nhg
Junior Member
Posts: 2,429 
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Post by nhg on Sept 15, 2014 0:29:26 GMT
I'm really getting depressed about not working and how it's taking a hit on our finances and probably putting us in a position where we'll never have a horse property again and will always have to live in town. I look on MLS every day to check prices and dream. I look at things on-line like the fabulous horse properties in Kentucky and how dirt cheap they are and how gorgeous compared to here where you're lucky to get any trees on your place. So I thought I'd sit down and figure out the pros and cons of boarding versus having an acreage. Please add whatever I've missed. Thank you!
Boarding Pros:
Indoor arena, we'd never board anywhere without one Not having to worry about going away or not being home by a certain time Someone is around all the time if a horse gets sick or injured Not having to worry about getting hay Not having to worry about water. Eg. getting out the hose in the winter or having the hydrant freeze People to ride with Learning more by other people's examples or knowledge and getting second opinions on issues
Boarding Cons:
Barn drama and annoying boarders Other people's nasty horses biting or injuring our horses Someone else decides how they're fed Concern of rising board prices Riding with other people who have no arena etiquette If they have crappy hay you basically have to put up with it
Horses at Home Pros:
Being able to look outside and see them whenever we want Being able to take them out treats like carrot peelings right away Knowing how much they're being fed and how We can run out and blanket them in bad weather We get to know them better
Horses at Home Cons:
No indoor arena so can hardly ride half the year Worrying about their welfare when we're not home Lack of freedom to go away or out for the day The extra work The cost of an acreage as opposed to a house in town Roads more likely to be impassable in the winter Might not be someone around in an emergency
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mingiz
Junior Member
Los Lunas, NM
Posts: 3,320
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Post by mingiz on Sept 15, 2014 2:40:22 GMT
I wouldn't have horses if I had to board them. Yes it's a 365 day job but the joy of having them out back is the best! I don't worry about someone messing with them. I know their habits and personalities better, I know what their eating and when. I don't like town living to start with. I have great neighbors that would watch them for me if need be. I have 22 acres I can do what I want to with no restrictions. I have found a great hay guy. The money I would of had to pay for board pays the mortgage here. Feed is cheap, hay isn't bad either. I wouldn't have it any other way. I love having coffee on the back porch and sitting there just watching them graze. Yes it's more time consuming but the satisfaction is well worth it. I'm a trail rider so I don't need an indoor arena. Besides I think I would get bored with that same scenery.
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Post by diamondgirl on Sept 15, 2014 2:41:47 GMT
In my case it was a no brainer. There are a few, really good, boarding places here in central KS, but they were an hour away, or more, and I couldn't afford them anyway.
I found a place with pasture board, close to home, and the price was affordable.
One evening while I was riding back to the barn, another boarder shot a rabbit, across the road right in front of me. I was hidden by a big garage that sat right by the road. I was injured in the wreck that followed. I was lucky I wasn't shot.
There were other problems with moldy hay, and things to numerous to mention. Lets just say, most of the time I was a basket case.
After I was finally able to buy my place, I had to spend all my extra time building a place for my horses, so I could bring them home. Apparently the electric fence wasn't working at the place I was boarding. Diamond kept crawling under the fence, so the BO told me he was sitting on the fence line and shooting her with a BB gun every time she made an attempt to go under the fence. OMG. I did ask, that he stopped doing that, and worked harder.
With moving, and building, and clearing, I wasn't able to go out every day to see that they were being treated well.
After a two day absence I went out to check on them, only to find Diamond was wearing her halter, and dragging her rope, in the pasture. Really!!!!!! I asked why this was, and was told, because it was easier to catch her when she got out of the non electrified, electric fence. She still has a scar on her nose, that I don't think will ever go away.
I will keep my horses with me thank you. They cause me to worry about everything. Am I taking good enough care of them? I can't go anywhere. I worry all the time. I depend on you guys to answer my questions, but is it worth it???
Absolutely!!!!
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Lipizzan
Junior Member
Europe, Croatia
Posts: 2,572
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Post by Lipizzan on Sept 15, 2014 8:21:24 GMT
I agree with mingiz. But some people don't have conditions to have their horses at home.
