Keeping a horse at home - things to think about

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LHIS

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A little while ago I posted about potentially viewing a property with equestrian potential. It had a bit of land, but the land wasn't enough and the location of the house (next to a main road) wasn't ideal so we dismissed it.
Since then we have had our house valued, and have been pleasantly surprised, the value has increased enough to give us a decent deposit on another property (assuming we sold this for around the asking price) which allows us to go a step up in house prices, thus opening the door to properties we hadn't considered before. For some reason unbeknown to me people want to live in this area, so who am I to say no?
Anyway, whilst we can't afford to stay in the area (don't have a spare million) and have a horsey property, we are looking in south of the county and around the Staffordshire border. We have found a house which on the surface looks perfect and we're viewing it on Saturday.

Before I get swept away in it all, I want to check I'm on the right track and I haven't forgotten anything, the type of things that could cause me issues or might make me reconsider a move where I can have my boy at home. The things I have considered are - need for a companion (would look at getting a mini), sourcing own hay/haylage/bedding, muck heap management (I need to get it taken away), fencing management and looking after my own land, organising vets, hoof trimmer (need to check if current lady would cover new area), physio (need to check they cover new area), my own worming schedule, who would look after them when I'm away (OH could manage for about a day).
What am I missing? I'm sure there's lots.

Also - when I go to view the house on Saturday what questions should I be asking current owners? They are conducting the viewing themselves and clearly have horses currently (muck heap in the photo!). So far I have noted down - drainage of the land (though I should be able to see this for myself given all the rain we've had), why they are moving, do stables have electricity and water, is there a horsey community in the area, are there nearby bridleways, any other issues?

One benefit of seeing the property at this time of year is that I will hopefully see it at its worst land wise, so will get an idea of what it would entail.
 
Very exciting :)

Good draining land will make your life so much easier.

I would have a look at the local map to see how many bridleways are marked on it. I would also do a google search on local yards, competitions, school hire etc whatever is applicable to what you do with your horse. Also do searches for local recommended physio's, Vets etc though tbh I wouldn't imagine you would have a problem finding everything on your list.

If you had somewhere to store bedding and forage it would be a big plus and depending on the amount of land, whether there was an area that you could make into hardstanding. Nearly everything can be sorted and fixed, but obviously costs money so look at the facilities critically so you can factor that in. Things like water pipes, good lighting, like you say fencing, can you electrify fencing? Can the public gain access to your fields/yard?
 
Access to the land is important, can a tractor/ vet/ farrier get to it without going through the garden or not at all in a vehicle, not a deal breaker but worth checking.
Good boundary fences would be a high priority for me, checking what happens in the adjoining fields also of interest.

This would not be the worst/ best time to see the land you will have an idea of how it drains but it should still look fairly decent after the summer if managed fairly well, I don't know what it has been like in your area but where I am we had a dry autumn and my land looks the best it ever has at this time of year, I say that sat here listening to yet more rain knowing it is struggling to take much more before it starts to turn to mud.

There are numerous things to consider not least the house and whether you and your OH want to live in it.
 
What's on locally and what do you wish to do with your horses from the property. Will you have transport. Home alone is lonely at times. If I were you I would get a second riding horse. Something safe that you can bung anyone on then you can find a hacking buddy.
 
How exciting, I hope you like it.
I would ask them about land management. Is there a local contractor or friendly farmer who is happy to work on/has small enough equipment for a small acreage or do they have their own tractor/equipment? In my experience it can be hard to find a reliable farmer to come exactly when you need them when you only have a few acres. What do they do with their muck? How old is the fencing and how is it treated? In my experience the newer wood fencing starts to rot pretty quickly, within 10 years, unless it has been pressure creasoted. Have a wiggle of some posts to see if they are still solid, fencing is very expensive to replace. If you do like the house and decide to buy it then I would ask them for all of their suppliers' details, farrier, hay etc. Even if you don't end up using them it's nice to know when you move that you have a list of people who will definitely come to your property. I would also ask if there is someone local that looks after their horses when they are away.
There are probably lots more questions but these are the ones that came to me immediately. Good luck with the viewing.
 
It is really exciting!

What I would look at is the land/fencing/drainage/yard set up (if there is one) - having good storage and well organised setup is a godsend in bad weather. You can always put stuff in that you need but remember that takes time and money and factor those costs in to your decision

What is the grazing like - amount and type for what you need? Walk the field and boundary fencing if you can. Is the perimeter fencing in good order or will that need attention? I would look for any signs of rabbits warrens /badgers sets etc...

Land management - is there a local helpful farmer or are you planning on doing yourself? Will you be buying in your own hay or making it yourself. If yourself, do you need a quad to help with land management then you need somewhere secure for it. Check what happens with muckheap and costs for removal etc...

Main things to check are water and electric supply to yard/stable (would hope if near a house), storage for hay/feed etc... - always need more than you expect. DO you have a horsebox/trailer - is there somewhere to put that?

