were taken ill (it can be difficult to find a reliable freelance groom)

However that said , for me the dream became a reality and I still feel blessed every day to have my best mates just outside the window. I hope your dream comes true as well one day
 
whiteflower said:
You may want to consider the thought that having horses at home will save money.....it is often more expensive with proper field maintenance, fencing and general repairs.
Click to expand...

^^ this! I did love having them outside so I could see them from my office window though.
I'm back at livery at the moment but looking forward to taking the ridden ones home again eventually. I was surprised by how much i missed the social side of DIY livery when I had them at home, just something else to consider.
 
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I've just bought my own land, it's not at home though. It's wonderful but hard, and everything is more expensive than you think! Right now, drainage is top of my list of things to sort out, plus j don't have electricity so lights are an issue, and I'm researching getting a gas powered shower for the horses as cold water just doesn't do the job.
Yesterday I found one horse had an injury, and warm water plus someone to help hold him while I washed him would have been very welcome. Unlike milliepops, I don't miss the social side at all yet but it has only been a couple of weeks and my neighbours are very nice.
 
it doesn't help that I work from home so can be quite isolated, if I didn't have the yard then I'd only speak to OH out loud most days! But when you have a young or green horse and could do with some help or company to ride out with, that's when I missed the yard when mine were at home. It was really hard restarting Kira on my own ;)
 
I never missed company when I had my own place either JB! Mine was only rented though, and wasn't at home. Looking at buying with land in the near future - god knows where! - but maintenance and practicality are the big issues!
 
I set aside 1k each year to cover:
Harrowing
Rolling
Topping
Spraying
Hedge cutting
General repairs and maintenance (creosoting too) of fencing and round yard
Water bill
Muck heap removal

This usually has some over, but 2 years on the trot I've had an unexpected oak crash through the fencing, then needed to pillars a willow, none cheap to deal with as had to get tree surgeons in each time,

JB, I got into a habit of taking a big flask of hot water, I also have a 2 ring gas burner so can boil up. Lighting is by battery power and head torch :)
 
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In 3 and a 1/2 weeks we are moving to a new house that has stables and some land... So I'll let you know in about 4 weeks time!!

I can't wait... Very excited about it all. I'm sure reality will be somewhat different to my dream, but we shall soon find out! Xx
 
I think a lot depends on what you buy, the condition the land, fencing and buildings are in will make a big difference, having been looking at properties myself I have avoided ones with obviously wet undrained land and poor or in some cases non existent fencing because the initial outlay was going to be hard to recoup or justify, starting with fairly well established and fenced land will save thousands even if you have to upgrade it can be done over time as part of the general maintenance.

Much the same with buildings I would rather have nothing than numerous tumble down buildings to rectify, you can get by with a mobile shelter and some hardstanding until you know what you require rather than spending a fortune fixing buildings that will possibly never do what you really want.

Around £1k per year should be enough to harrow, top do a few odds and ends to a few acres if they are decent to start with.

The list of things to do can be never ending but having your horses at home does mean you can fit a lot in around the rest of your life, being able to pop out do a few jobs while the kettle boils in the morning is one simple example, waiting indoors for the vet/ farrier means you can actually get things done instead of feeling it is wasted time if they are late is another bonus.
 
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Even though our horses are at home, our yard lights are solar powered and they are fabulous! We replaced the lights with solar when we had the house rewired and the electricians were difficult enough to deal with when they were in the house, we decided we had had enough of dodgy electrics in the stables.
The biggest problem when they are at home is, as TFF says, the unexpected. But the unexpected happens on livery too. You will need to think about who you would call on if you are stuck with a colicking horse at midnight, waiting for the vet to get to you. The upside of that is that at least you can sit in the warmth between the hourly checks after the vet has gone.
 
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milliepops said:
it doesn't help that I work from home so can be quite isolated, if I didn't have the yard then I'd only speak to OH out loud most days! But when you have a young or green horse and could do with some help or company to ride out with, that's when I missed the yard when mine were at home. It was really hard restarting Kira on my own ;)
Click to expand...
I'm actually struggling with riding company as Nelson has been a little uptight but I just need to don my brave pants and get on with it, as I know he's a good chap. A young/green horse is another matter though.
 