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Post by lorddaxter on Sept 15, 2014 12:07:45 GMT
You need to move to another province, wha does hubby do for a living?! www.valleylistings.ca/index.php/mls/listings/05178223or if you want to go cheaper, no indoor but does have a sand outdoor www.valleylistings.ca/index.php/mls/listings/05128590You can find places for $150,000 if you look, I've been in touch with a few horse people in the valley, it's a micro climate, they grow grapes etc, they can ride every month of the year, they walk on the beach Xmas day, yes they get those big storms at times, but consider the houses are 100 years old plus and still standing, the ice storms do stop riding but they say it clears up after a few days! I do think in the long run it's better to have your horses at home, you can always offer someone free boarding in their own small paddock with shelter in exchange for watching yours if you go away or anything:) |
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nhg
Junior Member
Posts: 2,429
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Post by nhg on Sept 15, 2014 14:48:37 GMT
Thank you for the links LD! I was born in Nova Scotia.
My husband wants to retire someplace warmer in the winter. He's had it with shovelling  and the cold. He talks about Kelowna, BC and we were there last summer but the prices are about the same as here and it gets too hot in the summer, I'm not good with the heat. He's also talked about south America but there's no way I'd do that. He retires in two years when he's 55. We have some limitations such as the fact that I'd never move away from where my daughter is and she needs to make a decent amount of money so she has to be close to a city. I'm concerned about my cancer and having to be near where there's a good medical facility in case it comes back and somewhere where we still have coverage. And I still worry about my husband's health with the way he eats and the fact that he only quit smoking this year after smoking all of his adult life. I know he'll eventually need some kind of care whether it's for his heart or for cancer.
The acreages around here are a minimum of $400,000 plus and for that you'll get a few acres with a crappy old mobile and no other buildings or trees in the middle of nowhere. For over $500,000 you can get something with a crappy old house or a better mobile and maybe a garage and five acres still a ways away from anything. Out last acreage sold for $512,000 six years ago and is probably worth $650,000 now. It had a pretty nice house with a big attached garage and 3 acres. There was a horse shelter and we'd started making a riding ring. The people that bought it have no animals. We couldn't even afford to buy it for what we sold it for now. |
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Post by lorddaxter on Sept 15, 2014 15:42:08 GMT
Lol!...where in NS?
BC is so expensive, I don't find the people as friendly overall and the service in some places is lacking, god I sound like an old fart!
Not long till your hubby retires, that's young, I have a client who's hubby just retired, he's driving her bananas!
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nhg
Junior Member
Posts: 2,429
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Post by nhg on Sept 15, 2014 17:30:11 GMT
I was born in Halifax and we lived in Dartmouth. I was adopted and about 6 years ago I found my birth mother who lived in NS when she had me. Surprisingly, she was living in Calgary when I found her. Which did not go well and I no longer speak to her or my two half sisters.
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Post by lorddaxter on Sept 15, 2014 18:18:55 GMT
I was born in Halifax and we lived in Dartmouth. I was adopted and about 6 years ago I found my birth mother who lived in NS when she had me. Surprisingly, she was living in Calgary when I found her. Which did not go well and I no longer speak to her or my two half sisters. Sorry to hear that:( My mom wont tell be who my real dad was, oh well:( Not much work in NS, but hey, you can make good money waitressing and with me scottish accent, och aye the noo! |
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Post by horselady on Sept 15, 2014 20:37:33 GMT
Those farms that you are looking at in kentucky could be on the mountains or below sea level. or just plane awful.
sometimes having the horses boarded is the best for some people. like your pros list. if you get sick again who will do for them while you are being taken care of.? and the boarding facility does offer arena and company.
it is easier to perhaps get another job and help that way. or perhaps do grooming at peoples homes with a pet parlaur on wheels.
i wish i had someone here in my area that came to my house instead of me going to them.
and if you decide to move somewhere warmer. perhaps your daughter is willing to travel with you.
