To board or not to board [Archive] - New Rider Message Board

hot-to-trot

17th Jul 2006, 04:40 PM

Hey everyone, i had question re: boarding, a lot of you guys have your own horses and i was wondering, do you keep it yourself, or do you keep it in stables (paying ridiculous money for that), which is better?
How hard is it to keep a horse at home, and would you recommend that?
All the books i've been reading make it sound like a full time job, so basically in my impression, owning a horse means no life, you have to be with it 24/7, that is a bit scary, is it that demanding?
Thank you.:confused:

JumpingJazz

17th Jul 2006, 07:15 PM

It depends. One horse isent to bad, but when you have loads more than it can take over your life. I suppose it depends whether you have your own stables or you keep it at a livery. It all depends. But yeah, horses are a bit responsability. :rolleyes:

Bay Mare

17th Jul 2006, 07:22 PM

Yes, it pretty much is that demanding especially if you want to keep THEM at home.

I say THEM in capitals because you need more than one horse if you want to keep them at home. Horses are social animals and rely on their herd for protection, for discipline, for manners, for a lot of things. A human isn't a good substitute nor do I believe are goats, sheep or cows. A horse needs AT LEAST (I would say more) one other horse to be happy and healthy.

Horse ownership is a huge committment unless you find one of these yards where full livery truly means full livery and all you do is roll up, tack up and ride away (some places will even have your horse ready for you :eek: ). It's not only a committment with regards to time but also a financial committment.

If you're thinking of getting a horse I would suggest helping at a yard or riding school for a while. Maybe do some exams (I don't know where you are but the NVQ is a good qualification in the UK to see whether you're cut out for it or not as it has a huge practical element). Even then it doesn't completely set you up for being a horse owner. Basically, if you can't hack the work at the yard then it's highly unlikely that you'll hack being a horse owner.

There are a LOT of positives about horse ownership but unlike riding lessons you can't cancel if you're sick, if it's raining or if you just don't feel like it. You have to look after them on Christmas Day, if you've been out the night before, if there's something that you want to watch on the TV.

Even though I've said all that I LOVE IT! I love looking after my horse and enjoyed almost every bit of working at my old RS even though it was tough, tough, tough. My only regret is that I don't have more time to spend with my horse.

The one thing that I have found being an owner instead of a client at a RS is that I ride less than I used to! Partly circumstances, I'll admit, but the 'work/care' to ride ratio is most definitely tipped away from the ride!

Sorry ...waffling, anyway you get my point :D

BeachRiding

17th Jul 2006, 07:22 PM

I used to board, but now I have both horses at home. I like them at home better, although I miss seeing others. I don't find it very hard to take care of them, I think its fun, and its really not very time consuming, I only spend an hour 1/2 a day taking care of them.

Bay Mare

17th Jul 2006, 08:18 PM

How do you manage that? Mine is on livery and I can't get in and out without spending a MINIMUM of 1.5 hours :eek: Saying that, though, I want to spend as much time as possible with her so it's NEVER just 1.5 hours ... more like 3 or 4 or more :)

Peace

18th Jul 2006, 01:40 PM

As BayMare says, you have to have at least two horses to keep together.

I'm in the process of moving my two home to my farm from the boarding stable. Speaking of expensive.:eek: Last year my pasture was a bean field, so I've had to pay to have the field limed, sprigged with Coastal Bermuda grass, fertilized, sprayed for weeds, and mowed regularly. Now I'm ordering fence supplies, pricing out building materials for a field shelter, and sending OH to the doctor since he threw out his back helping me dig post holes.:D

Of course, once all that's done, I won't be paying board for two horses, which is a chunk of change. I also will have more time, since I'll no longer be commuting a half hour each way to the stable and having to unpack and repack all my tack. And I'll get to know my horses a whole lot better.:)

If you're new to horses, I'd definitely recommend boarding somewhere to start - or even better, see if you can lease a horse from a riding school/boarding stable. That way if you don't like it, you can just cancel the lease and the horse doesn't have to be re-homed. There's sooo much to learn about taking care of horses that you really, for your sake and the horses', need to spend about a year learning the ropes before you try it at home.:)

Mehitabel

18th Jul 2006, 01:45 PM

yep - a first horse with a novice owner really needs to be in an environment where you can learn, have guidance and make the inevitable mistakes in safety. we all make mistakes - but they can have serious consequences for the horse.
personally, i like my yard and wouldnt move mine home.

