Achinghips
Well-Known Member
Pros and cons everyone, please. I am seriously thinking of moving to a house with 3 acres and some stables, but hubby thinks I'd miss out on the social/hacking/support opps livery brings. What we think?
owning your own land attached to your house vs livery
- Thread starter Achinghips
- Start date
Pearlsasinger
Up in the clouds
Sister and I did exactly what you are thinking of doing (we share the house) and NO WAY would we go back to livery. We, however are very fortunate that we live in a very horsey area and have several neighbours with land - our horses can talk over the walls to horses owned by 3 different neighbours, living on their own land. We are very lucky that all the neighbours help each other out if necessary. Of course we have got a built-in hacking companion (supposing they are both sound at the same time, lol!), but we also ride with friends we have made through the local RC as well as with the neighbours. I would certainly suggest that you join your local club.
IMO the pros are that you can do exactly as you please with your own horses on your own land, without having to worry about any-one else's rules/convenience etc
The cons are that you HAVE to do absolutely everything yourself, whether you are ill, want to go on holiday (what's that?), are working late etc etc. And I can tell you that re-building fences/re-placing roofing panels/re-hanging gates in the wind and rain is the least enjoyable part of it.
IMO the pros are that you can do exactly as you please with your own horses on your own land, without having to worry about any-one else's rules/convenience etc
The cons are that you HAVE to do absolutely everything yourself, whether you are ill, want to go on holiday (what's that?), are working late etc etc. And I can tell you that re-building fences/re-placing roofing panels/re-hanging gates in the wind and rain is the least enjoyable part of it.
dozzie
Well-Known Member
Positives
No livery charge but a bigger mortgage (but that is investing for you not someone else)
You can do things the way you want to.
Easy to manage time wise.
No yard politics.
You can pop out regularly if they are ill (that is a huge bonus).
You can put a bit of decking by the paddock and spend the evening with the pimms looking at your horses! Yes you will need a companion!
Negatives/downsides
You cant share the load, no-one to do the mornings if you do the evenings or vice versa but when they are on site it is not really such an issue unless you work shift.
No-one to hack out with, only really a downside if your horse wont hack out alone. There really is something to be said for solitude when alone with your horse. And you can choose your hacking. So you cant just move because somewhere is better.
No one to borrow from- you become self sufficient but you have to be organised re feed, bedding, first aid supplies etc and need to keep some in hand for emergencies. Mine live out most of the time but i always have bedding in and always have pony nuts (they keep well) and first aid stuff.
Field maintenance- best to invest in some kit.
Holidays take a lot of planning and can be more costly if you need to get someone in.
You need your own transport really. For emergencies.
You have to organise your own hay supply and store it unless you want to pay silly kivery yard money
No arena- i lived without one for years and actually have had more unsoundness problems since having one i am beginning to question them. But you can often hire one locally.
Personally all the negatives can be overcome with good organisation, the right tools for the job (makes life easier) and planning ahead.Hence they are downsides!
3 acres is a nice amount for 1 or 2 horses. I would go for it.
No livery charge but a bigger mortgage (but that is investing for you not someone else)
You can do things the way you want to.
Easy to manage time wise.
No yard politics.
You can pop out regularly if they are ill (that is a huge bonus).
You can put a bit of decking by the paddock and spend the evening with the pimms looking at your horses! Yes you will need a companion!
Negatives/downsides
You cant share the load, no-one to do the mornings if you do the evenings or vice versa but when they are on site it is not really such an issue unless you work shift.
No-one to hack out with, only really a downside if your horse wont hack out alone. There really is something to be said for solitude when alone with your horse. And you can choose your hacking. So you cant just move because somewhere is better.
No one to borrow from- you become self sufficient but you have to be organised re feed, bedding, first aid supplies etc and need to keep some in hand for emergencies. Mine live out most of the time but i always have bedding in and always have pony nuts (they keep well) and first aid stuff.
Field maintenance- best to invest in some kit.
Holidays take a lot of planning and can be more costly if you need to get someone in.
You need your own transport really. For emergencies.
You have to organise your own hay supply and store it unless you want to pay silly kivery yard money
No arena- i lived without one for years and actually have had more unsoundness problems since having one i am beginning to question them. But you can often hire one locally.
