When are you experienced enough to go it alone?

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Hovis_and_SidsMum

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Just a query really.
Hubby and I are first time horse owners so have Sidney on full livery to ensure a) he's in the best possible place b) we're surrounded by other people from whom we can learn and c) if anything happens to him / he becomes ill then there are people who can help us.
Despite full livery we have gone and mucked out etc and helped with the farrier and the dentist just to get some experience.
We were idly talking the other day about selling our current house and hubby asked if i would want any new house to have stables.
My first thought was that would be great - I'd see far more of the boy. But thinking about it I'd be very scared that we're no where near experienced enough to deal with that yet.
Just out of interest what are your thoughts?
How do you ever take the plunge from livery to own stables? What makes you experienced enough to look after horses without the back up of the yard?
 
I would say if you are having as many doubts about you capability that this post suggests that you are not yet ready. However, there is no reason why you could not have stables built ready for the time when you feel more confident.
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I did this (well sort of) went from Full livery to moving to my parents house that has stables (my sister was already there with her horse but I mainly moved because it was just getting to expensive and yard politics). We have a very good instructor that visits us once if not twice a week, and we know she is always on the end of the phone if we need her. We also have horsey friends just down the road from us which are always more then willing to help out if we need it.

I would say for me it was the best thing I had ever done and wished I had done it years ago. I’m sure others will give your more practical advise!

P.S If you are in Kent we have a lovely 3.5 acre place on the market, but shhhh I didn't say that!
 
Hi sorry
Added to say we're not thinking of buying anything at the moment - it was more one of those "what would our next house be like" conversations.
I was merely wondering how people make that jump and what people would be confident doing.
 
Hiya,

Could you put your lad on DIY at your livery yard, or is that not an option? That way you get to experience looking after him full time, but with help at hand if you need it. Most places will also offer turnout in the mornings, and will muck out the odd day here and there for an extra charge.
 
Well I would say that in most emergency situations you are likely to call in a professional anyway, vet, farrier, dentist, backman, instructor etc so aslong as you are confident with the everyday run of the mill stuff then i'd say go for it, I would however have all these professionals recommended by someone who hasd had horses for years!
 
To be perfectly honest; so long as you are a sensible person then I am sure you will be absolutely fine with having your horses at home.

I have sold 3 horses to my neighbour (admittedly she is about half a mile away across the fields). She is in her 40's and had never even ridden before she bought the horses from me. She was a complete and utter beginner last year at this time; knew absolutely nothing about horses or their ailments.

When I sold the horses to her, I was not worried in the slightest as I said to her that at any time if there was anything wrong or she needed help, then just to call me.

A year later and she copes perfectly well with all 3 horses at her farm. She bought a number of books and reference books and she has come such a long way. Actually I am in awe with how much she has learned and how well she has coped.

Providing you have some back-up from someone with knowledge for the trivial things, and you have a great vet and farrier, then I can't see a problem at all. You will learn sooooooo much more, sooooo much more quickly by having them at home and you will certainly enjoy your horses more.

Good luck - I say "go for it!!"
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No matter how much you know, you will always find things you don't. There is no right time, if and when a property becomes available, go for it! You might want to think about a companion for your horse though, which might entail you looking after two horses.
 
To echo what Tia said - it really is not a big a deal. Healthy low performance horses are pretty easy to look after.
 
You learn by doing it. You sound like a sensible person to me so you would always get back up from a vet, farrier etc. You could always phone your present yard owner for advise. If you are really worried try find out if there are any short horse care type courses near you and you and hubby can attend one or two of those. I'd go for it if I were you, we never stop learning.
 
The opportunity of having horses at home is wonderful, so if you can - do.

You can always mantain a network of support and continue with lessons. Where ever you move, I am sure you will find new equestrian friends.

When we bought our house with land, everyone in the neighbourhood who had horses called in to introduce themselves. We are able to go on holiday and have a range of people willing to look after our animals and its all done on a free exchange system.
 
The route from full livery to do-it-yourself would help in the transition. Be aware that if you keep your horse at home you will also have to learn how to look after your fencing and land. Also when going away you will need a house sitter etc.
 
Thanks guys.
You're all making me wonder now......
Our plan was always to get one horse, learn, see how we get on and then get another.
Cost wouldn't be the driver but full livery for two is a tad more expensive to say the least!
I love the idea of spending more quality time with Sid but guess I want to make sure he's safe and enjoying the best quality of life.
CSY Molly - your idea around courses sounds good one - i might do that anyway. Its things like equine first aid I'd be a bit hesitant about.
You guys talk about poultices etc as if its second nature - I'm not sure I'd have a clue at this moment!
 
I have had my own all my life and have a very experienced family to call on, I keep my 2 at home and for the most part it is great, but there are times when I miss the chatting on the yard or the fact that there is always someone to help with jumps etc. And remember that you have all the muck removal, fences to repair etc to deal with (no muck heap fairys have turned up at my house yet)!
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Just coming back to the point - nothing beats looking out the window and seeing your horses. A quick way to gain the experience is take 2 weeks off work, spend 5 days at your yard learning about and doing everything, spend a couple days with the farrier, and then spend 5 days with your vet.

I would personally recommend those to anyone involved in horses.
 
At some colleges, you can take up part time horsecare courses, a woman who lives near me went to one after she left riding for 10 years. She thought that horse care may have changed and and that it would also help her refresh her memory! Sometimes they can do day courses!
 
............When you have the sense and humility to realise that nobody knows it all, horsey people love helping each other, and that help is only at the end of a telephone or keyboard.
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I do think that if it is practical the DIY route could be helpful to start you off.

I think one of the joys of having horses, is the fact that there is always something new you can learn.

As it says on the Calender above my head here

"He who knows all the answers has not yet been asked all the questions"
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Good Luck and enjoy Sidney however you keep him.
 
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