I went from full/part livery to keeping horses at home 20 years ago and haven't regretted it (apart from the end of last winter when weather conditions were extreme). As rightly mentioned above, how easy it will be depends on your set up - a big acreage on well drained soil with stables available if you need them and with water & electric on tap will put less demands on you than an over-stocked patch on boggy soil with no stabling, hard standing, water or electric. Location makes a big difference as well, if you are in an area with a high amount of horsey population it is going to be easier to find people to hack with or to look after your horse if you are away.
 
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The Fuzzy Furry said:
I set aside 1k each year to cover:
Harrowing
Rolling
Topping
Spraying
Hedge cutting
General repairs and maintenance (creosoting too) of fencing and round yard
Water bill
Muck heap removal

This usually has some over, but 2 years on the trot I've had an unexpected oak crash through the fencing, then needed to pillars a willow, none cheap to deal with as had to get tree surgeons in each time,

JB, I got into a habit of taking a big flask of hot water, I also have a 2 ring gas burner so can boil up. Lighting is by battery power and head torch :)
Click to expand...
This is really useful information - thank you!
 
HeyMich said:
In 3 and a 1/2 weeks we are moving to a new house that has stables and some land... So I'll let you know in about 4 weeks time!!

I can't wait... Very excited about it all. I'm sure reality will be somewhat different to my dream, but we shall soon find out! Xx
Click to expand...
Good luck! So exciting and congratulations.
 
be positive said:
I think a lot depends on what you buy, the condition the land, fencing and buildings are in will make a big difference, having been looking at properties myself I have avoided ones with obviously wet undrained land and poor or in some cases non existent fencing because the initial outlay was going to be hard to recoup or justify, starting with fairly well established and fenced land will save thousands even if you have to upgrade it can be done over time as part of the general maintenance.

Much the same with buildings I would rather have nothing than numerous tumble down buildings to rectify, you can get by with a mobile shelter and some hardstanding until you know what you require rather than spending a fortune fixing buildings that will possibly never do what you really want.

Around £1k per year should be enough to harrow, top do a few odds and ends to a few acres if they are decent to start with.

The list of things to do can be never ending but having your horses at home does mean you can fit a lot in around the rest of your life, being able to pop out do a few jobs while the kettle boils in the morning is one simple example, waiting indoors for the vet/ farrier means you can actually get things done instead of feeling it is wasted time if they are late is another bonus.
Click to expand...
Really good points - thank you! Just saving those driving minutes to and from the yard twice a day is MASSIVELY appealing. And being able to nip out to change rugs according to the weather and so on. Fingers crossed I can make it happen!
 
Agree with hph, it depends on what you buy, I have no trees or hedging but we’ve spent an age draining the field, putting good fencing up all around the perimeter and gates etc, do a proper job in the beginning and it should last a very long time. The stables are sound, the tap needs moving to new location closer to the stables and a water trough installing in the fields..hubby has a small tractor and rolls harrows and tops (if needed) the fields for me but doesn’t charge much if he does this for locals if asked, certainly shouldn’t cost more than a couple hundred quid a year unless you’re getting the mick taken! Unless of course you have acres and acres, several horses and like it done twice a year! Watertight storage for bedding and hay, a trustworthy person to look after you horses if you have to go away for any reason is a must, vets will come wherever you are so no worries there. Muck heap removal will cost! I miss the banter on a yard but not the politics bitching and miss going out in a gang for a hack but you will find peeps to go out with and can have as much fun. It isn’t bliss to run down in dressing gown n wellies to put them out in the morning and to watch them in the fields pratting around or just graze! It’s truly my pipe dream come true! But keep looking as we couldn’t afford the better set ups so We bought to do up but the basics were there (fencing albeit dodgy, water, stables, hardstanding etc) and a house! All in process of being upgraded, nice weather, outside jobs, rubbish weather inside jobs..good luck..
 
I am lucky in that I live on my own place and have my horses at home.

A big Plus is the obvious one, in that I can please my darn self about what I do with my horses and my land! I don't have to put up with having to turn out with other horses who mine isn't happy with, or Hitler-ite YO's! Its wonderful to be able to go out and gaze over the pasture on a summer's evening and see them all grazing there......

