| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 765.1 | Board Out or Keep at Home? | MEIS::SCRAGGS | | Wed Nov 02 1988 14:18 | 34 |
|
Hi Cindy, this is my own personal opinion....
I've had horses all my life, always in my back yard until this
past summer. I board out now. If given the choice, I would always
have them in my back yard. You get alot of perks when you board
out, ie other people to ride with, possible better facilities,
no worry what your horse is doing while your not around... I never
had any problems having the horses in my back yard. I like boarding
out right now, It's giving me a short vacation, but hopefully in
the near future, I'll be in a position to take full care again.
There's nothing like waking up early in the morning, opening the
back door and having a welcomed greeting from your best friend.
I think it's really important to have a companion however, a horse
left alone tends to find trouble...or just gets lonely. Alot of
people may not agree, but my gelding was VERY depressed this
past spring and summer being alone, yet the horse across the street
is perfectly content not having a companion.
Things to think about,
Getting up earlier to allow time for feeding, breaking ice off
buckets, lugging water...
Coming home after a hard days work, having to muck a stall, feed,
RIDE?
Vacations....Weekend getaways aren't all that easy to do unless
you have a super responsible trustworthy neighbor...
But, thru it all I prefer it best!
Good luck.
Marianne
|
| 765.2 | | PBA::KEIRAN | | Wed Nov 02 1988 15:28 | 16 |
| Cindy,
I have to say that I agree with Marianne, I like having my horses
at my own house. You also have to look at the financial aspect
of boarding out, that can get extremely expensive with the way
board price has gone out of sight. Right now I have one horse at
home and board the other two out with a friend, and exchange work
for board. The one that is at home had never been alone in her
life because she was at the track, but absolutely loves getting
all the attention, and never seems to be lonely. Like Marianne
said, it gets hard to take vacations, unless you do have someone
to care for the animals, but if you know of someone, you're all
set!
|
| 765.3 | Here's how I did it | BUGEYE::MACEACHERN | Electric Horseman | Wed Nov 02 1988 16:10 | 21 |
| Cindy,
What has been said already is very true, no easy weekends away and
lots of work.
One thing else you should think of is that if you board, at least for
a half year to a year, you will be able to learn more about what it means to
take care of a horse.
It is easy to say that your animal has to be fed, watered, groomed and
have his stall taken care of, i.e. cleaned, but there are many other concerns.
If you board for a while things like shoeing and vet visits will be
done for you also, in some barns. Where I had my horses boarded, they did
everything, but the grooming. They would clean their feet, but any other
grooming I had to do.
I was able to see how they fed the horse, how they cleaned the stalls,
what they used for bedding and many other things. I also read other people's
opinion on how to manage a stable. By the time I moved my horses, about a year
later, my wife and I knew how we wanted the barn run.
Good luck with your decision. It will be as hard as the work if you
decide to have your critter in the back yard.
Dave.
|
| 765.4 | A question we all ask | DELNI::L_MCCORMACK | | Wed Nov 02 1988 16:29 | 113 |
|
Hi Cindy,
I guess you have to set your priorites about what is important
to you. I never liked boarding and have since always had my
horses at home. Perhaps that is because I grew up as a kid
with my horse in the backyard and later had to board after
getting married.
I'll list some advantadges and disadvantadges that I've come
across with both.
Keeping your horse at home cuts down on travel time and your
horse is available to you whenever you get the urge to go out
and ride or just sit in the barn.
If you choose full-board, you may not have to worry about
weather keeping you from showing up to feed but if you have
rough board you might want to make arrangements with the barn
to feed if you ever had an emergency and couldn't make it.
In my own experience and in many of my friends, there's always
going to be one horse's ass where-ever you go, and right, it's
usually not on the end of one of the horses. I have found
people that hog the cross-ties, steal your tack and feed, borrow
your stuff and never return it, block your horse in it's stall
while their horse is on the cross-ties, hog the paddocks so
your horse can't get out, or even ride your horse when you
aren't there. Also, I've had friends that boarded and had their
horses abused. Keeping your horse at home under your watchful
eye will avoid this AND you won't have to worry about getting
along with EVERYONE. BUT.... you can also make some nice friends
to ride and show with at barns as well as access to vets, clinics,
shows, and trailering. Is this important to you?
