Help, Land needed!

[xd.wx]

hey,

I am desperately looking at buying my first horse. I have looked into costs and could afford it but need somewhere to keep the horse.
I am looking for either a very small livery yard or renting a field from a local farmer etc. as I am not the most confident rider and do not want to be judged by people in a big livery yard!
also, the place will need to be around the Milton Keynes area as i work full time and will need to get up and see the horse easily around my shifts!
If anyone knows of anywhere and can tell me costs, or if they want to rent me land I would be ever so greatful!
Thankyou!
xxxx

 

[Rudolph's Red Nose]

Hi, why not have a look at local tack shops / magazines (chiltern rider etc) they should have livery spaces advertised.

Personally if I was a first time horse owner, I would definitely look to try and find a friendly livery yard, you may be able to find somewhere with a manege so you can ride on winter evenings plus you will make new friends, be able to hack out with people and be able to get cover when you want to go away or are ill..

Good luck and enjoy - not all livery yards are scarey places - you just need to find the right one ..

 

[becca1305]

I agree with a first horse I would definetely find a small livery yard.

You will likely feel more confident riding in a menage at first with a new horse.
As OP says you will be able to arrange cover for looking after if you are busy/ill and this is a HUGE bonus when you consider you will now be responsible for a horse 7 days a week every week.
Hacking out with other people is much more fun and safer usually pick someone with a safe, sane experienced horse to hack with.
Advice is there on hand if you are not sure of something care wise such as if your horse is displaying signs of illness/injury or even advice on practical equipment. The downside is that at some liveries you get busybodies who HAVE to push their opinion across but just ignore them at smaller liveries this is less common and the best thing to do is to ask around 3 or more people of vast experience to see if there is a common consensus if you are unsure of something.
I would really discourage renting land by yourself you would also have the issue of horse companionship - he/she should not be kept on their own, and you will have sole responsibility amongst other things of identifying poisonous plants that may grow in their field etc.
Dont worry about people judging your riding if you are apprehensive identify when the yard is usually most empty and choose to ride then while you get going.
Above all else buy sensibly for a first horse the temptation to buy a youngster to "grow with" (as the dealer will sell it!) or something that exceeds your riding capabilities is likely to end in disaster and a serious knock to the confidence. I went through multiple horses when I was younger after taking on more than I could handle and cannot recommend highly enough a cob cross as a first horse after trying many many others! I had a 3/4 cob 1/4 TB 15.2hh 8 year old and he was a fantastic confidence builder when I was at an all time low and got me up to jumping round 1.10m 1.15m level courses at home. If you stay away from uber heavy types then they can still have a relatively scopey jump if thats what you want . Other advantages to this type of horse are usually fewer injuries/illnesses, easy tack fitting etc, and good-doers so cheaper to feed.

Hope this helps