Renting a field?

[dwi]

We're seriously considering renting a field from the farm that surrounds our house rather than keeping Daisy on livery.

What kind of things do you need to consider?

I'm thinking that we could manage initially with a nice big field shelter and a big shed that we could store our hay, feed and tools in.

I'd like some hard standing as well so I don't spend all winter standing in a foot of mud but is this expensive to put down if you're only renting a field?

Next door have a manege that they don't use as have no horses any more, would only really work if we could come to an agreement about us using that or if old YO would let us hack the short distance back to the yard to use his school.

Thoughts from people who've made this sort of move would be really appreciated.

 

[Maizy]

She's going to need a friend!!

Also have you considered the planning implications? Allow a budget for field maintenance and 'a big shed' for hay is an expensive investment, smaller shed and haylage stored outside would be my choice, hence need for at least one other!

Good luck!

 

[tangoharvey]

Hi, for me the biggest thing to consider might be....loneliness -I dont know about you but the one thing that stops me renting my own land is the fun/chats/hacking companions on my livery yard. Also the people who I can say 'what is this strange lump/bite/mark on my horse' and know I will get a good answer, or when i go on holiday someone will always be there for my horses. This might not be an issue for you, but thought you might want ot at least rule it out.

 

[dwi]

Should have said, the plan is that FoxhillBelle would come with me. She'd get cheaper livery and assistance whenever she couldn't get down in return for providing D with a companion.

TBH I'm on one of the nicest yards in the area but we only ever have short quiet spells in between the bitchiness and the fighting. Would be nice, especially when we have children, to be out of all that.

 

[Irishcobs]

I rent a field so can help a little.
As long as the land owner is happy for you to put up a field shelter and shed and hard standing then I think as long as the field shelter and shed are movable then you don't need planning permission but check with the Council as they can all be different.
Hard standing is better by the main gate, not so far to drive and easier for the vet/ farrier. Hardcore with a gravel top is cheaper than concrete especially if you can chat up a local builder.
Water. If you only have a trough it make washing white legs for the farrier a lot harder.
Electricity. If you have some great. If not it is very difficult to do anything in semi darkness or in an emergency (vet etc). Lights can be provided by old car batteries or a generator but they are expensive.
Drying wet rugs is also difficult in the winter.

I'm not trying to put you off at all, I've managed for 14 years like this but it is not by any means easy.
Any other questions ask, I think I have covered the main bits.

 

[jewel]

first off i would check with local planning as i know our local council says that you need planning even for a shelter on skids.

 

[spike123]

you will need some form of hard standing as many farriers will not come out to do horses that have nowhere to stand on good level solid ground.I know this as a friend of mine had this problem when she was at her old field. Everything else I can think of has already been said.If you will have company that you get on well with and it suits both of you it can be good providing you have good hacking from there and enough experience to cope with all eventualities on your own or have someone you can call on for advice.