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Post by Shelly on Sept 16, 2014 19:19:14 GMT
I've done the whole boarding thing and keep them at home... here's my list of pro's and con's Boarding pro's: -facilities -not having to do daily chores -going out to the barn to strictly enjoy your horse, nothing else (no chores to distract you or take up your time) -not always having to make it out for the farrier (depends on the barn) -being notified when there are changes with your horse (if a good barn) -having people to ride with and making friends -having people around to help you learn and expand your knowledge Boarding con's: -DRAMA (its practically inevitable) -your horses care may not be up to your standards (quality hay/amounts, dirty water troughs) -not having blankets put on/off when you feel fit -miss communication between you and the facility -making grain bags, or not being told when you run out and your horse goes days without their supplements or meds. -not knowing if your horse actually ate its morning grain... (a stable I boarded at would feed it to other horses if mine didn't come in or ect.. really upsetting..) -not being notified when there is a change in your horses condition (health or behaviour.. they are usually both linked) -paying board.. can be expensive depending where you are. -not being able to contact you in case of an emergency -FINDING A GOOD PLACE TO BOARD --Choosing a boarding facility that meets your needs and budget is very difficult. Horses at home Pro's -your horses are at home! -you control every aspect of their care (feed, quality of hay, water, blankets, everything!) -You can go out for late night snuggles. (I used to go out often at 10-12 at night and just chill on a hay bale) -you can take on one or two boarders and they pretty much cover the cost of your horses hay -you don't have to deal with people LOL -You have privacy--if your having a bad day you can go out and visit your horses and not worry if your going to run into someone. Horses at home con's -no such thing as a vacation... or if you do have a sitter it's a lot of trust and responsibility on one person -you do daily chores (can be a pro too) -I found having my horses at home I worked with them less but seen them more. It's a lot more effort to decide to ride after doing all your chores after work, sometimes its harder to make the time or your just tired -finding good hay -building facilities. It takes years to save up and make time to build a barn or outdoor, never might the taught our actually building an indoor. - having to repair fencing/barns/ect -purchasing everything your need to care for your horses (pitch forks, wheel barrow, tubs for water, hay feeders, salt licks............ it adds up very quickly) -when a horse is sick and needing treatment you have to be out multiple times a day (can't delegate treatments to anyone else) I consider this a pro too because then I know treatment is being done properly. I am extremely luck with my current situation... I pretty much get most perks of boarding at home. My parents have a farm (I board sheldon there at a lower cost). My mom does the daily chores when I am not there and the days I am over I do them. I never get sick of the chores since I don't do them every day but I know my mom communicates with me when ever she notices the smallest changes with Sheldon (I legit get a text for every cut!). We tag team farrier and vet appointments. It's an even bigger bonus for me because she gets her baby time with Lily and I get my horsie time  Downfall is definitely the lack of facilities. we have a small outdoor (no proper footing yet). We have had the horses at home for about 8 years now (i think... I'm starting to loose count) and our barn is slowly being built up. It takes a lot of time and money but we do have a barn now (been about 4 years), its constantly being renovated. Next summer I think we will be doing a proper outdoor and my mom is looking to take on 1 or 2 boarders (close friends or family). All the money from the boarders is going back into the farm so it will help us expand further. Diamondgirl, I can't believe you almost got shot!!! that's insane! I personally feel as if guns and horse farms shouldn't mix... you never know when someone is out riding. My fiancé and I hunt, but we never hunt on the farm or target practice there (our neighbours have other values.... they worry me a lot) nhg, You could always buy a farm in ontario LOL You can get a finished farm with a nice house, barn, turn outs for 400-500,000. (no indoor of course). In the outskirts you can get that for even less but usually the farm house is original and needs renos. (a friend of mine just bought 160 acres 50 mins from town for 160,000 with house and old barn but no fenced fields) .... but you know, who want's to live in Ontario LOL (well I love it but I really don't know any better!) I feel like boarder can be a very good thing as long as you choose a good reputable stable or if you know the owners personally. When you know someone I find they are willing to make the care a little bit more personal. I'm sure I could add a lot more to those lists but it's all I can think about right now (and some you said already) |
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nhg
Junior Member
Posts: 2,429
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Post by nhg on Sept 16, 2014 23:50:18 GMT
Thanks for the reply Shelly. And all the thought put into it, I totally agree with you. I'd never move to Ontario, though, because of BSL. I'd never live anywhere that I can't have my pitbulls.