Trewsers

18th Jul 2006, 02:00 PM

Well, I'll have to let you know what its like keeping them at home - later this year:D I've been keeping ours on a yard - ever since we bought them. At first this was fine, but since I've learnt more and developed my own horsey opnions then there are certain things / aspects about yard culture I don't like. Current yard is fine, no complaints there, in fact, its a super yard, really nice staff / excellent facilities. I just want to be able to go see my horses ANYTIME I like, including in the middle of the night in my jammies if I feel like it...........:D :D

Trewsers

18th Jul 2006, 02:02 PM

It depends. One horse isent to bad, but when you have loads more than it can take over your life.

But what life was there to take over?!!! I often ask myself.......:D

Bay Mare

18th Jul 2006, 05:53 PM

But what life was there to take over?!!! I often ask myself.......:D

LOL .... yep, I can't remember that life, it seems so long ago :)

hot-to-trot

18th Jul 2006, 10:42 PM

Basically, getting a horse means to change your lifestyle completely, right?
On one hand it's scary, but on the other exiting, it's almost like having a baby , right? LOL
Now my question to you is this, how to make sure your horse is getting the best care available at the stables (always fed, walked, etc)?

SupaTania

19th Jul 2006, 02:22 AM

you really just have to trust the stables to ensure the proper health of your animal. It'd be best to just randomly show up at intervals and see whats happening. Even if they aren't working on your horse, are they working on the other horses who are boarded there? Does your horse look happy, alert and healthy? If you show up at breakfast time, is your horse eating?

c2b

20th Jul 2006, 11:09 AM

I have my first horse at a diy livery yard. I like it that way because there is always someone around to ask stupid questions of and there is always someone around for those odd days when I can't get there......like I have to go to a funeral 140 miles away tomorrow...and usually there is someone around when I am in the school (so I am not lying there for hours if I fall off) and usually there is someone to ride out with.
I love the idea of having my girl at home but like the support of having others around.

Kate F.

20th Jul 2006, 02:01 PM

do you keep it in stables (paying ridiculous money for that), which is better?.:confused:

If you think it's going to be a lot cheaper keeping your horses at home, think again!! If you have your own property and land to keep them on, you'll save a bit - but a lot of what you pay at most livery stables is actually what the horse costs to keep - ie what it consumes in hay, bedding, muck removal etc. You'll still have all these costs at home. You'll also have the general overheads - rent, (if you don't own the property outright) electricity, insurance - and the maintenence costs - repairs to fencing, repairs to boxes etc. etc. If you ride on a manege or an indoor school, either you'll have to build and maintain those facilities at home, or rent them nearby.

I think when you do the arithmetic, you'll find that the savings from having your horses at home are much less than you might hope. Depending how much time you have available to spend on the routine stable work, (and how warmly you feel towards wheelbarrows!! :D) for the amount it costs extra to have the horse at livery, you might be better off paying someone else to do the dirty work so you can get on with enjoying your horse!

The time for 2 or 3 horses in terms of routine work isn't too bad - but it is 24/7/365 - so you would also need someone to help out if you ever plan on having a holiday, or even getting the 'flu! :D

hot-to-trot

20th Jul 2006, 08:57 PM

This is a lot to think about, thank you all for answering my stupid questions!!!
I am taking private lessons right now (basically riding a different horse every time, because for some reason the horse i like is never available) so i was basically thinking if it would be better for me to just get one of my own, but here in New York, to stable a horse will cost me around $700 a month (my rent is a bit more expensive), so i obviously can't afford it for now and keeping it at home, wow, i am not ready for that kind of commitment.
I guess for now i will stick to my classes, and then we'll see (i might win the lottery or something) LOL.
Thank's again everyone!:o

BeachRiding

20th Jul 2006, 11:04 PM

$700 a month!!! Are you sure you can't find something cheaper?

Herbie's mummy

21st Jul 2006, 12:00 AM

If you are asking that sort of question......do you really think a hore is for you?

SupaTania

21st Jul 2006, 12:39 AM

wow $700 a month!

Around here, there are places that are well over that price range, but most places are relatively affordable. My farm charges $400 full board.

