Do you have dreams of having your horses in your own backyard? It may seem ideal to have your horses at home, but before you make the decision to turn that dream into a reality, here are six things to consider.
Your Schedule Will Change
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If you bring your horses home, be prepared for your schedule to change. You will be responsible for multiple feedings. If your horses are turned out and a thunderstorm rolls in, will you be able to bring them inside? Make sure that your schedule can accommodate the demands of having horses at home.
Caring for Horses Takes Serious Time
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You’d be surprised at just how much time goes into caring for your horses and maintaining your property. You may find that you have less time for riding, now that you have to spend time doing chores.
You Won’t Have Your Regular Riding Company
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One benefit of boarding your horse is that you generally have people around to go riding with. That socialization aspect is removed when you bring your horses home, so be prepared for the fact that you may often be riding alone.
You Will Need to Hire Help to Go On Vacation
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Bringing your horses home reduces your ability to go on last-minute day trips or vacations. You will have to hire someone to care for your horses while you’re away, which can also affect your ability to schedule trips and go out of town.
You May Not Save Money
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Many people think that bringing their horses home may be a money-saving option. Unfortunately, that isn’t always true. When you have just a few horses at home, you won’t be able to buy supplies in bulk, like larger boarding barns can. If you’re considering bringing your horses home to save money, then look into prices and make up a monthly expense list to make sure that it’s actually a financially beneficial move.
Your Horse Will Need Companions
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If you have one horse that you’re planning on bringing home, make sure that you plan out a way to provide your horse with a companion. Most horses don’t do well living alone, so you may want to buy another horse or a companion animal, like a goat.
Bringing your horses home is a big decision to make, but many horse owners find it rewarding. Just make sure that you’re prepared for all of the work that comes along with having your horses in your own backyard.