Do you prefer keeping your horses at home, or on a yard?

[ArsenalsPlayingAtHome]

There's a possibility that we might be in a position to keep our pony, and another horse or two at home in the not too distant future.

For those of you who have done both, which do you prefer?

This isn't a thread asking advice about field management or the work involved, DH knows about all that side of things, it's more to do with preference.

We are currently at a great yard, it's friendly, the people are great, it's a sociable place where you can have a laugh, and there are some really interesting people.

Obviously, we would save time and money on petrol, it would be more convenient having them close by...but we wouldn't have the hacking facilities, for one, and it wouldn't be as much fun, would it? Please will you share your experiences and wisdom?

TIA

Lonecat - lovely descriptive writing . My little pony spent a good 5 mins nuzzling my hair and gently grooming me last night.

They are not at home right now though, but at my other field which is 5 miles away - gives me a reason to ride my bike.

I do think that there are pros and cons to both methods of keeping them - I hate the fact I don't have anyone to rely on these days and that going away (which we do a lot) is hard and expensive. But, I love the solitude and lack of someone else's rules designed for when people have no respect or when the yard owner is so precious that they expect an income without a blade of straw out of place.

Lonecat - I just saw the start of what I had written in 'my thread' list - I really didn't mean to sound like a teacher , so sorry! I just meant that you made me feel it!

lavendersun at that! Lonecat made me feel it too.

I must admit, it would be lovely to be able to do that...no time limit on leaving the yard (ours is 9:00pm, fair enough, but lovely not to have the restrictions).

I'm now very aware of my punctuation, spelling and grammar, Miss Lavendersun (note how I gave you a capital L, there )!

Stop it Arsenals , I am still mortified.

I've done both,

At the moment I have room at home, but only enough for 2 ponys or 1 and half horses , dh is not horsey. So I have dhorse at a diy yard not far away.
Because we moved 2 years ago I didn't know anyone so wanted an excuse to socialise. I can ride on evening in winter in the all weather school, plus have tracks on the livery site with lakes and woods so I don't have to leave the yard if I don't want to. All those things I wouldn't be-able to do at home.

In past years having horses at home has been fine as the field was big enough to have a grass livery for company too, and a small field to ride /jump in. Plus I'm had friends about locally with horses.

Other times I've always enjoyed a livery yard, for convenience and sociable side.
When you're on a yard it's easier to ask for help if you are ill or going away, running late / child emergency. like sitting in a&E for hours. One of the girls saw my car parked outside hospital and text to see what was wrong and if I needed my horse sorting out.

Financially it would be nice to have him at home and see him out the window. But I don't think it's practical.

Oh just to add, the yard I'm at dosen't have time restrictions, dosen't have to be spotless, and people keep to themselves if they want and No body will takes offence.

It's one of the most chilled yards I've ever been on.

Ha ha lavender, you've reminded me of a photo of my DD, who regularly tries to sneak the horses in through the front door!!!!! I'm sure she'll manage one day

Very nice Willow . I can't find the gurning one anywhere, boo, but found this (not the old house so not gurning!). She has had both front feet inside on more than one occasion .... but the Shetland has been in entirely!

Note that I have to keep one door closed otherwise there would be no question about where she is. Very handy though, a ring to tie up by the back door!