Afellpony

21st Jul 2006, 10:48 AM

It might be an idea to have a horse on loan before getting one of our own. As others have said, it's a huge comittment. You have to put the horse before yourself and anything or anyone else. If I were you, I'd keep the horse at a livery yard for a while until you get familiar with all the things that have to be done. Mucking out, picking droppings up from the field, feeding, grooming, riding, cleaning tack, visit the horse often, no need to ride every time. Get to know him, fuss him and take him for walks. Picking droppings up from field, mucking out stable (if he is stabled t any time). Changing water buckets (if there's no automatic water supply). Buying feed and hay. Tack cleaning. After all that's done, may be you will have a bit of time left to go out and socialise with other humans!!!!!
Good luck.

Peace

21st Jul 2006, 01:01 PM

I am taking private lessons right now (basically riding a different horse every time, because for some reason the horse i like is never available) so i was basically thinking if it would be better for me to just get one of my own.

That's pretty much why I bought my first horse.:) But I was way too green to know what I really needed and bought too much horse for me (green three year old recently gelded). Neither of us came to any harm, but that's because I had him on full board at my riding school. So each of us got the lessons we needed. Not together, of course - that would've been a train wreck.

So I still wound up riding a lesson horse!:o But by that time, the school had a really great one - I wound up buying him, too, for my second horse.:D

How many lessons have you had so far? Is your riding school the kind that lets you groom and tack up your lesson horse, or do they just hand you a horse all ready to go? Could you lease a horse from them for a month or so, to sort of try out horse ownership before taking the plunge?

hot-to-trot

21st Jul 2006, 08:19 PM

hot-to-trot

21st Jul 2006, 08:21 PM

If you are asking that sort of question......do you really think a hore is for you?
What do you mean by that? Do you mean if i can afford it, or if i am the right person to own a horse?:confused:

Peace

21st Jul 2006, 09:18 PM

No, my school does not let me tack up the horse, i am only riding, which sucks, because i really would like to get to know horses better. At this point it looks like to stable a horse is better then to keep it at home (and it has nothing to do with me being lazy, i just want the best care for it!)

Another thing you could do is ask if you can help out at the stables, for free, so you can learn how to take care of a horse. I started doing that about seven years ago. Even if all you're doing is mucking out stalls (which is all I was doing to start with) you can still learn a lot. Gradually you'll find you're asked to help with the horses more and more often. And you can learn a good bit just by being there to watch and listen.

I'm really glad I've had seven years of practicing on other people's horses before bringing my own two home to my farm!:)

Keket

22nd Jul 2006, 04:57 PM

do you keep it yourself, or do you keep it in stables (paying ridiculous money for that), which is better?
How hard is it to keep a horse at home, and would you recommend that?
All the books i've been reading make it sound like a full time job, so basically in my impression, owning a horse means no life, you have to be with it 24/7, that is a bit scary, is it that demanding?

Being a new horse owner myself, yes, there is a lot of work involved. I share a horse with a friend, and we've got her on what I supposed would be considered Do It Yourself livery. She's boarded at our riding instructor's stable, in her own paddock with a run in stall, but she mostly lives out. RI feeds her at the same time she feeds her own three horses. But it's up to us to see that her stall gets cleaned (which lucky for us she doesn't poo in much) and that she gets groomed and exercised for the day. We have to buy and get her feed and hay, and if we're there at noon (which we are, six days out of the week), we'll give her noon time meal to her.

Right now it takes about an hour and a half to groom and exercise her (only fifteen minutes of exercise right now) and do her feed and stall for the day. Once she can be ridden and she's in more work, it'll probably require at least three hours.

hot-to-trot

25th Jul 2006, 02:00 PM

Now, how does it work with leasing a horse? Is it like leasing a car, just paying monthly payments or is it different?

SupaTania

25th Jul 2006, 02:16 PM

There is full lease, and half-lease. A Full lease usually means you pay the entire costs of the horse...(vet bills are something you'd discuss with the owner), and get full use of the horse. It is basically yours, but if times get rough, or you no longer want to keep the animal, you can give him back to his owner, without having to go through the selling ordeal.

A half-lease, which is what I'm doing, is when you pay half the costs, (i.e. half-board and half of the farrier visit) and get the horse half-time, meaning 3 days a week. I also get to go to shows with my half-lease and it works out best for me, because i don't have the responsibility of having the animal all week when I have school and work to worry about as well. I ride 3 times a week, and can go down and groom/love and play with him as much as I want any day of the week.

c2b

25th Jul 2006, 03:45 PM

Are there no horse owners near you who would teach you all the tacking up stuff and general horse care stuff in return for getting their horses mucked out/turned out/groomed?