Personally all the negatives can be overcome with good organisation, the right tools for the job (makes life easier) and planning ahead.Hence they are downsides!
3 acres is a nice amount for 1 or 2 horses. I would go for it.
Achinghips
Well-Known Member
Sounds like you have lots of support, esp in living with your sister
. I have a non horsey hubby
so might not be so easy for me.
There are lots of horsey people in the area I'm thinking of moving to though - and a new job opportunity right on the doorstep, trouble is it's out in the sticks, so to speak, as houses with land where I am currently are way out of my price range.
. I have a non horsey hubby so might not be so easy for me.There are lots of horsey people in the area I'm thinking of moving to though - and a new job opportunity right on the doorstep, trouble is it's out in the sticks, so to speak, as houses with land where I am currently are way out of my price range.
Achinghips
Well-Known Member
Dozzie thanks for taking the time to think all that through for me (have sent you a pm
dozzie
Well-Known Member
LOL! Just read Pearlsasingers post! it made me chuckle! We have been replacing fencing in heavy rain too.
I always have a spare stable and rails/posts in stock too. Plus paddocks divided so again a spare if the rails get broken and we cant replace that day (which happens often as we both work) we can move the horses to a safer paddock.
I always have a spare stable and rails/posts in stock too. Plus paddocks divided so again a spare if the rails get broken and we cant replace that day (which happens often as we both work) we can move the horses to a safer paddock.
Pearlsasinger
Up in the clouds
Ah but if the horses are just outside the door, hubby might become horsey - at least enough to feed them once in a while, or top up the water in the field. He might even really enjoy playing on a quad bike or small tractor!
Jnhuk
Well-Known Member
I did that four years ago and never regretted it. If you miss the social side I'm sure you'll find new folks locally via a riding club or something. Still have horse friends to hack out with and chat with and can hire school facilites etc... when needed so don't feel the loss of livery yard. It also meant that I could afford a second horse for hubby rather than having to share.
The main downside is the amount of time you will now spend doing stable or field chores. I only have three and half acres and keeping on top of the poo picking takes time with two large boys. Believe me after a full day work and getting up early to muck out before work then coming home especially in winter dark nights when wet and windy - you don't really want to do it. However, nothing beats being able to look out your kitchen window and seeing your horses in their stable or mouching about the field.
The other thing to consider what will happen when you ill or need to go on holiday. If you can sort that out, go for it.
The main downside is the amount of time you will now spend doing stable or field chores. I only have three and half acres and keeping on top of the poo picking takes time with two large boys. Believe me after a full day work and getting up early to muck out before work then coming home especially in winter dark nights when wet and windy - you don't really want to do it. However, nothing beats being able to look out your kitchen window and seeing your horses in their stable or mouching about the field.
The other thing to consider what will happen when you ill or need to go on holiday. If you can sort that out, go for it.
Achinghips
Well-Known Member
Well, I'm on diy livery at the moment so used to the pooh picking,rugs, food etc and I have a high maintenance self injurous TB who I need to visit at least 3 times a day - but I'm not used to land and fence maintenance or what to do with dung heaps
Is it more rewarding pooh picking your own land, I wonder?
Is it more rewarding pooh picking your own land, I wonder?
Sanolly
Well-Known Member
God I wish I had my own land, then I wouldn't need to worry about where my horses are going to go!
YorksG
Over the hill and far awa
The other pro that people haven't mentioned is that you can give the horses their breakfasts, while you are still in your pyjamas and dressing gown. If you put the kettle on before you go out (with coat and wellies over the top if necessary) then you make and drink your coffee while they eat and if your yard is as private as ours, then you can nip back out and put them out in the field before you get dressed for work You can always go and have a chat last thing at night and have nice sheep to keep the land good
I am pearlsasingers sister, so pretty much agree with her. If you move area, get involved with RDA, we did this over 20 years ago and made some very good friends among the helpers. They can be very useful for knowing which vet, feed merchant, farrier etc to use.
