Raising Horse

Question
Hi Kate,

My wife and I just purchased five acres of land.
How much acres do you need to accommodate six horses?  I live in western Washington. I need all the details on how to take care of horses. I have triplet daughters and I would like to accommodate their wish of having horses.


very respectful,

Donald

Answer
Dear Mr Boone-
 Thank you so much for your question. Sorry I didn't reply sooner but a family barbeque & yard work have kept me away from my computer this holiday. I hope this finds you all well & enjoying the long weekend.

 I must first suggest you seek local authority on minumin acreage for horse keeping. Most ordinances also have density clauses. I'm certain that you would want to have your facility meet all code requirements. If there is no local zoning authorities, check with the agricultural branch of the state for reccomendations that are specific for your climate & environs.

Being more specific on whether 6 horses would fit on 5 acres. Of course you could have a nice little stable including yard and small ring. That is not the only consideration however. How will you provide hay storage, tack storage,parking, manure pile & disposal, and most importantly- turn-out for the horses. If they don't have room to run around and or graze it will greatly affect how you care for them.

Keeping horses stalled all the time is bad for your facility & the horses health. They are prone not only to stall vices due to boredom but there are also serious health issues.  Legs, feet and lungs dont stay healthy standing around in an enclosed box.

There is also consideration due to the huge time commitment of time it takes to care for 6 horses.  Full time grooms at the track take care of 4 horses usually. 60 hours weekly-mininum- are what is needed. I'm sure the triplets will be a great help and it can grow into the an exclusive responsibility for them -one day. As you didnt mention either their ages or your familys' experience in horse keeping I feel compelled to be the voice of caution. Adult supervision in the barn is imperative. How will your family work this out?

I don't want to scare you away from I dream I had as a girl though. I would have loved it if my father had moved us all to a farm to have horses and I'm sure I would have done anything to make a success of it.

 What I can suggest is some alternatives to a full scale operation right off the bat.


 #1. Find a local group like 4-H. They have wonderful safety oriented programs that specifically teach horse husbandry. Perhaps the triplets can adopt or foster a horse together.
 #2. Plan an equestrian vacation as a family.  Look for a dude ranch that encourages a hands on approach for the guests. If not altogether as a family I would strongly encourage you to enroll the triplets in a summer camp program that is intended for kids to get a complete experience in horse care.

 #3. Have a (several) family meeting(s) about what a big commitment each animal is.  Horses live 25 years on average. What will happen to the horses during the college years? Marriages? all kinds of lifes situations that could affect everyone.

This is a great opportunity for me to bring up the subject of leasing before you buy. Don't forget that the kids will fall in love with a horse that could turn out to be inappropriate either because of temperament or training level yet if you have already purchased the animal it's a tough thing to tear it out of the family. If you can work out lease w/ option to buy your more likely to find people that care about the horses overall fate & less likely to be in it for the sale price alone. Its also easier to have the kids give a more honest evaluation on their own fit with the horse.

 Well, I could go on for hours I guess! I think you have alot to think about. Seek as many locals as you can, and talk to as many as will put up with you. The horse community is a great one I think. There are lots of colorful characters that's for sure. It's a great place for famililes and I hope your family can live it's dreams. Go armed with information, a plan and a healthy dose of both optimism in your own abilities and skeptisisim regarding the sales pitch of ANYONE selling you a horse.
 The ultimate reward I hope you will all experience is the companionship of a beloved horse. This "simple" beast has inspired and taught us so much. I think therein lies the attraction that has compelled mankind to share its small plots with them for so long.

I would love to continue this conversation if you have found it at all worthwhile. You can contact me again through allexperts or email me: PalaminoK8@aol.com. Mention horses in the subject line so that you dont get thrown out with the spam if you write!

Best of luck to you & yours. Please let me know how it all turns out.  Thanks again for the chance to wear my expert hat. I keep telling my daughter I had a life before her but she cant imagine it. Lol.

                 Happy Trails-K8