I took care of a friends horse for a year. We pretty much shared the work and I learnt so much. Not least what the realities of having a horse were in terms of time commitment etc.

hot-to-trot

25th Jul 2006, 04:38 PM

KateWooten

25th Jul 2006, 08:37 PM

errrmmmm, well, if ou live in the middle of manhattan - then keeping ahorse 'at home' is just not an option !

Just.Jump

26th Jul 2006, 01:58 PM

I board. Frankly, I don't want to do the tasks they do for me- hauling hay out to the fields, taking horses in and out, and tripping down and rebedding stalls.

I pay 270 a month, which is only about 130 pounds.

teabiscuit

26th Jul 2006, 02:21 PM

I board. Frankly, I don't want to do the tasks they do for me- hauling hay out to the fields, taking horses in and out, and tripping down and rebedding stalls.

bloomin eck :eek:
why don't you want to do them?
those tasks are part and parcel of horsemanship if you don't mind me saying

hot-to-trot

26th Jul 2006, 06:09 PM

errrmmmm, well, if ou live in the middle of manhattan - then keeping ahorse 'at home' is just not an option !
Well it is actually, i just bought a piece of land in PA.

LMS

26th Jul 2006, 07:20 PM

bloomin eck :eek:
why don't you want to do them?
those tasks are part and parcel of horsemanship if you don't mind me saying
Hehehe that's because we're horse geeks, we love to abuse our bodies & minds!;) :D

I thoroughly enjoy having my horses at home. I've been doing this for almost 30yrs now. I've done the DIY & full board at a private yard.

Hated the full board because the stable hand & I would differ in opinions. But I know that all of them are not like that and it's probably a good peace of mind knowing that your horse is well catered to, especially if you can't be there.

I enjoyed DIY because there's someone to talk to, it's quaint & if you're really stuck, the other person can help out & vice versa. It's the best of both worlds.

Having them at home is like taking your first born home; you are on 24/7/365.
Going away is a pain, on a whim: ain't gonna happen.

Like marriage & having a child: it's a commitment that you take the good, the bad & hope you are doing everything as best as you can. You become the cook, maid, nurse, matron, handyman, labourer, secretary and banker. As well as listen to the non-horsy people belt out some stupid remark about your choice.

For me, it's all worth it, I love physical work & I especially love getting the rewards from my horses' attention.

Being greeted with a whinny everyday, rain or shine, day or night knowing that all the effort I've put in & the results I get (good or bad) is a direct result of me (well most of the time;) )

There area few things that I'm not too fond of (but it's part of the package, like having kids) is listening to my OH complain that we can't just bugger off on a whim and that I have to go out there in the horrid weather or if I'm sick when I'd really rather stay inside.

Oh well to each their own:)

teabiscuit

27th Jul 2006, 09:23 AM

LMS I agree-I couldn't cope with someone else "doing " for my horse

1. they won't do it right :rolleyes: (probably my problem not their's hehe)

2. i can't be doing with people doing stuff for me, i'm proud enough to want to do it for myself (working class ethics :rolleyes: )

if someone is just getting the hang of horse care then boarding is a good idea as long as they're learning for themselves along the way from experienced folk, until they can become independant horsemen/women, capeable of caring for their horse.

BecknSkye

6th Aug 2006, 08:52 AM

I tried boarding my horse, nearer to where I'm studying so I could ride there, then come home. I lasted a week, then I had to bring him home cause I just missed him so much! It was super awesome when I picked him up because he came tearing across the paddock and jumped the fence when he saw my trailer, he was just nose-to-shoulder and didn't want to leave my side! I swear he knew I was taking him home:) Now I know I can never keep my horses anywhere but where I am:D especially this horse, he's just too special to be entrusted to anybody else!
I like to be independant, do things my way and do them for myself, not have to 'fit in', LOL, I'm so not a team-player!!!
Pretty much, I agree with LMS:D

Kalypso

6th Aug 2006, 01:42 PM

Well it is actually, i just bought a piece of land in PA.