You can always go and have a chat last thing at night and have nice sheep to keep the land good I am pearlsasingers sister, so pretty much agree with her. If you move area, get involved with RDA, we did this over 20 years ago and made some very good friends among the helpers. They can be very useful for knowing which vet, feed merchant, farrier etc to use.
Achinghips
Well-Known Member
Ooh hiya Lol - thinking of going out there in a sexy black negligee and wellies!!!What do sheep do for the land? Would goats do the same? I luurve goats, had them as a child - happy memories. Would a dominant mare kick them at mealtimes or not see them as a threat, do you think?
Lol - thinking of going out there in a sexy black negligee and wellies!!!What do sheep do for the land? Would goats do the same? I luurve goats, had them as a child - happy memories. Would a dominant mare kick them at mealtimes or not see them as a threat, do you think?
YorksG
Over the hill and far awa
I just posted a reply that got lost in the ether 
Sheep eat what the horses don't and help to create a good turf. We had a mare who looked after the sheep and told the others to leave them alone The last of three lived in her stable over night for the last few years As with anything introduce slowly and carefully. Goats don't tend to do the land much good I can recomend flannel pj's for on the top of the pennine hills, not sexy but much warmer
Here is a gratuitous pic of the new sheep
Sheep eat what the horses don't and help to create a good turf. We had a mare who looked after the sheep and told the others to leave them alone
The last of three lived in her stable over night for the last few years As with anything introduce slowly and carefully. Goats don't tend to do the land much good I can recomend flannel pj's for on the top of the pennine hills, not sexy but much warmer Here is a gratuitous pic of the new sheep
EQUISCENE
Well-Known Member
There are plus and minus's to both!
Your OH is completely right- I miss the social element of a livery yard and in all honesty my riding has probably gone backwards since keeping horses at home as I live in a remote area where there never used to be any other riders close by! It is very easy to think I will do/ride later when they are outside the door and when you keep a horse in livery you travel there specifically to do/ride the horse so it gets done there and then.
Yes it is lovely having them outside your door in the summer but looking at muddy fields out of your windows can be depressing in the winter. It also it took us 7yrs to get planning for an arena which has made a big difference to keeping them at home. I suppose the ideal would be at home in the summer and livery in the winter!
Your OH is completely right- I miss the social element of a livery yard and in all honesty my riding has probably gone backwards since keeping horses at home as I live in a remote area where there never used to be any other riders close by! It is very easy to think I will do/ride later when they are outside the door and when you keep a horse in livery you travel there specifically to do/ride the horse so it gets done there and then.
Yes it is lovely having them outside your door in the summer but looking at muddy fields out of your windows can be depressing in the winter. It also it took us 7yrs to get planning for an arena which has made a big difference to keeping them at home. I suppose the ideal would be at home in the summer and livery in the winter!
PeterNatt
Well-Known Member
Everything is managed a lot more easily if it is your own land. You will need to learn some land management and appreciate that land costs money to maintain properly. You won't have the same social life at at a yard especially as at yards there is a constant turnover of people and horses. Your horses will have a far more settled life and you will ultimately be in control. Holidays can be difficult as you may need a reliable house and animal sitter for while you are away. Good luck.
TelH
Well-Known Member
My ponies moved from a livery yard to home a year ago and it was the best thing I ever did. I never did the social side of livery yards anyway so I was actually glad to get away from it. It can be more time consuming having to do absolutely everything yourself but for me it's most definitely worth it. OH is not really horsey but helps out a bit on her days off. It's also worked out considerably cheaper for me too...so much so than when I first moved here I had 5 ponies and have now increased to 8
so I was actually glad to get away from it. It can be more time consuming having to do absolutely everything yourself but for me it's most definitely worth it. OH is not really horsey but helps out a bit on her days off. It's also worked out considerably cheaper for me too...so much so than when I first moved here I had 5 ponies and have now increased to 8 
MrsMozart
Just passing through...
Our house is up for sale so's we can move to a house with land . Tried to buy the field at the back of the house, but farmer not selling . So, we're looking at moving away from this area - as soon as one mentions 'suitable land for horses' round here the land price quadruples.