Location find out about - hacking/use of a school/arena/access to competition/training/RCs etc...

Vets/farriers/physio usually are fairly widespread but worth checking there are good ones in the new locality.

Will you be keeping your tack in the house or on the yard? Think about that.

Best of luck and enjoy as it is a highly exciting time!
 
Can you sleep with a wind sucker/door banger/ neigher in your back garden?!!
Seriously every sound has me leaping out of bed ;)
That's a tongue in cheek comment of course!
It's the best thing! All the above are good comments. Enjoy! It's so brilliant
 
Enough land. Good access to bridlepaths and well draining land.

I would also consider a companion with similar needs to your own horse. This is because I would be haying in the field and would not want to have to give more hay to one than another. (Bug bear of mine I have one little oldie who needs more than the others and I have to separate her so she gets enough. Although she is the boss she lets the others share her hay. She never complains but would rather be in the same field as the others all the time. The others would rather not watch her eat either.) I mention this because you need enough land to accommodate this. The one thing you will regret is not buying enough land. I wouldn't touch anything on clay either. Though depending on your location you may not have much choice.

Also if you can afford it and have the acreage go for three horses rather than two to prevent pair bonding issues.
 
I am lucky enough to live on a farm, but if I was looking for a house to live in with my horses, I would def. put access to multiple routes of off road hacking at the very top of my list!! Most of the things on your list can be sorted out with a bit of effort and you can drive to competition venues and an extra 10/20 minutes is nothing once you are on your way, but being able ride on tracks is so much more relaxing (for me anyway) than hacking down the road.

Also agree that good access to the stables/fields/storage sheds is very useful. We deliver hay to a couple of yards where the access to the hay shed is horrendously awkward.
 
Also consider your property might not have mains sewage drainage, you might be used to it but some people are shocked when they find out that a lot of rural properties do not have mains drainage, so to speak.

Check the fencing and whats next door, ask about the neighbours, we have a tenant farmer who lets his fencing get really poor and his cows are in my paddocks at regular intervals. Its my Dad's land and he wants no issues with the man and has fixed the fencing all on his own, its not ideal but Dad will not report him. The farmer is always going to fix it next week.

Plus think about support. I have my horses on my own, I have built a network of support and riding buddies. It can be a bit lonely on your own at times. If I am ill my Dad will help but for extended time away and for things that Dad can not do i have a freelance groom. She is totally trustworthy and has complete access. For example I was side swiped off the motorway by a lorry. As i was stuck, I was able to contact the groom to go to the horses and put them to bed, which she did. It meant that I got home, there was no hassle of heading up to do the horses (i know your be on site) when I was stiff and sore.
All in all you can't beat your own place.
 
Thanks all - so in brief lots to think about!
Re. the neighbours - we're going to arrive in plenty of time to have a good nosey around. The situation of the property is mid-height, not quite moorland but not in a valley either. From the photos I think the neighbouring property further down the hill have horses - I spied a trailer in a photo and Google earth shows properties with arenas in the area.

I would intend buying transport - we'd get a trailer for getting out and about. I am lucky in that the general area is quite horsey, with Somerford around 20mins away from the potential new place, which has everything pretty much should we want it. Kelsall is under an hour away too.

Support is something I need to think about - the prospect of having him at home is quite daunting and not something I'll leap into without support. I will ask the current owners what they do - I hope if neighbouring property proves to have horses we could strike some sort of deal. My instructor is also in the area, so I have help at hand. For holiday cover he could always be shipped back to his current yard, YO and I have already briefly discussed it.

I will be sure to report back and will be going armed with my checklist :)
 
FfionWinnie said:
WIf I were you I would get a second riding horse. Something safe that you can bung anyone on then you can find a hacking buddy.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I would agree, even if it's just something a bit old that you can park in the field most of the time and then take for a hack now and then.
I found it really quite isolating having them at home, I never saw anyone else as I work from home too. I really value my yard for providing a bit of a social life. It was so lovely having them outside the front door especially in winter, but don't underestimate the value of having buddies around, not just for helping you out but for general camaraderie... perhaps thing about how to recreate that.

Good luck though, very exciting :D
 
I have my horses at home and don't find it lonely at all, but then different situations suit different people and you won't know how you will feel until you do it!

There is nothing quite like being able to look out your kitchen window and see your horses in the field :) .... and being able to do them in your pyjamas if you choose to!
 
Very interested in this thread as this will be me in 2 years time, I cannot wait! I have also been making lists and maybe checking the area has not been ring fenced for Fracking, may be worth thinking about or any other planning, such as a super sized Dairy farm.
 
Unless you are lucky or loaded, you'll be learning a lot of new skills, like fencing, roofing, land management. You'll also be doing without holidays for a while! You will probably find a local farmer has been helping out with muck heap removal - ours charges about £50 a time - and cutting hedges etc. We have about a mile of hedge to do (ridiculous amount for a 3 acre property!) and the farmer charges £150, twice a year. Fencing is eye wateringly expensive to have done, so as I say, you'll probably be doing some yourself.

