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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 623
 
Location: /ARKANSAS | of your horses as you get older, probley a few lingering injuries, I cannot take care of everything any more around this place, everything I do is for the horses or the land. I want to decrease what the place takes in the form of energy and money. Don't plant ryegrass in the fall, don't bushhog, don't mow, don't clean house (I don't) I cannot pick up and unload 50 pound sacks, I could but I would pay for it dearly. I hate to let it all go but I need to ride without feeling overloaded. Any suggestions?   |
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 Expert
Posts: 2097
 
Location: Deep South | Is selling your current place and downsizing an option?
My parents just turned 50. They are still in great health, have no problems getting done what needs to be done, but have definitely slowed down. They have noticed it's a lot harder for them to keep their place up than it used to be, and that they don't enjoy it like they used to.
They're making plans to sell their place in the next 5 or so years and buy something smaller with less land and low maintenance. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 678
Location: Canada | Depending on your financial situation you could hire someone to come once a week to tidy the house or maintain the exterior (lawn, fences, brush etc.) If your finances don't allow for it are you open to having someone keep their horse(s) on your land in exchange for help around the yard? They could keep the yard and unload feed for you when needed.
We have one client who is a super hard worker but in a bit of financial bind so he keeps one of his horses for free and he helps us out immensely. I'm sure I get more work out of him then his board costs but he really enjoys helping and I certainly enjoy having less to do :)
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 To the Left
Posts: 1865
Location: Florida | I am in the same situation. I have gradually found people I can trust to do what needs to be done. They work at a reasonable rate and I have my feed and hay delivered. They put the hay in the hay ring and even take off the strings. Ask around, there are people out there who just want to work for an honest wage, you are helping them as they help you. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 623
Location: /ARKANSAS | Thanks for your input, how you maintain is a good way to look at it, I wish I had the guts to downsize!!! |
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| I moved for a job change and went from 20-30 acres to 3 acres. Of course, this limits the number of horses, but I have pens and separate pastures. Going that small you have to really watch how the land lies and the building layout - sometimes 5 acres is tiny and sometimes it is big. Huge difference on the acreage of what needs to be done.
I get some extra help on some things - stack hay in the barn, weed eating, etc. With this small acreage, I can rent a big mower every 2-3 weeks and keep the pastures mowed during the summer. Fertilize the pasture to keep it from being over grazed. I use a 2 wheel dolly to carry small bales of hay or feed bags from the truck to the barn. Find someone to clean the house for me weekly or every 2 weeks. I'm thinking about getting a Rumba to do the vacuuming (have 2 cats in the house). I've also seen some equipment that can be used to help clean the pastures/paddocks of manure, etc. Manure disposal is my biggest issue at this time.
You just need to break down everything that you do and decide if it is really value added for you and/or the animals. I want to spray weed killer around the fence line so there is less weed eating - things like that.
Good luck. |
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