Are you planning on moving there? :confused: You wouldn't want to keep your horse on a piece of land that far away from where you are living (and even if it isn't that far, it will be with the NY traffic! :eek: ). It'd be harder to care for it, etc. I didn't like my horse being half an hour away on full board because I couldn't get out there very often because of work. If you were taking care of your own horse, and it was that far away, it might cause some problems :)

I'm moving to Annapolis at the end of the month, and living costs even there are astronomical compared to what I'm used to here in Ohio. The cheapest horse board around is about $650 and that's where I'm keeping Mie (lucky for me, it's also my job, so I get board and housing for myself included and don't have to pay it as I wouldn't be able to afford EITHER!)

I think it's the best decision to just stick to the riding school horses for now. It's very sensible, too :)

Tuff_up

6th Aug 2006, 03:31 PM

well i have one horse and its been a killer only because a) horses need company B) there is no one to ride with c) beginners need alot of lessons anyways if you have the money i would say board because if its only one horse they will get lonley and yess there is alot of work to be done i could always be fixing fencing, shovelling crap, and trying to find a horse for company for mine which after you look at the big picture fencing, feed, ferrier, your own horse trailer ect. its sometimes easier to just board where you have people to ride with, probably a trailer to borrow, a good ferrier, a good vet, you don't have to worry about finding quality feed at a reasonable price ect. my fence costed $5 000 to make then the electric costed $50 then35$ for lessons on a different lesson horse then my very own, and 400$-500$ in feed bills so in the big picture i could have boarded for more then 2 years using only that money, my lesson would have been cheaper only 25$ dollars a lesson, i would have people to ride with and my horse would have equine companions.

JOJOBA

6th Aug 2006, 05:56 PM

Heya
I tried to go riding in New York when I was over there - a place whose name a cant quite remember..... but they lease out their horses on a loan type arrangement, they are fairly near central park and do all kinds of horsey activities. It's a good way to try out horse ownership without the responsibily of buying. As someone said, perhaps leasing would be a good option for you?

xxx

Selle Francais

8th Aug 2006, 02:38 PM

Wow - all these livery quotes are amazing!

As I contemplate this month's stable bill of 550 pounds (that's about 1000 dollars), plus 64 pounds for shoes, I wonder if I'm living in the right country?

No wonder they call America "the land of the free" - or at least " . . . of the inexpensive"!

green with envy

Selle Francais

Shadowlark

8th Aug 2006, 03:52 PM

Hot to Trot, good for you for ASKING before doing! there IS a lot to consider!!

What you might be able to find if you look/ask around is someone who owns a horse, but doesn't have any time to deal with it. Like a new baby has come along or whatever it might be.. these things happen! Before I moved out to the ranch, I had people ridding my horse a few nights a week as I coudlnt' get out every night to ride him myself. It worked out very well. So you never know what you might find.
As for not knowing how to tack up etc. Show up early and start asking questions. By getting there at least a half hour in advance you should get the oportunity to learn how to do the other "part" which is SOO important.

Now for the keeping at home.. Oviously we arn't talking about Manhatten..

Number 1 make sure you are comfortable in all aspects of taking care of the horse, You don't have to be an expert.. but you should know how all the tack fits, goes on and off - how to clean out feet, brush and care for the horse in general. you should also know what is "normal" and what isn't (AKA when to call a vet/expert) BEFORE you bring your horse home. By boarding it some place friendly for a while first, you can gain a whole lot of knowledge.

Now as for keeping it.. you can make this as hard or as easy as you want.. myself I take the easy route, as I like to spend more of my time WITH my horse, but I also have the land to make this work (10 horses on 80 acres right now.. I only OWN one but provide for the others as well). My horses are kept out 24/7 I have one stall, that I have yet to use in case of injury or lameness. My horses have a run in shelter and two heated auto waterers that keep the "drudge" work to a minimum.

I used to keep my horses stalled etc. when I lived in Ontario - but am much happier with the health and soundness of my horses since i have been keeping them out.
(Hats off to those of you in the UK who have to keep them in on DIY etc.. I don't miss that work Kudos to you all! ESP. those with multiple horses kept that way!!)

For now tho, I think you need to learn and absorb.. everything you can! ask questions, make some horsey friends grab some really basic books. I know the "story's" guides are often helpful for giving a general overview of STUFF.. Feeding, grooming, tacking up etc etc etc.. nothing can replace practice, but at least you can equip yourself with some knowledge.
https://store.primediamags.com/shop/equine/viewProduct/sa_id/559/pm_id/7341/offer_id/
That one might be a place to start! at 879 pages.. there is a LOT in there...

Best of luck, we are all here for you!