I've thought long and hard because we won't be near all we know and love, we'll be leaving some very good friends and that will be hard, but to have the horses on the doorstep, for D and D1 to be able to wander out of the back door and into the yard, bearing mugs of coffee, to be able to ride when I get home/before work without having to add the travelling time, for the peace of mind when a horse is unwell and we can easily check through the night, to be able to go out with others for a good blast then come home to our own wee spot and chill, to be able to put something down and find it in the same place again (and if it's not, then it's only one of us that has moved it), for the horses to be in their settled herd and LC to be able to mooch about without stress, to be able to have all our rugs hung up and easy to get to (okay, so we probably do have a few too many rugs
), to have the tack room set out as we want and need it, to not hear the cry of "Mum! I've forgotten my BP/hat/lunch/tack/brain" just as we pull up into the livery yard.
Sorry, I'm going on. As you may have guessed, I really can't wait for The Move!
I would say if it's out of your normal area, join a good RC; if you have any spare time, see if the local PC needs any help; put a note up in the local tack shop; find some fun rides; go to local competition centres. It may take a bit of time to find the people you're most happy hacking with, but it is definately do-able
. Tried to buy the field at the back of the house, but farmer not selling . So, we're looking at moving away from this area - as soon as one mentions 'suitable land for horses' round here the land price quadruples.I've thought long and hard because we won't be near all we know and love, we'll be leaving some very good friends and that will be hard, but to have the horses on the doorstep, for D and D1 to be able to wander out of the back door and into the yard, bearing mugs of coffee, to be able to ride when I get home/before work without having to add the travelling time, for the peace of mind when a horse is unwell and we can easily check through the night, to be able to go out with others for a good blast then come home to our own wee spot and chill, to be able to put something down and find it in the same place again (and if it's not, then it's only one of us that has moved it), for the horses to be in their settled herd and LC to be able to mooch about without stress, to be able to have all our rugs hung up and easy to get to (okay, so we probably do have a few too many rugs
), to have the tack room set out as we want and need it, to not hear the cry of "Mum! I've forgotten my BP/hat/lunch/tack/brain" just as we pull up into the livery yard.Sorry, I'm going on
. As you may have guessed, I really can't wait for The Move!I would say if it's out of your normal area, join a good RC; if you have any spare time, see if the local PC needs any help; put a note up in the local tack shop; find some fun rides; go to local competition centres. It may take a bit of time to find the people you're most happy hacking with, but it is definately do-able
nikicb
Well-Known Member
Laughed at this one! We've recently moved to having the ponies at home. Hubby is still (and I think will always be) unhorsey. But he does my field maintenance (topping, harrowing, filling rabbit holes), I joke that he spends more time on his mini tractor than he does in the car these days!!
Skippys Mum
Well-Known Member
I had the horses at home and got a non horsey (in fact non animal) boyfriend. I now have a non riding but very very handy hubby who can do all the horsey chores - it just took a bit of training.
They do tend to see them more as pets if they are at home and are far more likely to be involved with them.
I love not having the livery yard bitching but I do miss company. Its not so much of an issue if you have a trailer and can get out and about though. The plusses far outweigh the minuses.
.They do tend to see them more as pets if they are at home and are far more likely to be involved with them.
I love not having the livery yard bitching but I do miss company. Its not so much of an issue if you have a trailer and can get out and about though. The plusses far outweigh the minuses.
nikicb
Well-Known Member
Our house is up for sale so's we can move to a house with land
I've thought long and hard because we won't be near all we know and love, we'll be leaving some very good friends and that will be hard, but to have the horses on the doorstep, for D and D1 to be able to wander out of the back door and into the yard, bearing mugs of coffee, to be able to ride when I get home/before work without having to add the travelling time, for the peace of mind when a horse is unwell and we can easily check through the night, to be able to go out with others for a good blast then come home to our own wee spot and chill, to be able to put something down and find it in the same place again (and if it's not, then it's only one of us that has moved it), for the horses to be in their settled herd and LC to be able to mooch about without stress, to be able to have all our rugs hung up and easy to get to (okay, so we probably do have a few too many rugs
Sorry, I'm going on
I would say if it's out of your normal area, join a good RC; if you have any spare time, see if the local PC needs any help; put a note up in the local tack shop; find some fun rides; go to local competition centres. It may take a bit of time to find the people you're most happy hacking with, but it is definately do-able
We relocated 2 years ago (only 1 1/2 hours away, but far enough), rented for a year which was really good to get to know the area, and then bought a year ago. It has taken a while to get everything straight and I was lucky enough that mine were in full livery with a very longstanding and trustworthy friend so knew they were safe and didn't go very often to see them. That was hard, but it was for a relatively short time in the whole scheme of things.