Roll on to serious reality check now as the Winter's coming fast!! Think wet fields with grumpy horses up to their backsides in mud and soft-and-smelly-stuff, and I don't have the benefit of a nice friendly YO who might just be persuaded (for a little extra naturally) to bring 'em in and feed on a cold winter's night when I get back from work after dark and feel a cold/flu brewing and just have to crack on solo!

So yes, there will be pro's and cons.

Things you may want to think about:

Running costs: 1K is bare minimum of what you'll spend per annum, here we have hedges bordering the public highway which MUST be cut. This year's cost me £180 for the job (local farmer). Plus harrowing/rolling about £80, and any running repairs such as fencing/gates etc. Tip: cultivate a local farmer who can do all the little pissy jobs like this as well as supply you with hay/straw etc!

Company/Livery: if you only have the one horse which you keep at livery, you'll deffo have to consider company for it; one way you might overcome this is to offer livery, but as you will see from the miriad of other posts on here, that is a minefield!

IF you did decide on the livery option: You will have to decide whether you stay small i.e. just one DIY livery, or go bigger and offer "assisted" or "full". Either way, you will need to consider insurance (public liability/employers liability) - last year my insurance for my smallholding of 13 acres plus one DIY livery with horses on site, cost me in the region of £500; this wasn't with NFU......... You will have to insure against the possibility of someone trespassing onto your land and injuring themselves! Crazy but true.

Also consider - if you're viewing a property - stuff like stabling (are there farm sheds you can adapt?); water (is there mains water - the stream/natural water source may dry up in summer or become polluted by floodwater); fencing - is it secure? barbed wire?; and access - can vehicles like horseboxes, tractors, trailers etc, gain easy access at all times of the year? Think about the hacking, would you have to go along a busy road to get anywhere decent? What about the local rat-runs?? etc etc

IF going the "livery" route, you will need to consider whether you indeed want the livery's horses going in with yours. Here I keep everyone separate, it is easy to do because of the layout, and that works for everyone. Hers are going out and about to shows etc., and have a different "energy" to my two very laid-back cobs, who're quite happy to doddle around together in their pasture. Also - and very importantly - it means that bio-security is maintained.

Re. livery (if you decide to go this route - and TBH whilst you may make enough to keep your horse for "free" as it were, you won't be raking the gold-coins in, but it WILL be a help). Be VERY FUSSY who you let in. I'm very lucky as I have the Perfect livery who is a real star and isn't any trouble, she pays on time and keeps everything tidy, but I did have one here (only for a month thank god and that was pure hell) who arrived with a badly behaved mannerless pony, she then shut it in the stable without any food or water and went off for a weekend away! The "friend that was supposed to see to it" never materialised, and I had to sort it! Like I say, be fussy, and be consistent in your "rule" as it were. Be approachable, fair & impartial, and make sure that if you say that something will get fixed pronto that this indeed happens! I have thoroughly enjoyed having my livery; she and her little family have become part of the place and I've watched them progress with their ponies; and get a real sense of pride when they do well! We've also shared our sorrows, e.g. when we've had to PTS..........

No you'll never make a mint out of doing livery (particularly DIY) but get the right livery and you'll have a riding companion as well as someone to ride out with/go to shows/hunting etc!!

IF you are going to offer particularly assisted or full livery and this is something you know you might be going to do in the future; then NOW might be the time to take stock. The expectations of YO's and livery facilities are getting ever higher, and people are increasingly expecting YO's to have BHS qualifications and/or relevant industry experience. Getting some BHS courses under your belt might be something to consider for the future? If you can give yourself the cutting edge that might not do you any harm..... ??? Just a thought.
 
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MiJodsR2BlinkinTite said:
I am lucky in that I live on my own place and have my horses at home.

A big Plus is the obvious one, in that I can please my darn self about what I do with my horses and my land! I don't have to put up with having to turn out with other horses who mine isn't happy with, or Hitler-ite YO's! Its wonderful to be able to go out and gaze over the pasture on a summer's evening and see them all grazing there......