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Post by Shelly on Sept 17, 2014 0:31:55 GMT
Oh thats is 100% understandable, there are a lot of people upset with that. The Pitbull ban is completely ridiculous and is making the breed look bad instead of having the owners take responsibility for not properly training and socializing the dog. (this could be a thread on its own!)
just one other point. I find boarding is convenient when your training and plan on showing (even more convenient when your at your trainers barn)
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dc
New Member
Posts: 173
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Post by dc on Oct 11, 2014 15:58:19 GMT
I've had my horse/s at home for most of the time I've owned, boarded once before The main thing that made me roll my eyes, was the hate for husbands/boyfriends who were not into horses. I even overheard a conversation where several woman were telling my buddy to dump her bf (my daughter's Godfather), and thought this is sooo not for me. I am now down to one and I'm boarding again. Playing alone especially when a noob means years later still a noob. I would spend 20 mins trying to decide if saddle was on right.
It's been a while since I've rode, a couple of times last year. Riley refused to be bridled, so a boarder helped. He acted like a goof for the saddle, BO helped fit saddle and we ended with chiro. BO knows I am nervous. Called me this morning, there is a ride tomorrow but if I was interested she would saddle up early and take me through the enclosed fields before going for the ride with the others. Riley has not ridden with other horses for over 7 years and I don't want to interfere/slow things up. I've been alone with nearly everybody there, and not one negative comment about another boarder or the BO. In fact they sing the BO's praises, without being asked. They organize pot luck/bbq and trail rides. They have done obstacle course of what they have seen while riding. Maybe it's the size, 9 horses, 3 boarders and BO. Nothing fancy, no indoor. Affordable, just a few women who like to trail ride. And even though not riding yet, abscess, chiro, new girth not big enough, just hanging with Riley, I've lost 5lbs in the last month. Just grooming and doing muscle exercises, and hanging with him. I was ready to throw in the towel, and both horses up for sale, actually had both sold and backed out on Riley. Soooo glad I did.
Maybe when it comes to boarding, you need to find like minded individuals?
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dc
New Member
Posts: 173
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Post by dc on Oct 11, 2014 15:58:59 GMT
um, why did all those pics appear?
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Post by diamondgirl on Oct 11, 2014 21:39:54 GMT
They just do with certain words. If you type in cat you get the word cat, but if you type in the word for the other 4 legged house pet that barks, you get the picture of a dog. It's fun once you catch on to it. If you don't want the smileys just click on the smiley face on the tool bar at the top of the page, go the bottom, and hit disable smileys. The smileys are fun and they change with the seasons. If you think you want something in particular, just put in a request and the admin will try to find something to fit your suggestion. I think you are going to find this is a really fun place to be.
Oh one other thing. If you ever find something is just so frustrating to that you just have to type the word DAMN!!!! You can do it and it won't be censored out. We are all adults here. So we are treated like adults.
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Post by hugs on Nov 30, 2014 14:48:29 GMT
NHG, how are you doing with your "barn fever"? When I think of the time when I'll retire I'm of two minds. Sure I love living with Gerald on the farm, slower pace, all the animals that I love, Carpet and Coda. But then I'd be 4 to 5 hours from my kids again. Plus I've made friends with my BO and have all these wonderful resources for my horses. There is absolutely no possibility Gerald would ever move from his farm that he built with his daddy and is passing down to his kids even if I could afford a farm, which I can not and don't think I ever will be able to, not anywhere near here. Maybe back home, which rather defeats the purpose.
So a long explanation that I kind of understand your frustration.
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and the cold. He talks about Kelowna, BC and we were there last summer but the prices are about the same as here and it gets too hot in the summer, I'm not good with the heat. He's also talked about south America but there's no way I'd do that. He retires in two years when he's 55. We have some limitations such as the fact that I'd never move away from where my daughter is and she needs to make a decent amount of money so she has to be close to a city. I'm concerned about my cancer and having to be near where there's a good medical facility in case it comes back and somewhere where we still have coverage. And I still worry about my husband's health with the way he eats and the fact that he only quit smoking this year after smoking all of his adult life. I know he'll eventually need some kind of care whether it's for his heart or for cancer.
