What exactly is involved in keeping your horse at home?

[claret09]

i can't believe so many people are so negative about keeping your horse at home. you will have more knowledge than you realise. after all you are going to be looking after your horse - you do know them - have confidence in your own ability - if you are unsure, i know that your instructor, vet , farrier, etc will be on hand to help. have fun having your horse and home - so what if you need to get another for company - decide what you want (ie, something to ride or just company and choose accordingly ) best of luck - you will be fine.

 

[MagicMelon]

Anything can live out 24/7, doesnt matter what the breed. One of mine is a retired competition horse, he is a Luso x TB so very slim type and born in Portugal. He shivers at the sight of rain. I simply rug him well and he has open access to the stables so he comes and goes as he pleases - couldnt be happier. Same with all my others.

When I moved to my place now, I only had a field so I had wooden stables built - a block of 3 very large stables, one stable is used as my tackroom and the other two I leave the doors open. The front of it is a hardcore yard which is then totally open to the field so the horses come and go as they wish, with the hay feeder on the hardcore so it doesnt get muddy in the winter. I think your setup is very important as it dictates how much effort you have to put in! Like, I get big round hay bales delivered so I can give hay ab-lib - this avoids faffing with haynets (saving a lot of time). Because the horses live out but can choose when they want to go in, I dont have a stable to muck out every single day (although mine do tend to use them as toilets!). You will have to maintain fencing and get the field dealt with (Ive just had mine weedkilled, harrowed etc.) but honestly its hardly a hassle.

Ive only ever kept my horses at home, I dont think I could ever face having to do livery. Ive ridden horses for friends who were on livery and I just cant be bothered with the politics and even just the chatting when all I want to do is go and ride I also couldnt face the opinions of other people all the time! I do whatever I like with my horses, nobody judges or comments. It also means I can simply walk through my back garden in the morning in my PJ's to go and feed them. Nothing better!

 

[wren123]

Don't underestimate your knowledge you'll be fine, you've got lots of knowledge on here to help!
But I would think really hard about taking on another pony, the extra work/costs. Also think about the cost and trouble of finding trustworthy cover if you go away.

 

[Snowy Celandine]

Thank you so much everyone for your help and advice I really appreciate it. I've decided to go ahead and do it so wish me luck please. I will doubtless be asking for more advice when I get stuck but I know you lovely lot will be here to help me

 

[PorkChop]

Ohhh, good luck You will love it

 

[Snowy Celandine]

Ohhh, good luck You will love it

Thank you

 

[Arzada]

Thank you so much everyone for your help and advice I really appreciate it. I've decided to go ahead and do it so wish me luck please. I will doubtless be asking for more advice when I get stuck but I know you lovely lot will be here to help me

Enjoy - seriously it's a doddle

 

[Snowy Celandine]

Enjoy - seriously it's a doddle

Thank you I'm getting all excited about it!

 

[alibali]

Re your question about cows, its good to cross graze and helps keep the worm burden on the pasture down as well as removing the excess grass. Downsides would be the cow pats which I suspect would manage to get everywhere on pony and might take some cleaning off! Also depending on the cows age/bred the may be a bit frisky when you go in the field.... Or it could work out well, you can only suck it and see. A track around the outside of the field and having the centre cut for hay and then grazed over winter is potentially another way to go.

Cant recommend a sizeable area of hard standing enough, its turned my winter quagmire into mud free joy.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

Thank you I'm getting all excited about it!

It is wonderful being able to look out of your window first thing in the morning and see your horse. I am sure that you will enjoy having her at home.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Good luck!
Prepare for sneaking round in the mornings so they don't spot you through a window and start demanding breakfast before your ready 😂
I know my horses are happier now as their routine is tailored to them rather than a livery yard.

 

[Snowy Celandine]

Thanks everyone who's wished me good luck Let's hope I don't need it, ha ha.

Someone is coming to advise me re grazing/stables/PP this afternoon. It seems to be moving so fast already!