The Pros and Cons of Keeping Your Horses at Home
For many horse owners, the dream of bringing their horses home is the ultimate goal. Imagine waking up each day, pouring a cup of coffee, and looking out your window to see your beloved horses grazing peacefully in the fields. While the idea of having your horses at home can be exciting, it’s important to consider both the pros and cons before making such a big decision. I want to share some of my takeaways from both my own experience and that of my clients.
The Pros of Bringing Your Horses Home
1. Control
One of the most appealing benefits of bringing your horses home is the control it gives you over their care and environment. You can design the property and the horses’ routines to meet their needs exactly as you see fit. Having control over these factors can reduce stress for both you and your horses, as you can make decisions that directly impact their well-being.
2. Cost…Maybe
While the initial investment can be substantial, owning your own property may save money in the long term. Boarding can be expensive, especially if you have multiple horses. When you bring your horses home, you have the flexibility to create your own budget for feeding, bedding, and care, tailoring it to what works best for you. Some of my clients have found that paying a mortgage in addition to boarding their horses would lead to higher monthly expenses than purchasing a farm and keeping their horses at home. That said, it is entirely dependent on your individual situation.
3. Time
As my career in real estate has grown, the ability to walk outside to care for my horses and ride has become even more important. For years, I spent more than an hour in the car each day just commuting back and forth to the barn which would be untenable now. Sure, there are days when I do not have time to eat, let alone ride, but overall, I have more time to dedicate to my animals. I do need to point out that a lot of that comes down to the property I chose, how I set it up, and how I manage it. While I do have maintenance, mowing, etc to take care of, I purchased a property where the management would be reasonable for me. I also keep my horses out full-time since they are happier that way and the added bonus is that there are fewer chores to be done.
4. No Barn Drama
Anyone who has been in the horse world long enough knows that you can’t escape the barn drama forever. Even if you are a relatively unproblematic boarder yourself, there will be a lot of personalities to navigate in a boarding barn. In your barn, you never have to worry about running into that one high strung boarder who trauma dumps on everyone or the boarder who leaves the barn aisle a mess and forgets to latch the pasture gate. Unless, of course, that boarder is you.
The Cons of Bringing Your Horses Home
1. Isolation
One thing I find farm buyers don’t always think about is whether the barn is a social outlet for them. The lack of a community can be especially challenging if you're someone who thrives on social interaction and networking with other horse enthusiasts. There are days when riding alone feels a bit boring. I make sure to invite friends over or to take my horses off property every once in a while to make sure I stay motivated.
2. Maintenance
When you own a farm, the responsibility for maintenance falls entirely on you. This includes maintaining the barn, fencing, pasture, and the home. Sometimes, the ongoing maintenance might detract from the time you’d like to spend with your horses. That is why I encourage my clients to consider how a property might fit their lifestyle. Do you want to be able to turn your horses out full-time? How far is the walk from the barn to the pasture? Is there a lot of yard to mow?
3. Time… Again
When you board your horses, you have the luxury of taking a break—whether it’s for a weekend getaway or a two week vacation. When your horses are at home, caring for your them becomes a daily responsibility, regardless of how busy or tired you are. This can be exhausting, particularly if you have a full-time job or other commitments that pull your attention away from your horses. Hiring help is an option, but keep in mind that consistency can be an issue within the industry.
Conclusion
Bringing your horses home is undoubtedly a dream for many, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Personally, I can’t imagine going back to boarding my horses. Be sure to carefully weigh the pros and cons to determine whether having your horses at home is truly the right choice for you and your lifestyle. Ultimately, the decision will depend on your specific circumstances, but if you’re ready to take on the responsibility, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of watching your horses thrive in the comfort of their own home.
Sarah is a Realtor specializing in residential and equestrian properties. She is based in Howard County, Maryland.
Posted by Sarah Lipkowitz on
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