I want to buy a horse

[riderinthestorm]

8. A few questions will help with this decision and your planning...

1. Do you plan to keep it out in a pasture with a run-in shed, or have a stall or two?

2. How much land will you have and is it fairly fertile (enough to sustain a grassy grazing area?) The more the better since horses are really destructive on the paddocks. Its hard for me to say exactly how much you'll need without seeing the quality of the turf. I have all weather limestone lots that I use when the ground is really wet so I don't destroy my paddocks. I would REALLY recommend you have at least one or two of those for your animals. A good deep gravel base in your all weather lot is imperative!

3. Do you plan to ride on your property (ie, will you need an arena) or will you mostly be trail riding?

4. You will need hay storage. Even if you think you have enough grazing land, you will still need hay. Lots of people in the biz don't like the hay stored in the barn where the livestock lives since it can mold and become combustible so there's that but even more so, overhead storage is a pain (getting up and down) so wherever you plan to store your hay, try to NOT keep it in a loft.

I've got to go do mid-day chores but will check back in later...