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 I Chore in Chucks
Posts: 2882
   
Location: MD | If money isn't a factor would you buy your own plot and put up a small barn for two horses or would you go to a fancy full care facility with all the amenities?
-We like to travel (without horses)
-Definitely don't barrel race but a few times a year
-moving to a ocean front florida condo is in the 10 year plan.
-I LOVE waking up to seeing my fluffy horses with mouthfuls of hay
-The dog benefits from having his barn time and to work on his agility
-Finding a place that will care for your horse like they deserve is definitely difficult
would you go to a full care boarding place?
or would you own your own small acreage and build the perfect little barn for your horses? |
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 Expert
Posts: 3782
Location: Gainesville, TX | Own, always own. |
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| I prefer to take care of my own, even when we boarded I was there 2 or 3 times a day. For your situation though, I woud board, you can go as often as you like to the barn like I did but have the covenience to travel and when ready to down size to condo you are already set. |
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 Bulls Eye
Posts: 6443
Location: Oklahoma | I love having my horses at home.... BUT do you have a person you trust for when you travel? If not, I would board at a nice facility |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 628
Location: Missouri | I say own and if you get tired of your horses and want to travel, sell them and go. |
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Expert
Posts: 2531
Location: WI | I would do it at home. I do love having a huge outdoor and heated indoor where I board, but since you said money wasn't a factor - I would build my own! |
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 Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9992
Location: Kansas | I prefer home, so I don't have to travel to see my horse daily (cuts back on diesel) and if he ever hurts himself...he's right there by the house for me to pull in and care for. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 372
| Based on your scenario and money being no concern
Own and have someone that works for you to take care of the Animals.
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | As someone who has never owned horse property but been at several boarding barns, I would prefer to own. Boarding is great in some ways. The barn is heated, the indoor arena is heated, indoor wash rack, 2 outdoor arenas, and a round pen. I don't have to worry about buying/storing hay. Or getting up early to feed, clean stalls, turnout, etc. I get to use the BO's theraplate. The barn manager who lives on site is also my farrier and his wife does massage. Since Cash and I are trying to break into the mounted shooting world it's extremely convenient that weekly practice as well as a few competitions are hosted right at my barn, so no trailering necessary.
There are a lot of positives. But it does have a couple downfalls for me that make owning horse property my main goal. First, my barn is a half hour drive away (and I will be moving to the other end of town next year and will be even further away!) I spend so much freakin $$$$ on gas and so much time in the truck that I don't like. The distance makes it very difficult to get out to the barn every day, and that's a problem. You see, I'm a CONTROL FREAK regarding horses. I want to be in charge of every aspect of their life. I want to design their living quarters, I want to clean their stalls MY way, I want to feed them, I want to be in charge of where their hay comes from (my barn buys sh!t quality hay). My horses are my children and I want to see them every day and have them right there at home. ALSO it seems all the boarding barns around here have 3 board options: 1. Stall at night, small run during the day 2. Small run with shelter 24/7. Turnout in a huge herd on 20+ acres. I'm a STRONG believer in keeping horses turned out as many hours as possible with room to graze and run but Cash is a wimp and is beaten to a bloody pulp if I turn him out in a herd. Not to mention the pasture is so freakin massive and hilly that it can take a good half hour just to bring them in. If there was boarding in a more reasonable sized field with only a few horses together, then boarding wouldn't be nearly as bad.
My dream is to have a small barn, maybe 4 stalls at the most, but make it perfect. Everything designed for horsey and human comfort.
Edited by cavyrunsbarrels 2015-10-15 8:54 AM
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | I own where my horses are and live there, this is the joy of owning horses is to have them right here where I'm at to see them 24/7 and feed and take care of them. Like another poster said since money is no problem I would buy my own land and then when I traveled I would hire someone to come and feed.
I like being able to go and ride anytime of the day, just walk out my back door and go, no planning just go .  |
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Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9992
Location: Kansas | Southtxponygirl - 2015-10-15 9:13 AM I own where my horses are and live there, this is the joy of owning horses is to have them right here where I'm at to see them 24/7 and feed and take care of them. Like another poster said since money is no problem I would buy my own land and then when I traveled I would hire someone to come and feed.
I like being able to go and ride anytime of the day, just walk out my back door and go, no planning just go .
Yay Roxie!!! So glad to see you back on here! |
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A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | hoofs_in_motion - 2015-10-15 9:14 AM Southtxponygirl - 2015-10-15 9:13 AM I own where my horses are and live there, this is the joy of owning horses is to have them right here where I'm at to see them 24/7 and feed and take care of them. Like another poster said since money is no problem I would buy my own land and then when I traveled I would hire someone to come and feed.