If you live out in the woods like I do and there aren't many other
people to ride with, then you may want to board just for companion-
ship or like me, have other horses so that you can invite friends
riding with you.
Some barns where I boarded cut the rates if you let them use your
horse for lessons. In smaller barns, they might cut the board
if they can use your horse to take friends riding. Get this
clear from the start. I once got into a situation out west where
I didn't even know they were using my horse everynight for riding=-
lessons. I was pretty angry when my sister's girlfriend told me
she rode MY horse every Tuesday night. Some people don't mind
other people riding their horse but with two of my horses this
is a pretty touchy subject with me. Especially since they are
both notorious for throwing people.
I think the biggest reason I love having my horses at home with
me is because I don't just like riding. I like cleaning the
stall, grooming, turning out and exercising, etc. If you'd
rather just ride and let someone else do the work and don't mind
paying for it, then board.
I also like having control over my horses feeding, turnout,
exercise, etc. Many barns standardize this and insist on feeding
the same feed and feed amounts to every horse in the barn regard-
less of the horse's own needs.
Another problem I find with boarding was getting access to the
ring, paddock, cross-ties or whatever. Big deal if they boast
about having this stuff! Will you ever be able to use it when
you need it? Get clear information on that.
Also, many barns set times when you may come to the barn. I
couldn't live with someone else's hours like that. I did board
my trotter at a training track where the hours were 24 hours
a day since most people were training and racing at all hours
of the night. I was pretty neat to swing by and visit my horse
at mid-night if he wasn't well or I just felt like it but
remember most barns may not agree with this.
NOw that I've pretty much sided with keeping your horse at
home I'll point out the advantadges of boarding.
- You won't have to be out patching fencing or wondering
why the electric wire isn't working.
- You won't be chasing your horse through your neighbors
yard fifteen minutes after you should have been to work.
- You won't have to get up every morning, especially in
a blizzard, and shovel out the barn, feed the horse,
then get yourself ready for work.
- You won't have to sit in front of your terminal all day
long worrying that your stupid brat found a way out of
the fence and is laying in the middle of the road.
- You won't have to spend your precious hours at night
and on the weekends cleaning stalls, feeding, grooming,
running for truckloads of shavings, loading and unloading
bales of hay, and picking up 100 lb. bags of feed.
- You won't have to take days off from work to meet the
vet or blacksmith and have them not show up.
So- consider all these advantadges and disadvantadges of both
keeping and home and boarding. Mark off what your highest
priorites are. Then match them up with which would be the
best for you. If you decide on boarding, you can take your
time finding a stable that meets most of your priorites.
Goodluck. Let us know what you decide.
|
| 765.5 | BOARDING/HOME??? | MILVAX::NICKERSON | | Wed Nov 02 1988 16:33 | 15 |
| We keep our horses in the "backyard" and like the others I do prefer
it; however, it is nice to have them out (as long as it is a GOOD
boarding stable. You do learn a great deal by watching others;
however, you still need to read a great deal along with the
observations. Everyone has their own way of doing things...that
is great as long as the animals don't suffer.
As far as having them at home, there are many things that you can
do to make things easier...run out stalls (get the right horse and
there is no mucking), etc.
GOOD LUCK it is fun having them at home. If you have any questions,
or just want to come and watch how we do it at out place, drop by
some time.
|
| 765.6 | e | DELNI::L_MCCORMACK | | Wed Nov 02 1988 16:41 | 10 |
|
Of course I forgot one of the biggest advantadges of boarding.