Roll on to serious reality check now as the Winter's coming fast!! Think wet fields with grumpy horses up to their backsides in mud and soft-and-smelly-stuff, and I don't have the benefit of a nice friendly YO who might just be persuaded (for a little extra naturally) to bring 'em in and feed on a cold winter's night when I get back from work after dark and feel a cold/flu brewing and just have to crack on solo!

So yes, there will be pro's and cons.

Things you may want to think about:

Running costs: 1K is bare minimum of what you'll spend per annum, here we have hedges bordering the public highway which MUST be cut. This year's cost me £180 for the job (local farmer). Plus harrowing/rolling about £80, and any running repairs such as fencing/gates etc. Tip: cultivate a local farmer who can do all the little pissy jobs like this as well as supply you with hay/straw etc!

Company/Livery: if you only have the one horse which you keep at livery, you'll deffo have to consider company for it; one way you might overcome this is to offer livery, but as you will see from the miriad of other posts on here, that is a minefield!

IF you did decide on the livery option: You will have to decide whether you stay small i.e. just one DIY livery, or go bigger and offer "assisted" or "full". Either way, you will need to consider insurance (public liability/employers liability) - last year my insurance for my smallholding of 13 acres plus one DIY livery with horses on site, cost me in the region of £500; this wasn't with NFU......... You will have to insure against the possibility of someone trespassing onto your land and injuring themselves! Crazy but true.

Also consider - if you're viewing a property - stuff like stabling (are there farm sheds you can adapt?); water (is there mains water - the stream/natural water source may dry up in summer or become polluted by floodwater); fencing - is it secure? barbed wire?; and access - can vehicles like horseboxes, tractors, trailers etc, gain easy access at all times of the year? Think about the hacking, would you have to go along a busy road to get anywhere decent? What about the local rat-runs?? etc etc

IF going the "livery" route, you will need to consider whether you indeed want the livery's horses going in with yours. Here I keep everyone separate, it is easy to do because of the layout, and that works for everyone. Hers are going out and about to shows etc., and have a different "energy" to my two very laid-back cobs, who're quite happy to doddle around together in their pasture. Also - and very importantly - it means that bio-security is maintained.

Re. livery (if you decide to go this route - and TBH whilst you may make enough to keep your horse for "free" as it were, you won't be raking the gold-coins in, but it WILL be a help). Be VERY FUSSY who you let in. I'm very lucky as I have the Perfect livery who is a real star and isn't any trouble, she pays on time and keeps everything tidy, but I did have one here (only for a month thank god and that was pure hell) who arrived with a badly behaved mannerless pony, she then shut it in the stable without any food or water and went off for a weekend away! The "friend that was supposed to see to it" never materialised, and I had to sort it! Like I say, be fussy, and be consistent in your "rule" as it were. Be approachable, fair & impartial, and make sure that if you say that something will get fixed pronto that this indeed happens! I have thoroughly enjoyed having my livery; she and her little family have become part of the place and I've watched them progress with their ponies; and get a real sense of pride when they do well! We've also shared our sorrows, e.g. when we've had to PTS..........

No you'll never make a mint out of doing livery (particularly DIY) but get the right livery and you'll have a riding companion as well as someone to ride out with/go to shows/hunting etc!!

IF you are going to offer particularly assisted or full livery and this is something you know you might be going to do in the future; then NOW might be the time to take stock. The expectations of YO's and livery facilities are getting ever higher, and people are increasingly expecting YO's to have BHS qualifications and/or relevant industry experience. Getting some BHS courses under your belt might be something to consider for the future? If you can give yourself the cutting edge that might not do you any harm..... ??? Just a thought.
Click to expand...
This is great feedback - thank you!
Will have at least two horses of my own and work from home for myself so lots of boxes to be ticked if I'm able to pull it off.
I generally ride alone at the moment despite being on a large yard because I'm much more of an early riser than anyone else.
Also REALLY miss being allowed to have my dogs on the yard so that would be a huge bonus.
Would consider one livery and was kind of thinking of just offering it for free in return for helping out with chores on an agreed basis. All TBC. Property would ideally have separate entrance for livery yard aswell but compromises will have to be made!
Thank you again for all the feedback. Draining I know nothing about but seems that it should be fairly straightforward to find local people to do the land management jobs which I won't have the machines/time/know how to do. So just need to get the finances right!
 
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