I like being able to go and ride anytime of the day, just walk out my back door and go, no planning just go .
Awe  thank you Hoofs  |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 502
Location: United States | Own! And build a relationship with a trustworthy facility so when you travel you can board them. I boarded for years, there is nothing more gratifying than taking care of your own horses. |
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 Namesless in BHW
Posts: 10368
Location: At the race track with Ah Dee Ohs | Southtxponygirl - 2015-10-15 9:13 AM I own where my horses are and live there, this is the joy of owning horses is to have them right here where I'm at to see them 24/7 and feed and take care of them. Like another poster said since money is no problem I would buy my own land and then when I traveled I would hire someone to come and feed.
I like being able to go and ride anytime of the day, just walk out my back door and go, no planning just go .
Hey, your back! Glad to see you Roxie!  |
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 Expert
Posts: 1718
Location: Southeast Louisiana | If money wasn't a factor, I would build a nice barn with an apartment and employ someone full time to feed, clean and care for my horses. But, money is a factor for me. I've done both, and I prefer to own. We don't travel as much as you, but when we do, there has always been someone in our area willing to care for our animals at home. |
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  Fact Checker
Posts: 16575
Location: Displaced Iowegian | hoofs_in_motion - 2015-10-15 9:14 AM Southtxponygirl - 2015-10-15 9:13 AM I own where my horses are and live there, this is the joy of owning horses is to have them right here where I'm at to see them 24/7 and feed and take care of them. Like another poster said since money is no problem I would buy my own land and then when I traveled I would hire someone to come and feed.
I like being able to go and ride anytime of the day, just walk out my back door and go, no planning just go .
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 434
Location: Northwest Florida | OWN! I've had very little experience with boarding barns but that experience was not good! Friends of mine that board are always mixed up in drama with other boarders, or have complaints about the care their horses are receiving.
You can always find reputable pet sitting services or trusted friends to watch the animals for you when you're away. And as for the ocean front condo, you should live like I live- 30 minutes from the Emerald Coast, but my barn and horses are in my backyard! It's not exactly ocean front, but I can go to the beach every day if I want to  |
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Fact Checker
Posts: 16575
Location: Displaced Iowegian | I boarded ONCE through a winter because I was hauling to rodeos. The barn was only 3-4 miles from my house and had a small indoor arena but I still HATED it.....having to work around other people in the arena (at all times of the day); having to LOCK up feed and tack; everybody being in your business. etc. etc. etc. |
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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| cavyrunsbarrels - 2015-10-15 8:54 AM
As someone who has never owned horse property but been at several boarding barns, I would prefer to own. Boarding is great in some ways. The barn is heated, the indoor arena is heated, indoor wash rack, 2 outdoor arenas, and a round pen. I don't have to worry about buying/storing hay. Or getting up early to feed, clean stalls, turnout, etc. I get to use the BO's theraplate. The barn manager who lives on site is also my farrier and his wife does massage. Since Cash and I are trying to break into the mounted shooting world it's extremely convenient that weekly practice as well as a few competitions are hosted right at my barn, so no trailering necessary.
There are a lot of positives. But it does have a couple downfalls for me that make owning horse property my main goal. First, my barn is a half hour drive away (and I will be moving to the other end of town next year and will be even further away!) I spend so much freakin $$$$ on gas and so much time in the truck that I don't like. The distance makes it very difficult to get out to the barn every day, and that's a problem. You see, I'm a CONTROL FREAK regarding horses. I want to be in charge of every aspect of their life. I want to design their living quarters, I want to clean their stalls MY way, I want to feed them, I want to be in charge of where their hay comes from (my barn buys sh!t quality hay). My horses are my children and I want to see them every day and have them right there at home. ALSO it seems all the boarding barns around here have 3 board options: 1. Stall at night, small run during the day 2. Small run with shelter 24/7. Turnout in a huge herd on 20+ acres. I'm a STRONG believer in keeping horses turned out as many hours as possible with room to graze and run but Cash is a wimp and is beaten to a bloody pulp if I turn him out in a herd. Not to mention the pasture is so freakin massive and hilly that it can take a good half hour just to bring them in. If there was boarding in a more reasonable sized field with only a few horses together, then boarding wouldn't be nearly as bad.
My dream is to have a small barn, maybe 4 stalls at the most, but make it perfect. Everything designed for horsey and human comfort.
I couldnt agree more with this post.... kinda creepy how you took every word out of my mouth. (I think we're the same person)
I board at a great facility who truly love my horse and I know I could never afford that facility and all the amenties but I cant wait to someday own my own place. There are things I would do differently if I didnt board. I spend a lot of time in the car and money on gas going to see him at least once a day.