You can skip off whenever you want. You don't have to be
home every morning to feed or go right home after work to
clean stalls and feed. And you can go away on vacation or
whatever whenever you want without worrying about finding
a reliable horse-sitter which is just about impossible.
|
| 765.7 | Vote yes on home boarding | SALEM::DOUGLAS | | Wed Nov 02 1988 17:48 | 24 |
| Hi Cindy,
And yet another vote for keeping your horse at home. I boarded for
a year and enjoyed every aspect of it but the $$$ for board.
Now that I have my guys at home, I wouldn't have it any other way.
But I also agree with the other replies here that it's alot of work
and not just once a day but 2,3,4 times a day.
What I like most about having my guy at home is that I never really
knew what a personality (horseality) he had and the cute little
antics he did, until I had him at home. I think they become more
pet-like when they're at home. They come to see you as "mommy" because
you don't ride them every time you see them but may just be there
to say hi and groom them or give them a hug and an apple. When I
boarded my horse out, I allways felt that he saw me as "the lady
who comes to ride me and make me work".
Don't be too concerned that you don't know enough about horse care,
you'll learn real fast! All I can say is read, read, read!
Regards, Tina
|
| 765.8 | yes and no for boarding | DUZERS::PELUSO | | Thu Nov 03 1988 11:54 | 40 |
|
Hi Cindy-
Hi Cindy-
Since I got Coco this summer, I have boarded him out (my boyfriend
has his at the same place too). I do full chores one day and feed
only another - this helped reduce my board. It is nice to know
that the few nights you can't make it, someone is taking care of
your horse (feeding and mucking only). Since I never had a horse
before, I have learned so much about running a barn and horses.
the owner always has something new to show me.
I have not experienced any of the complaints others mentioned, like
someone else using my horse, hogging cross ties ect., there is a
group of us down there who exist well together. I have noticed
some things walking away by themselves, but that rarely happens.
The only problem I've noticed is lack of good help. The chores
don't pay much, and it is hard work, but right now things have been
going well. The drive is starting to get to me also (15 min.).
So I agree with #.4 (I think) about boarding for a while before
building. Also try working a night or two to really find out what
is involved (have I been suprised). If I can last the winter, doing
chores, my boyfriend will put up a barn and we'll keep our horses there,
maybe with a boarder or two( a good idea to have if you want to
take off occasionally, they can cover while your away).
Something else to think about is look at many different barns
and stables. Someone might have a good idea or two that you would
never have considered if you didn't 'shop around'.
Your more than welcome to come down and see the barn I board
at, and check out what goes on.
Good luck
Michele (who can't wait to have her own barn!)
|
| 765.9 | How About A Happy Medium???? | MPGS::SCHOFIELD | | Thu Nov 03 1988 14:13 | 15 |
| This is a subject I am glad to see. I have been contemplating moving
my horse to my own barn. I have been boarding all my life, for the
past 3 yrs rough board at a private barn with an indoor arena.
After an incident last week I have made up my mind to move my horse
to my own barn. I am planning on keeping my horse at home for most
of the year with the possibility of boarding (full board) for a couple
of months in the spring to get a head start on the show season.
It looks like I have made the right decision from the reponses in this
note. Keep them coming!!
Wendy
|
| 765.10 | | MILVAX::HUDSON | | Thu Nov 03 1988 17:01 | 12 |
|
Thank you all for your responses and like Wendy said in .9 keep
them coming. I think I will probably board for a while until we
do get our barn up, but after it is finished that would be the end
of boarding. It seems you all agree with keeping the kids at home.
My only problem will be if I am still working the same hours I am
now. I have to get up at 4:15a.m. now in order to get to work on
time. If I leave the Mill I would gladly change my hours but because
of the parking problem here I like the early hours.
Thanks again
Cindy
|
| 765.11 | Home on the range | PTOMV6::PETH | My kids are horses | Thu Nov 03 1988 17:28 | 17 |
| I have always kept my horses myself. With me I could not afford
to own 3 horses if I had to pay board. As far as feeding horses
early in the morning; as long as you keep the feeding about 12 hours
apart and regular the kids get used to it. I dont even live at my
farm yet we built to barn before the house! The neighbors are great!
