Being a horse owners is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also involves a great deal of responsibility. Before you purchase a property to keep your horses, it’s important that you consider a variety of factors. Ask yourself the following questions to ensure that the property you choose is a safe and suitable environment for your four-legged friends.
From fencing and shelter to hay storage and water sources, these seven questions will help you find the ideal property for your horses. With the right questions and a vigilant eye, you can be sure that you and your horses will enjoy a safe and comfortable home.
Is the fencing suitable for horses?
Horses are powerful animals that can easily break through weak, brittle fencing. You should pay close attention to fencing options on any properties you’re considering to ensure that it is suitable for horses. You can find several types of horse fencing, but each has its pros and cons. Before choosing a fencing option, you’ll want to take a few things into consideration, including the climate of your region, the type of soil, and the amount of money you have to spend on fencing.
Wooden: While wooden fencing is a popular option, it’s important to note that it doesn’t last as long as metal or vinyl. Therefore, if you live in an area with heavy snowfall, a wooden fence likely isn’t the best choice. Chain Link: This is a very durable fencing option, but it can be noisy and it may rust if it isn’t properly maintained. Vinyl: This type of fencing is lightweight and easy to install. It also doesn’t require much maintenance.
Is there enough shelter?
Horses require shelter from the elements, but you have to choose carefully. The type of shelter you choose will depend on your horses’ body types, your climate, and your budget. The best way to decide what type of shelter is best for your horses is to think about where they will be spending most of their time.
Saddle/Barn: If your horses are primarily in the barn, choosing a structure with these features will make them feel more at home. Lean-to: If your horses have limited indoor space but need a bit of protection from the elements, a lean-to is a good option. Paddock: If your horses spend most of their time outside, a paddock is a great option. It provides a bit of overhead protection from rain while allowing the horses to feel the sun on their backs. It’s important to note that paddocks aren’t suitable for all climates.
Is there adequate hay storage?
Hay is a staple in the diets of many horses, but storing it properly is essential if you don’t want it to quickly become rotten. You have a few options when it comes to hay storage. You can store it in a barn, in an outbuilding, or in a large metal container outside.
If you choose to store your hay outside, make sure that it is beneath a tarp. This will help protect it from rain, pests, and other elements. You may want to consider purchasing a silo as well. A silo is a large, cylindrical metal container used to store hay. They are tall enough to store a large amount of hay while minimizing the risk of spoilage due to rain. A silo is a great option if you have a lot of hay to store.
Is there adequate water sources?
Horses need plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day. It’s important to make sure there are ample water sources for your horses on the property you choose. There are many ways to provide your horses with water.
You can purchase an automatic waterer that fills from an indoor or outdoor spout. You can also attach a hose to your outdoor spigot and let it run into a trough. If you don’t have access to outdoor water, you can purchase an indoor water source. However, make sure that you frequently clean and change the water source to avoid the spread of disease. You will also want to check that the water spigot is securely attached to avoid accidental damage or removal.
Is the land suitable for grazing?
If you plan to keep a couple of horses, you may be able to feed them with hay. However, if you have a larger herd, you may need to include grazing lands in your property search. You can find grazing lands near you on sites like HorseTrust.net, a website that helps connect horse owners with grazing land owners who want to share their land with horses.
Before you make contact with a potential grazing land owner, it’s critical that you know the type of grasses on the land and the horses’ nutritional requirements. Horses that graze need to eat a higher fibre diet to avoid colic.
Is there enough space for riding?
After safety, having enough space for riding is probably the most important thing to consider when choosing a property for your horses. It’s important to note that there is no such thing as “one-size-fits-all” property.
You’ll need to take into account the number of horses you own, the size of their stables, and the amount of space you have for riding. If you have a large property with plenty of room, it may be possible to keep your horses in a smaller area while still allowing plenty of space for riding.
Are there any hazards on the property?
One of the most important things to consider is whether or not there are any hazards on the property. Hazards to look out for include: -Toxic plants: Some plants are poisonous to horses and humans, so it’s important to keep an eye out for them while touring potential properties. -Electrical hazards: Make sure that the property you choose doesn’t have any exposed wires or broken fences. -Barricades: Stay alert for things like broken boards, loose rocks, and other potential hazards.
Conclusion
Owning horses is a rewarding experience, but it’s important to choose the right property for your needs. Before you purchase a property, take the time to ask yourself the following questions to ensure that it’s safe and suitable for your horses. From fencing and shelter to hay storage and water sources, these seven questions will help you find the ideal property for your horses. With the right questions and a vigilant eye, you can be sure that you and your horses will enjoy a safe and comfortable home.
