Is this a crazy idea

[flat3]

We've sold our house in a commuter-belt village and are looking to buy somewhere 'further out' and with more space. Am I crazy to consider looking for somewhere with a bit of land to keep couple of ponies on? I mean actual ponies of 14.2 and under size - I'm a small person

I haven't owned horses all my life, years of experience, ridden since I could walk etc. However, I've owned 3 horses (all on full livery due to work commitments), am always absorbing info and am generally a 'practical' person with good common sense and decent DIY skills. I've competed a bit locally and have volunteered for the local riding club for a number of years, so I've been about a bit.

A home set up would be 24/7 turnout with shelters and mudcontrol/crew yard area, covered area for general faffing and surfaced arena. DIY livery isn't an option for me at the moment as work can run early/late so messes with the routine, but if they were at home and out 24/7 then this problem falls away. Even with a slightly higher mortgage for house + land, given what I've been paying for full livery there would be budget for help if required.

How do you know if/when you're 'ready' for something like this?

If the consensus is 'yep, bad idea' then that's fine - just want to consider it given I'm at this decision point.

 

[Ownedby4horses]

If you can afford it, go for it. It is hard work having your own land but for me, the positives of having them at home and not on livery, was what made us make the move to a property with land many years ago. We’ve had ours at home (apart from a horrible few months on a bad livery yard over here when we first moved), for 12 years now.

It can be a bit lonely and hard to be motivated to ride at times , after you’ve finished all the ongoing Maintenance but we’ll worth it in my mind.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I think it sounds lovely, I also think that if you wait for the right time you’d never do anything!
Do you have knowledgable back up you could call on if needed? Sometimes it’s just nice to have a second pair of eyes or someone to say “he’s fine!”
If so I’d go for it!

 

[blitznbobs]

Just dont think its less work than diy - its not its more

 

[Carrottom]

I think it sounds lovely, I also think that if you wait for the right time you’d never do anything!
Do you have knowledgable back up you could call on if needed? Sometimes it’s just nice to have a second pair of eyes or someone to say “he’s fine!”
If so I’d go for it!

I agree with the knowledgeable friend necessity, it saves a lot on vet bills ?

 

[Lipglosspukka]

Of course it's a good idea! Live the dream.

 

[flat3]

Thanks everyone, when I read it back like it's someone else, I think "why not?!" and I do have knowledgeable friends who I could call on for advice. But I guess as someone who hasn't 'grown up' horsy I worry that I'm 'not horsy enough' to be allowed to go it alone - when do you get the badge?!

 

[OrangeAndLemon]

I think there are different types of full livery.

At my first everything was done for me and while I learnt loads, I was definitely led through ownership. The second experience was a 'better' yard but I learnt from mistakes and had to take more control. This one I'm on 5 day full but I have to be more confident in my decisions. I feel more in control and it's now my decisions but I can ask for advice and guidance. I think this has been the perfect journey for a first time owner.

I now think that if I had to, I could manage it myself but I'm currently only DIY two days a week, working full time Mon to Fri. I suspect it would be physically tough to manage. There won't be any days off and no back up if I was ill. It feels easier in summer but in winter, in the dark, with no one around for support and camaraderie I suspect it would be very hard.

 

[ycbm]

How much do you intend to be away from home at times/days/weeks when the ponies will need attention?

Reliable ad hoc cover is the number one disadvantage to having horses at home, ime.

 

[flat3]

Thanks all - food for thought!

 

[spotty_pony]

as others have said - if you can afford to why wouldn't you? I love having mine at home it's a dream come true!