We have a retired man on one side that keeps in eye on them during
the day. There was one time when a horse got out of the fence and
one neighbor put her in the other pasture and another neighbor fixed
the fence so the other horse couldn't get out. It took a week before
I talked to both neighbors to figure out how the horses got into
2 different pastures when I knew I left them together that morning.
I have had less trouble finding sitters for the horses than my dogs!
Good luck and have em at home,
Sandy_who_has_great_neighbors.
|
| 765.12 | and sometimes it's the only option | NOETIC::KOLBE | The dilettante debutante | Thu Nov 03 1988 20:08 | 19 |
|
With the exception of the year I lived on the ranch I've always
boarded out. That translates to 2 places only however. The place
I was at in Indiana was a private barn and all the kids (there
were 6 of us) boarded together with the owners daughter from the
time we got our horses till we left for college. Now I'm at the
same barn I started with 4 years ago and it's mostly the same
people since that time.
While there are definate advantages to having your horse at home
(I think about it at times) I don't have the type of job that
would allow it. I live with my mother who is too old (plus she
just had a stroke this summer) to care for my horse and I
sometimes can't leave work till after 7 or later. Horses like a
regular schedule and when the system is down the system manager
can't leave till it's working again. Some days I'm home by 5 and
others by 8. I have some complaints about the stable but overall
I trust the woman who manages it to take good care of my horse.
liesl
|
| 765.13 | To board or not to board ... | MARKER::REED | Vote NO on Question 3! | Mon Nov 07 1988 20:36 | 56 |
|
Hi Cindy!
I too, have to agree with .4 and most of the other comments about
keeping the "kids" at home. Last year I was fortunate enough to
have a friend offer me an apratment in his old farmhouse. This
is the first time since owning Cheyenne that I've been able to live
with him. YYYYAAAAHHHOOOOO!!!
I have had my share of PITA's (pain-in-the-asses) at every barn
I've been at. I've worked to help pay board (got the raw end of
the deal). I've done rough board and full board and I find that
having my kid at my own house WONDERFUL!!!! At my barn there are
5 horses (2 are my landlord/friends; 1 each to two sisters who have
been friends of my landlords for years and myself). I guess I have
the best of both worlds, Chey is living with me and I have built-in
babysitters.
Since I'm not a lark and tend to rush around in the a.m., I prepare
all the grain the night before and store it in the bins. That way
when I get up in the a.m. (especially in the winter), I don't have to
fight with frozen grain. I also try to make sure that the tub out
back is filled and that the heater is working the previous night.
In the a.m. I throw the guys their grain, and put the hay outside.
I then race inside and get changed for work. Richard (the landlord)
then let's the guys out and off we both go. Sometimes it's Richard
who feeds and I let them out. This only take about 15 mins. for
all five. I muck out at night.
It's nice too since I can go out there any time I want. If I want
to muck out at mid-night, no problem. Or if by some fluke I get
up real early, I can do it in the morning. In the summer, I can
sometimes get in a quick ride around the back 5 acres before work.
I've even gone out in the middle of the night and had a good cry
on Cheyenne's shoulder.
However, I do agree that alot can be learned from boarding. And
depending on how many horses are at the barn, you can sometimes
get the vet to come and get shots, worming, teeth floating, whatever
at a reduced rate if everyone is doing it at the same time. No matter
what though read, read, read, ask questions and observe. When you
do finally bring your baby home, you may want to consider getting
him a companion as someone else stated that horses do tend to get
lonesome and/or bored.
And finally, if you're worried about vacationing, you may want to
consider what I've been doing over that past 6 years, include your
horse! It can be LOADS of fun.
Sorry to ramble on.
Good luck!
Roslyn
|
| 765.14 | One comes before the other. | DCC::HERRING | | Tue Nov 08 1988 06:46 | 39 |
| I would like to get my two pfennings in...
The question is not to board at home or not, but as previously stated,
do you know enough to board at home.
