Shopping for Horse Property:
What Makes a Property Suitable for Horses
Part 1 in a 3 part series
By Alayne Blickle
Program Director, Horses for Clean Water
So, you’ve finally decided to do it! You’re going hunting for that place in the country you’ve always dreamed about. You, your family and your horses will at last be together in “one fence.” You’re looking forward to the joy of waking up each morning to look out the window at your horses in their paddocks waiting for breakfast. If you work at home you’ll be able to pause between tasks to gaze out the window at your equine buddies happily grazing away in grassy pastures. At last you’ll be able to carefully monitor their weight, look after their health on a daily basis and keep their stall as clean as a whistle. Riding will be easier since you’re “right there.” Perhaps you’re even hoping to save a little money on expenses as you’ll be doing things yourself now. And besides, didn’t your spouse or partner always want to drive a tractor like Eddie Arnold on Green Acres?
While all of this may be true, there is another side to consider. Having your horse at home means that YOU and YOU ALONE are now totally responsible for your horse’s well being; no one else is going to be keeping an eye on him in addition to you. While riding may be easier to accomplish some days, what about the days when it’s cold, rainy and there’s no covered or lighted arena? Or, what will it be like when your riding buddies aren’t there to encourage or accompany you? Are there vacations or work times when you’ll need to be away? If you or your family wants to take off for a weekend or few weeks do you have someone to provide adequate care for your horses while you’re gone? And, as far as saving money – after you consider the time and cost of buying, building and repairing things such as fences, arenas, barns, shelters, equipment, and hay storage... well, it all may be looking a little less glamorous. Are you certain you’re ready to tackle this 24/7 job of horse and horse farm management?
If you remain un-daunted and this warning sounds like fun -- then read on! The home in the country with your horses may be calling for you! In this 3 part series we are going to go over some general points to help you choose suitable horse property. We will cover a list of basic considerations to look at before you sign on the dotted line. Next month, in Part II, we start at ground level by assessing important natural features to consider when reviewing potential horse properties.
Until then, good horsekeeping to you!
Alayne Renee Blickle, a life-long equestrian and reining competitor is the creator/director of Horses for Clean Water. HCW offers educational materials, courses & individual consultations on ways to care for and manage your horse and the facilities with an emphasis on environmentally friendly techniques. For more information on HCW visit the website at www.HorsesforCleanWater.com.
Upcoming Horses for Clean Water Events…
WHIDBEY ISLAND:
The HCW Horse Farm Management Series Plan now to join Alayne Blickle & HCW on Whidbey Island in March 2005 for the full 5-week series. Learn great ways to care for your horse while reducing mud, managing manure, getting rid of weeds, making pastures productive, controlling insects – and more! Bayview Cash Store Community Meeting Room, Langley, WA. Tuesday evenings 6:30 – 9pm, March 1st to 29th. To register or for more details contact the Whidbey Island Conservation District at 360-678-4708 or whidbeycd@coupeville.net.
