Home or yard

[Sylviebear]

Hi, it’s a nice problem I know that. I’m able to move my horse and my friends 2 horses. I have space at home which is the dream however comes with having ppl at the home everyday coming and going etc, the muck heap ! but my horse would be at home!! See his face from the window! Ride in the summer evening! Or I have the option of having a little yard a few mins drive away, at my husbands work yard. Ppl can come and go no stress to me, Both options will have a school and hacking is slightly better down the road. But horse won’t be at home, I have busy home life 3 kids etc easier to have at home and not taking kids up the yard or not worth the disruption and mess at home ? , what do you reckon xx

What a lovely issue to have! Do you value convenience or privacy more?

Do you have planning permission for work at your home? And would you be able to get change of use so you can use it commercially (if you have any paying liveries then it’s no longer for personal use which may complicate things). Would maintenance at the yard where your husband works be included?

I don’t think I could go back to driving to a yard now. Can you trial at home and change if necessary?

We have a separate entrance to the stables so it doesn’t feel as though anyone is coming and going, although the only people who do are an ad-hoc groom and a couple of teens who have a part loan on two of the ponies.

Would you consider getting a companion pony, rather than having a friend's horses?

I have a horse on livery and I love the social aspect of it, the always having someone to turn to if help is needed, any questions, someone to check on my horse etc. and also having people to go out with. However there is an expense to it, but I don’t have to worry about any maintenance and shavings and hay is provided. A friend has hers at home and it is amazing, always been able to see them, but it is very isolating and stressful with the upkeep. But she can keep adding more horses and hers stay with her for life as she has the land.

Mine is on livery. Advantages are the company, someone to ask for advice and not being responsible for maintenance. However the thought of horses at home is great. Can you try it and see how you go?