Having grown up on a farm with pleanty of horses and other anilams,
(we didn't learn to how to spell "Animals" on the farm), I thought
that I knew all about taking care of horses.
Luckily I boarded my horses, and now after two years, I think I
am capable to take care of them myself. We we return to the US,
I definately plan to keep my horses at home.
What I learned...
.What to do for horses after a hard day of work (theirs not mine)
.Worming
.Blanketing (When, with what, etc)
.auxillary equipment (boots, leg protectors, etc)
.Vet care, When to let them rest, when to exercise
.vetinary emergencies
.Feeding (what, when, who much)
I found out that people tend to keep animals differently in different
places. What I did in North Carolina as a child is not necessarily
the way we keep horses in New England. I am in Europe now, and
I have discovered even more differences in what we considered normal
practice in New England.
So, I keep on learning and really want to take care of my horses
my self, but I am grateful of the chance to understand Horse care
better. (Of course, watch out for the "Horse Expert" . There is
usually at least one at every barn who thinks he/she is the best
authority on Horses and riders.
Thanks for listening (reading).
Ed
|
| 765.15 | Sounds great but... | ASABET::PYNCHON | | Tue Nov 15 1988 19:42 | 18 |
| I am in the position where I don't have space for a horse (I live
in a complex - definately no field!), yet I am finding the cost
and "conveniance" of boarding leave a lot to be desired. The only
stables I can afford are 30 - 40 minutes away! I have started looking
for a family in the Marlboro/Southboro/Sudbury area who would rent
out space in their field for my horse, but can't get any leads.
After all the talk about keeping a horse at home, I would like to
experience some of the advantages. Does anyone know of such a place?
My horse is used to spending all year roound outside as long as
there is shelter from rain/snow, so a stall is not what I want anyway.
If you know of anyplace, please let me know
Sarah Pynchon
DTN 223-4330
(508)460-1069
ASABET::PYNCHON
|
| 765.16 | On the other hand. | FORTY2::GUNN | | Mon Nov 21 1988 16:30 | 14 |
| Keeping horses "at home" is fine if you don't mind several thousand
pound anchors in your life. However, your "freedom" is constrained by
your pets. I have never considered anything other than boarding my
horse, but have spent a lot of time to find the right barn at which to
board my horse. My horse is still my pet who recognizes the person who
brings him carrots on every visit. The time to take care of my horse at
home is something I don't have and my frequent business trips would
mean organizing neighbours, friends or temporary board to care for my
horse anyway.
Since, at the moment, I am two thirds of the way through a round the
world business trip, which I wouldn't have been able to take if I
didn't board my horse, I have no hesitation in being in favour of
boarding!
|
| 765.17 | BOARDING!!!! | MEDUSA::STILES | | Fri Dec 09 1988 19:45 | 16 |
| I have had my horse since high school. I kept him at my parents
for my 4 years of H.S. and then commuted to a close-by college for
4 years so I could keep him there then too. After college, I had
to move out on my own due to the location of my first job. So,
at that time, I started to board. I have been boarding now for
3 years and although I am now looking for land to build a house
(and yes a barn to eventually bring him home again in his old age)
I would still recommend boarding.
It lets you keep lots of freedoms that you now take for granted.
After 8 years of twice per day feedings/waterings and stall cleanings,
it was nice to be able to sleep late on a Saturday morning or to
go out after work and not have to rush home because my friend was
waiting and hungry.
|
| 765.18 | mixed emotions | MJOSWS::FAGLEY | beat the resident | Tue Dec 13 1988 17:12 | 16 |
| Just stumbled on this topic... I have been boarding three horses
for about 6 months now. I am thinking of buying a 5 acre piece
of land with a stable/barn on it 10 minutes from home. I just
can't find the time to take care of the horses. I could put about
5 horses in the stable and would even offer cheap board if I could
get help with daily care. I like boarding my horses but the stable
manager is a know-it-all and doesn't like my favorite horse. She
thinks discipline and abuse are the same and my horse would kill
her if given a chance. I supplement my horses' feed whether the
stable manager likes it or not. I am not happy with the
condition of the stalls(cleanliness) and often clean and add sawdust
when I'm there. Boarding has alot of negatives, but I don't have
time to do it myself and doubt many people do.
