Land for horses

[aop27]

First of all apologies - I know next to nothing about horses so may be considered to be in the wrong place, however:

We're in the process of buying a new house which happens to come with considerably more land (about 6 acres) than we're planning to use. It also has stabling on it as the previous owner kept horses.

A few people have suggested renting it out to someone who may want to stable their own horses. As I know next to nothing (ok, less than nothing) about horses I don't even know if this is something that people do and if it is who I should be talking to about doing this in practice. Just to be clear - I'm interested in looking at renting the land out to someone who can use it, not being daft (as a novice) enough to look after horses myself.

Obviously I plan to get professional advice (are there estate agents who specialise in this) but would appreciate any pointers or advice before I start.

 

[lindsayH]

Depending on where you are, I would think you would get a lot of interest. If you use an agent, it is less hassle but won't stop them banging on the door if you live there! Make sure the perimeter fencing is 100% and everything is safe for horses. Set a limit to the number of horses you allow, depending on the soil, maybe 4 tops? Too many will quickly trash the place. If possible, rent to a single person not 4 people with 4 horses, it's less hassle. Maybe a semi proffesional? If you don't have a manage (sand school) maybe someone with native show ponies/broodmares? Competition riders will want a manage I should think. Bear in mind that you may have to put up with some noise first thing in the morning 7 days a week. Shows are normally on sundays and involve leaving at the crack of dawn! Whereabouts are you? You might find someone on here who is interested...

 

[aop27]

Thanks for the advice - by "agent" do you mean estate agent or is there a different sort specifically for this sort of thing? As for number of horses I take it that a sort of ratio of 1.5 acres per horse is the right sort of thing then?

We're in Surrey but the property is in a state of disrepair so unlikely to be rentable for a while - we're thinking medium term here. Would an agent be able to inspect the place and advise on what needs to be done regarding things like fencing or are there other professional advisors who can do this sort of thing?

 

[lindsayH]

Yes, I meant estate agent really. There are ones that specialise in equestrian properties. They would definately be able to advise re fencing etc., as would any professional horsey person. You can't go wrong with good quality post and rail, if it's backed with hedging even better.Any barbed wire needs to be removed. You're very lucky, wish I lived there!

 

[Booboos]

I think someone will bite your hand off to take this on as horsey people are usually desperate for land and stables!!!

Off the top of my head, things for you to consider:

- you will need to declare the rental income so this may affect your tax declaration

- you may need landlord's liability insurance which will not be covered by your house insurance

- it is advisable to have a rental agreement, stating the responsibilities of the tenant and landlord with respect to repairs, damages and period of notice, etc

- you may want to consider access. A yard will need tractor access for removing the muck heap, harrowing the fields, hay deliveries etc. Ideally this should be separate from your house access.

- the tenant will need parking for his car and may need parking for a trailer/horsebox. He/she may also need access to a toilet.

- horses are a 24/7 hobby, the tenant may need access very early in the morning, very late at night, including weekends and bank holidays. Farriers, vets, etc will also need regular access

- although horsey people love horsey smells, non-horsey people may find horsey smells unpleasant. Are you willing to put up with a much heap - essentially a really big pile of poo and pee?

 

[aop27]

Many thanks for all your comments - we'll definitely be looking into this further. The property have stables for about 5 horses (a say about as we're not sure whether one is a store or a stable - gives you an idea of the current state!) so this could fit well.