One of those annoying questions to which I probably already know the answer...

J

JFTDWS

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but don't want to admit it...

So, I'm in Essex, Chelmsford area. I have three horses (one's a yearling (gelded), coming down from the stud soonish). Basically I want to let my own yard or grazing rather than stay at livery...

I'm looking for a good amount (say 4 acres or more) preferably on the Writtle side of Chelmsford. It would either have to have a barn or stables - minimum of 3 stables, obviously ;) Unless I'm being daft (which is entirely possible), I could put straw down in a barn and use that as indoor turnout in dire weather if needs be (they're natives and prefer to be out anyway, just thinking of all eventualities) if I didn't have stables... Or somewhere with field shelters... By which I mean I'm open to a lot of options in terms of facilities. I'm a professional adult so it's not like I'm looking for somewhere dirt cheap, but I can't seem to find anything at all.

How would you go about finding such a place?

Nothing's advertised in the Essex Rider or at ISC and I've not seen anything when I've dropped by the local feed places.

I did have a free advert in a local paper briefly which actually got a reply (but it was near enough Billericay and I work in Herts so really wasn't feasible :( )

I tried to put an ad in again and they won't accept it in the free sections. I'm not averse to paying but if it's more than a few weeks it will be £100s I'll be spending with no guarentee (likelihood?) or success. There's a lot of grazing around which is unused, but I have no idea how to find out who owns any of it.

So basically, what haven't I thought of? Thanks for reading this if you get this far!
 
word of mouth generally, but going and knocking on farmers doors can get you a long way, but be ready with what you want, how many acres, and what you would be willing to pay. they also often know people who know people.

free ads is a good free site also.
 
leave a laminated or clingfilm wraped note on the gate of potential fields often gets a response but be prepared for the negative ones too especially if you leave your phone number and some dodgy passer by gets it!
 
Maybe ask the local hunts, they have lots of contacts.

Also ask the farrier maybe? (Farriers always have the gossip) they will know of any 'vacancies!'
 
How about these ?
http://www.farmproperty.net/rental.htm
http://www.uklandandfarms.co.uk
Try also your local council who rent land out or any large farm estates,also have a look at the Farmers weekly.
Otherwise post off to local landowners/farmers,details of what you are looking for and a guide to your budget, which may spark a bit of interest.

Incidently,mine have stables but are out 24/7 and have free access to open barns with straw chucked down. They seldom use it in winter, but use it a lot to escape from the summer heat and flies.
 
Thanks very much for all the replies - lot of useful advice I think which I shall try and put into action :) Looks like I will be spending the weekend driving round pinning notes onto things and getting odd phone calls :D

horses24-7 I have an ad on preloved :)
jhoward I'm putting one on free-ads now :)
Lynds I shall ask my farrier forthwith...

horserider - that's interesting I hadn't even thought of council let land so I will look into it! I shall have a look at the websites too, hadn't seen them.

Thanks all :)
 
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