Rick
|
| 765.19 | time for a new barn? | MILVAX::HUDSON | | Wed Dec 14 1988 10:10 | 10 |
| RE: .18
Rick, do you think it's time to look for a new stable? If the manager
is that bad I wouldn't blame the horse if he did something but I'm
sure the manager would probably sue. Maybe if you bought that land
you could find a person to run it with you. I have decided that
if at all possible to get my own horse next year I will have to
board for a while. No money to build with yet, but like I said
earlier I'm tired of next year never comming so if I can get my
own horse I'll have to board for a while. But I will check out
the stables first.
|
| 765.20 | keeping a horse at home | NAC::A_OBRIEN | | Tue Jul 28 1992 16:09 | 65 |
| I am a reasonably new horse owner (have owned my horse for 2 years)
and I am dreaming of keeping my horse at home if we decide to buy
a horse property. As much as I would like to to do that I am also
concerned whether it is a real option in my situation.
THE HORSE:
I currently have an older Connemara who is considered an easy
keeper. He has been recently diagnosed with early navicular
changes (he is in his 20-ieth) and requires special shoeing.
He currently is ridden every day and is fed the following
diet:
2 qts pellets
2 qts sweet feed
4 qts Respond
wet hey cubes inside
either hey or grass outside (he is allergic to hey
and can only have outside)
In the current barn he is turned out almost every day either
in mud paddocks or on grass.
THE FAMILY:
I have a 3 year old daughter who I am hoping will learn on
Guiness (my horse's name). He is wonderful with children and
she currently can sit on him when I lead him. Obviously I do not
know if she will have an interest in riding in the future. But
if she does I could never afford to keep 2 horses in a boarding
situation.
MY SITUATION:
I work full time (one day from home). My horse is currently
boarded quite a distance away (a long story) in a wonderful
but rather expensive barn. The only way I can afford it is because
I currently own him with someone else (who will most likely be
getting out of the deal within the next year). Because of the
distance and my other obligations I can only ride him 2-3 times a
week.
QUESTIONS:
1. How much does it cost to keep a horse at home in Massachussets:
feed, hey, shavings etc. assuming that the barn faciltity is
already there?
2. How much time per day would it take to care for the animal?
3. My current barn has an indoor ring so I can ride regardless
of the whether. How much do people ride in the winter when there
is no indoor?
4. How does one turn a horse out if one is not at home all day?
In the summer I guess I could turn him out at night but what
about winter when it gets so cold? Is is conceivable to leave
a horse outside without supervision (even a calm, sensible horse)?
5. What do you do when you go away for a day/weekend/vacation?
I know that there are horse-sitters but how does one find a
reliable one? And what about extended vacations i.e. a month?
6. Given that I am an inexperienced horse owner how likely it is
that I would somehow mishandle him and/or miss some signs of
a sickness?
Sorry about the length of this and thanks for all the advice.
Ania
|
| 765.21 | a couple thoughts... | CARTUN::MISTOVICH | | Tue Jul 28 1992 17:09 | 34 |
| My main concern would be loneliness -- horses are herd animals and most
are unhappy without a companion.
I know many people who leave their horses turned out and unsupervised
during the day. Certainly with an older horse who not only is quiet
but also has "been around the block" a few times should be ok if you
have good fencing.
The difference in cost between boarding out and keeping at home is
very significant. I won't hazard a guess because it's been a while
since I priced grain, hay and bedding, but a friend of mine supported
her arab for less than $100/month maybe 5-7 years ago.
How much people ride during winter months depends on the individual.
It takes a lot of dedication to work through really cold weather. I
don't generally ride below 20 degrees and absolutely do not work them
below 10 degrees because of the possibility of damaging lungs. I also
no longer work him on nights when the roads are really bad (having
totalled my last car and almost myself on my way to the barn).