It can be quite lonely relocating, especially if hubby goes out to work. Seeing other mums in the school car park isn't the same as having your friends on the doorstep. But now I have made a few good local friends and beginning to feel like we are really settled now. Good luck if you decide to go for it!
MrsMozart
Just passing through...
Ta hun
I work away and D likes the peace and quiet (so long as he has internet access and somewhere to ride his bike he's happy lol), so I will get the best of both worlds
. Daughters will be joining 'things' to make sure that they are out and about.Thank you for the thoughts
. It helps as we're bound to have forgotten something! We're interested in moving to Aberdeenshire...., so the horses may well have to be taken care of elsewhere whilst we go through the house buying process. Good thinking! Will put that in to our plan .Glad you're settling and feeling at home now
nikicb
Well-Known Member
Ta hun
I work away and D likes the peace and quiet (so long as he has internet access and somewhere to ride his bike he's happy lol), so I will get the best of both worlds
Thank you for the thoughts
Glad you're settling and feeling at home now
Feel free to PM me anytime, and would reiterate the renting. Nothing beats living in an area to really get to know the good bits and bad bits and if you buy straight away in an unknown place you may have to move again if it's not quite right, which is very costly.
Rose Folly
Well-Known Member
Go for it. You won't regret it. How many horses have you got? I missed that. If it's just one, what about getting a livery yourself? That's brilliant - someone to ride with, someone to share the work with!!, and some income coming in to you. I have 2 wonderful liveries and that pays for my (happy hacking) riding. I've had liveries ever since we bought this house with 4+ acres, and I've never had a nasty one yet. Go for it and good luck.
Borderreiver
Well-Known Member
It's great being able to organise your horses as you wish at home and not be helpless under someone else's organisation, not always geared up for your needs.
Best advice is to ride first thing. Just get up and do it, first. Then you won't be doing everything else and missing out. You can also do lots of in hand games with your horses, no-one looking on. My delight is clicker work with my youngsters. It's been a long wait for my arena but its fantastic to have your own.
Also, let hubby have a tractor or two and he soon has a great new hobby which fits in very nicely with yours. Field jobs become a pleasure.
Best advice is to ride first thing. Just get up and do it, first. Then you won't be doing everything else and missing out. You can also do lots of in hand games with your horses, no-one looking on. My delight is clicker work with my youngsters. It's been a long wait for my arena but its fantastic to have your own.
Also, let hubby have a tractor or two and he soon has a great new hobby which fits in very nicely with yours. Field jobs become a pleasure.
Selkie
Well-Known Member
I have mine at home. In the summer I ride early in the morning getting up at 4.30 so the dog can come out with me before there is any traffic on the roads. In the winter I put the porridge on. With my oil skins on over my pjs do the horses and back in for breakfast. OH didnt do horses when I first got mine but he did do all the handy bits, like fencing and building stables. Mucking out and poo picking get left to me but he does bring them in on a night and feed them. When I said I was getting rid of the horse so I could get another he wouldnt let me and he started riding her and I got a new one.
TinyTrigger
Well-Known Member
Go for it!
We moved house & country 3 years ago and our horses are at home now. Best decision I've ever made (I'd wanted to do it for a while). We have stables, an arena and just under 8 acres. We have my cob and 2 ponies.
I don't feel 'lonely' per se as I have local horsey friends and a trailer so easy to go out to hack and they come to me also to hack/use the arena. I also belong to an active, friendly RC who hold weekly lessons and regular social with/without horse activities. I do find I can be a little unmotivated sometimes but remedy this by generally having some sort of goal to work towards (competition/fitness for something or the other)
Yes, you are responsible for all the maintenance, care and organisation of the land/yard but this means you can have things as YOU want them with no compromising - it's a great freedom
Yes, you are 'alone' in the care for the horses but as above, you have total freedom over their routines so you can change/arrange things to suit you/your routine. And there is always someone to help when/if you really need it. My OH doesn't really like horses but is a capable and willing handyman, fixer of things and sometime groom if I should I need help with the horses. Our neighbours, while totally unhorsy, are super helpful too.