I dont travel a lot and horses are my life so it fits me to have them at home. To be able to ride whenever I want and go brush and love on them whenever I want.
But from what you're describing, I think boarding is more appropriate. |
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 Born not Made
Posts: 2937
Location: North Dakota | Own. Hands down for me. |
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 You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | I hate having to board mine at school. I can't turn out exactly when I want, things aren't on my terms, its just a pain. I board at a great barn and it is convenient for sure, but I miss having them at home. |
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I Chore in Chucks
Posts: 2882
Location: MD | Thanks for your opinions!
We are in between a rock and a hard place. I would prefer them at home, but boarding makes a lot of sense on paper. Unfortunately so many boarding barns that are full of drama, bad practices and big egos kind of sour you on the really great boarding barns! Hopefully if that is the route we take we can find the best place possible. |
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 Money Eating Baggage Owner
Posts: 9586
Location: Phoenix | I mean, the end goal is to own. But if I own, I want the whole nine yards: arena, roping chutes, round pen, truck, trailer, turnouts, pastures. At this point, I'm ok boarding because I don't have the $$ to get what I want. Luckily I've found a place that keeps pretty good care of my horse and it's nice because I can travel. Or if I'm tired after work I don't need to go feed. |
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | stayceem - 2015-10-15 11:12 AM cavyrunsbarrels - 2015-10-15 8:54 AM As someone who has never owned horse property but been at several boarding barns, I would prefer to own. Boarding is great in some ways. The barn is heated, the indoor arena is heated, indoor wash rack, 2 outdoor arenas, and a round pen. I don't have to worry about buying/storing hay. Or getting up early to feed, clean stalls, turnout, etc. I get to use the BO's theraplate. The barn manager who lives on site is also my farrier and his wife does massage. Since Cash and I are trying to break into the mounted shooting world it's extremely convenient that weekly practice as well as a few competitions are hosted right at my barn, so no trailering necessary.
There are a lot of positives. But it does have a couple downfalls for me that make owning horse property my main goal. First, my barn is a half hour drive away (and I will be moving to the other end of town next year and will be even further away!) I spend so much freakin $$$$ on gas and so much time in the truck that I don't like. The distance makes it very difficult to get out to the barn every day, and that's a problem. You see, I'm a CONTROL FREAK regarding horses. I want to be in charge of every aspect of their life. I want to design their living quarters, I want to clean their stalls MY way, I want to feed them, I want to be in charge of where their hay comes from (my barn buys sh!t quality hay). My horses are my children and I want to see them every day and have them right there at home. ALSO it seems all the boarding barns around here have 3 board options: 1. Stall at night, small run during the day 2. Small run with shelter 24/7. Turnout in a huge herd on 20+ acres. I'm a STRONG believer in keeping horses turned out as many hours as possible with room to graze and run but Cash is a wimp and is beaten to a bloody pulp if I turn him out in a herd. Not to mention the pasture is so freakin massive and hilly that it can take a good half hour just to bring them in. If there was boarding in a more reasonable sized field with only a few horses together, then boarding wouldn't be nearly as bad.
My dream is to have a small barn, maybe 4 stalls at the most, but make it perfect. Everything designed for horsey and human comfort. I couldnt agree more with this post.... kinda creepy how you took every word out of my mouth. (I think we're the same person ) I board at a great facility who truly love my horse and I know I could never afford that facility and all the amenties but I cant wait to someday own my own place. There are things I would do differently if I didnt board. I spend a lot of time in the car and money on gas going to see him at least once a day. I dont travel a lot and horses are my life so it fits me to have them at home. To be able to ride whenever I want and go brush and love on them whenever I want. But from what you're describing, I think boarding is more appropriate.
Haha great minds think alike |
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| Crowned Image - 2015-10-15 12:35 PM
Thanks for your opinions!
We are in between a rock and a hard place. I would prefer them at home, but boarding makes a lot of sense on paper. Unfortunately so many boarding barns that are full of drama, bad practices and big egos kind of sour you on the really great boarding barns! Hopefully if that is the route we take we can find the best place possible.
Why not do both?
If money is not an issue, have your horses at home, when you go travelling, have it set up with a boarding facility to drop them off for the week or two you will be gone.
There are horse rehab places that do weekly board, so your horse would be subjected to a spa while you are on holiday, win win for each. |
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 Poor Cracker Girl
Posts: 12150
Location: Feeding mosquitos, FL | Given the chance to do it over again, I would board hands down IF I found a good barn. You could go out of town at a moment's notice. If you run late or something comes up and you don't get home til late, the horses have already been fed. You don't have to run down the hay man to deliver hay or drive to go get it. You won't spend your time fixing the innumerable things that break, maintaining fence lines, dragging the arena, etc ad nauseum, instead of riding your horse.