General care doesn't take a whole lot of time. If your horse is turned
out all day and pretty neat in his stall, you should be able to clean
in in 15 minutes or less. I know one arab breeders whose horses are so
neat that after a week their stalls look like mine do after a day!
Feeding takes just a few minutes morning and night to measure out the
food. Water takes a little longer (at least if you are conscientous)
because buckets shoule be emptied and scrubbed at least once per day
and also will need to have the ice broken and removed morning and night
in the winter.
With only one horse you may have a harder time with deliveries and also
with scheduling farriers and vet maintenance.
Mary
|
| 765.22 | | BUSY::MANDILE | American take a Jerk-pill Week | Tue Jul 28 1992 18:14 | 24 |
| I have had my own barn for 3 years now, and would *never* go
back to boarding!! (; I live in MA, BTW....
I have 2 horses. 1 is 8, the other 19. I stable them in stalls
at night, and turn them out at about 6:30am, feeding them outside.
(pellets & hay) Waterbuckets outside are filled for the next day.
They have a 3 sided shed to go into in case of bad weather, (big
deal, they would rather stand out in the rain! (: ) and about 3/4
of an acre of corral to hang out in. They are unsupervised from
then until I get home at about 4:30. They get fed, hayed, the water
refilled, and the stalls are then mucked out. This is also when I
can ride, so they get grained after riding...Weekends are when major
barn maintenance is done, i.e. manure spreading, corral clean-up, fence
repair, horse baths, etc. What it costs you will depend on your
location to a feed store, and what you feed. Make sure you plan space
to store sufficient feed/hay, because it's a pain having to run down
to the feed store every week for supplies. It costs me less than $100
per horse for feeds, but I am currently running a feed business on the
side, so my costs are a lot less than average. I also buy hay in large
qty, which helps....
Lynne
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| 765.24 | | CSLALL::LCOBURN | Plan B Farm | Tue Jul 28 1992 18:45 | 31 |
| I keep two at home alone as well, and like Lynne, I would NEVER go back
to boarding.
They both have 12x12 box stalls that open directly onto the paddock.
One is shut in at night, the other has not been shut in his stall in
over a year and a half. They are fed in their stalls, with hay and
water available outside during the day in mangers. They are alone from
6:30 to 4:30 daily, and rarely get into trouble. I ride, clean, etc
each evening, my nightly chores take me about an hour and a half for
both horses, with major chores done on the weekends.
I have an outdoor ring, lighted with flood lights for spring and fall,
so winter is really the only season I dont ride much. They dont seem to
suffer any from it, and there is an indoor arena that I can rent hourly
about once a month, too.
As far as money, there is simply no comparison! When I boarded 4 years
ago, it cost me upwards of 350 a month, no including shoeing, worming,
and any extras. Now I make do quite nicely on 100 a month per horse.
I also buy my hay and shavings in bulk, and grain once a week.
And for me, the rewards are much more. I really enjoy doing all my own
work, and I feel my relationship with my horses is so much closer
because of it. And Im picky, was never happy boarding, I desest barn
managers who seem to feel THEY own my horse....no one can take better
car of my horses better than I do, and I was constantly having run-ins
with barn managers about feed, farriers, etc. Its so much more fun
having them at home!
Good luck!
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| 765.25 | thanks | NAC::A_OBRIEN | | Wed Jul 29 1992 12:40 | 5 |
| Thanks a lot for all the replies. We are just in the process of
putting our townhouse on the market so it will be a while before
anything happens. I will let people know what we have decided.
Thanks again, Ania
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| 765.26 | | MSBCS::A_HARRIS | | Wed Jul 29 1992 16:19 | 8 |
| Ania,
Feel free to come over to my barn again to talk about how we manage
with two horses at home and a young child. I, too, would never want to
go back to boarding my horse. It's great having them at home and being
able to see them all the time.
-Andrea- (Pompositticut St.)
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