Also, does it have a septic tank, and what condition is it in? Outside electrics, ditto condition? Both very expensive considerations, as we have discovered. Last but not least, the house - will it have to be a priority as ours was, or will you be able to concentrate on the outside?

Good luck, you have a roller-coaster ride ahead!
 
Ask them what they do with their muck! Having been lucky enough to rent places where I've managed to keep the horses the biggest problem I've had is with muck removal.
Be aware of separation issues if you end up with 2 (I would never just keep one alone) can become quite the nightmare! Also echo those that have said find a horse with similar requirements. I'm currently managing a big 2 year old and 18 year old pony with cushings so needs are polar opposite and does take some good management skills.
Again access not just in terms of being set up for tractors etc but ground is able to take the weight of bigger vehicles - nothing worse than having to move things like hay by hand because you dare not risk vehicles sinking!
Security nowadays should be high up on the list, what is in place now, what could you out in place.
You will need to find someone good for when you holiday etc or find somewhere that will take holiday liveries. Cover is a big thing as means the difference as to whether you will holiday or not!
Silly things like making sure you have good contacts for hay/straw/bedding. Being organised is knowing how much you need/when you need to re-order etc.
I love having mine at home but they are a complete tie :) but then what animal isn't!
 
A house that I used to ride past a lot went up for sale and sold fairly quickly in the summer. However, in the winter, their ménage used to turn into a swimming pool when it rained, I bet that wasn't disclosed!
 
Even if you don't get a riding horse as a companion, I'd get something very similar to your horse so their grazing needs are similar e.g. there's no point getting a mini if it has to spend all summer in a starvation paddock when your horse needs more grass. There will be lots of horses similar to yours that need companion homes.
 
Make sure that the horses never ever find out where the sitting room window is! There's nothing more distracting then being eyeballed through the window while you're trying to work/relax!
 
Companion - need to check when you go out on main horse, if companion is happy to be alone, in which case, two minis works well!!

Sourcing forage etc is an easy one, access to get it to somewhere dry without ripping up any fields is useful too.

Physio, there is more than one....not an issue.

Advertise locally for cover for holidays (I have housesitter friend who does my horses and dogs)

Have any of the horses previously grazing on the land suffered grass sickness etc

Check for trees near grazing...

Fencing again is easy.

Check for any public rights away across the land or other covenants in place which may affect you.

Any disputes with neighbours etc

The actually managing it daily is easy, it is getting the right place!!

x
 
1 Enough acreage is a must .
Wet clay land can be managed if you have enough of it .
2 Hacking no point in having a lovely place if you can't ride .
3 Access , for trailers , lorries ,tractors machinery etc .
4 Muck , I manage all mine on site we have a muckheap by the yard once a year it's moved to the top of the land and it's left to rot then every second or third year it's spread on the field we use in the winter .
Believe it or not over the 25 years plus we have lived here its improved that field from a clay skid pan to a decent field .
5 . Buildings TBH it little matters what they are like you can repair, change and replace as and when , but there must be enough storage and a secure place for tack and big enough stables .
6 . having horses at home is much more fun with a outdoor surface if there's one how good is it do you need to budget for work on it .
7. I think a big shelter opening onto a large hardstanding opening into the winter field would a fantastic thing to have at home .if you can get a shelter that opens into all the fields via fenced tracks and different gates it makes summer care a breeze ( and winter TBH . Can you work that with what's there .
8. Fencing , is expensive so if the fences are good it's a big saving but you will need to budget for maintainence on a ongoing basis .
9 . Water is it on a meter ? If a cost to factor in if it is keeping horses takes a lot of water .
10. Rights of way , on the land is a big negative while bridle ways nearby is a big plus .
11 . Holidays and sickness how will you cope you need a plan for this because at home it's down to you.
I could go on and on .
Oh by the way you will need a house !
Nothing beats having your horses at home it was one of the best days of my life when I let the two I had then out in the first paddock to get safe fencing here I lay in the grass and listened to them eat .
THe only thing is I would have lived anywhere ,in anything to have my own land and stables just be careful you remember that your OH needs to like the house perhaps more than you do.
I hope it's the one because life does not get better than getting your horse at home .
 
This is probably not what any of us want to think about, but it is best to be prepared. Are the stables accessible for a horse to be winched out of, should the worst happen? I ask as a neighbour built a lovely block, put a wall and a cherry tree in front of them, making it impossible for a winch to get in and out. Also ensure that there is a reliable local service, the last thing you need in an emergency is having to ring round.
 
Good luck, bought ours 23 years ago, best thing we did. Had to build our stables but were very lucky that the area opened straight onto the lane so made access for vehicles very easy. I am sure you will not regret it.
 
All the things already suggested.
Ask about water supply, is it on a meter or just rates - can make a big difference to cost.
 
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