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I Chore in Chucks
Posts: 2882
Location: MD | cheryl makofka - 2015-10-15 3:18 PM
Crowned Image - 2015-10-15 12:35 PM
Thanks for your opinions!
We are in between a rock and a hard place. I would prefer them at home, but boarding makes a lot of sense on paper. Unfortunately so many boarding barns that are full of drama, bad practices and big egos kind of sour you on the really great boarding barns! Hopefully if that is the route we take we can find the best place possible.
Why not do both?
If money is not an issue, have your horses at home, when you go travelling, have it set up with a boarding facility to drop them off for the week or two you will be gone.
There are horse rehab places that do weekly board, so your horse would be subjected to a spa while you are on holiday, win win for each.
not to sound really dumb here... but I didn't even know this was a possible option. |
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Veteran
Posts: 270
| I have been on all three sides of the fence. My dad ran a boarding facility when I was in high school but for the most part, we've always had ours at home. There was some drama between some of the families/kids that were there but nothing major, we kept it a low key atmosphere. When I got married and moved out, I was blessed enough that we found a small place that could accommodate my two although it only gave me the pasture to ride in. We lived there for 12 years but just recently moved and I'm having to board while we build our house.
I miss having them in the back yard because like others have said, they're there for you to do whatever whenever. On the flip side, it's nice having trails, an arena and round pen and I enjoy having other people to ride with because my hubby nor my son ride so I always rode by myself at home. It's also nice that when we want to travel I don't have to get my dad or neighbor to take care of them while we're gone. The negatives, like everybody has said, the driving back and forth stinks, especially when they are sick/ injured. I lucked up with the farm they're at. It was a friend of a friend. She lives on the property and doesn't really advertise so she only keeps around 10-15 horses and takes excellent care of them. If you can find somewhere that's very laid back and does it more because they enjoy it rather then to see how much money they can make, I think it makes for a nicer place to be. You just have to decide how much and where you want to put in the work for your horses. Either way requires time, work and money just in different aspects. Hope this helps some and good luck with them!  |
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 Don't Wanna Make This Awkward
Posts: 3106
Location: Texas | Crowned Image - 2015-10-15 6:48 PM cheryl makofka - 2015-10-15 3:18 PM Crowned Image - 2015-10-15 12:35 PM Thanks for your opinions! We are in between a rock and a hard place. I would prefer them at home, but boarding makes a lot of sense on paper. Unfortunately so many boarding barns that are full of drama, bad practices and big egos kind of sour you on the really great boarding barns! Hopefully if that is the route we take we can find the best place possible. Why not do both? If money is not an issue, have your horses at home, when you go travelling, have it set up with a boarding facility to drop them off for the week or two you will be gone. There are horse rehab places that do weekly board, so your horse would be subjected to a spa while you are on holiday, win win for each. not to sound really dumb here... but I didn't even know this was a possible option.
If money was not an option this is definitley a choice. Most boarding barns will take horses on a daily rate
Im gonna be the odd one out and say board.. I travel a lot too and it would not be possible for me if my horses lived at home. I board with someone who I had known for many years and I am a very flexible person myself. You have to be flexible/open minded when boarding. Im lucky because im the only boarder at my place so I don't have all the drama which is excellent. I definitley reccommend asking people you would trust if they are interested in letting you board there horses. The last place I boarded at was the most prestigious place in town. It had been privately bought as it use to be a boarding barn. I tried to find out who owned it for years, one day they put "hay for sale" sign up, so my dad started buying hay from them, after a few months we brought the proposal of boarding up and the lady liked us enough and let our horses move in. That was one of the best decisions of my life. I've found so far that if you board at someones house and they aren't trying to make income from you than your horses will typically get excellent care. |
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 Witty Enough
Posts: 2954
Location: CTX | Easy, own.... I use to board, and I love the barn owner. She is a good friend, so when we have to travel I can still bring the kids over. But I dislike the drama that is involved.... When there are 3-4 or more (typically) women involved there is always drama.....
Also, I am very OCD about everything that has to do with horses (or the biggest control freak as my DH calls it...) so I like to have everything done in a particular way.... And when you board that is mostly not an option....
What I really hate though is the fact that you have to lock everything away... Or people will use it. Not talking about stealing it, but using it and not putting it back the way they find it.... I work hard for my stuff, and I like to keep things nice. But I have found that some people don't care, especially when stuff is no theirs in the first place....
So, I would own, and see if you can hire someone to take care of things when you are traveling.
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If you had your choice, Boarding or Owning?