We moved house & country 3 years ago and our horses are at home now. Best decision I've ever made (I'd wanted to do it for a while). We have stables, an arena and just under 8 acres. We have my cob and 2 ponies.
I don't feel 'lonely' per se as I have local horsey friends and a trailer so easy to go out to hack and they come to me also to hack/use the arena. I also belong to an active, friendly RC who hold weekly lessons and regular social with/without horse activities. I do find I can be a little unmotivated sometimes but remedy this by generally having some sort of goal to work towards (competition/fitness for something or the other)
Yes, you are responsible for all the maintenance, care and organisation of the land/yard but this means you can have things as YOU want them with no compromising - it's a great freedom
Yes, you are 'alone' in the care for the horses but as above, you have total freedom over their routines so you can change/arrange things to suit you/your routine. And there is always someone to help when/if you really need it. My OH doesn't really like horses but is a capable and willing handyman, fixer of things and sometime groom if I should I need help with the horses. Our neighbours, while totally unhorsy, are super helpful too.
WishfulThinker
Well-Known Member
Pro: No one interfering, you make the rules.
Con: No one to help unless you have mates close or get someone in.
In our area, if you only have 1 horse farriers get arsey about coming out to you as its not 'worth their while
You have to take time of for vets, where as at stable yard staff can supervise this and farrier.
No school, but thats not an essential.
It does look like more cons than pros - and there are. HOWEVER, the PROs are usually bigger than the cons.
I've done both now, and I have to say I prefer livery, but that is because we do no thave a proper set up at my parents - just 1 stable and a field.
Con: No one to help unless you have mates close or get someone in.
In our area, if you only have 1 horse farriers get arsey about coming out to you as its not 'worth their while
You have to take time of for vets, where as at stable yard staff can supervise this and farrier.
No school, but thats not an essential.
It does look like more cons than pros - and there are. HOWEVER, the PROs are usually bigger than the cons.
I've done both now, and I have to say I prefer livery, but that is because we do no thave a proper set up at my parents - just 1 stable and a field.
Jericho
Well-Known Member
I think this is the only reason my OH lets me have horses - good excuse to buy lots of boys stuff for field maintenance.
It is harder to organise having horses on own land - the field maintenance is pretty much non stop and I find getting rid of manure a real pain as is getting / storing hay. But I love being able to do things as I want and pop out how ever many times a day to do things as and when needed i.e. whilst waiting for the farrier / vet / hay man I can do the house work / gardening etc etc. I can put feeds in late, take rugs on and off as the weather dictates and I can sit and just be with my horses. And the best thing is that you get a real bond with them and seeing their little eager faces over the fence waiting for their brekkie when I open the bedroom curtains. You can really manage your horses to fit in with you and your lifestyle much easier.... although you have to have the commitment i.e. weather, illness, social life all have to be worked around
Go for it - I would never go back to livery and you will soon find other horsey people to help out with holidays / ride out with / go to shows with etc. I also find HHO brilliant to get my advice from rather than having to listen to other people give their opinions on me / my horse / my way of management that you get at a yard.
Equestrian92
Well-Known Member
We have our own house/land/stables etc, you would never ever in a million years get me back on a livery yard, no way! You do what you want when you want, no one else to get in your way or annoy you! If you have enough room maybe a friend would come with you?
I love it x
I love it x
odd1
Well-Known Member
my hubby who wasnt really all that keen on the horses now poo picks, mucks out basically does everything but wont make up feeds for some reason
he also bought a foal at weaning last year she is his till she is 4 then i take her over as he doesnt ride
he shows her in hand the lot, and now comes to most shows with me when his work allows - having the horses at home has turned him into a horsey person
i dont think i would want to go back to livery now i dont have a school (yet!) but hire a neighbours one when the field is too wet or hard to ride in & that has done wonders to my horse as he was never out of the school when in livery