Do You Want to Be a Backyard Horse-Keeper? Five Questions To Ask Yourself

Many residents dream of bringing their own horse into their garden. After 17 years owning backyard horses, I can definitely say that I still have a passion for the lifestyle. However, keeping horses at home is not the job of every horse owner or keeper. Here are five questions to ask yourself before you take the plunge.

1. How good is your horse care knowledge?

As the person responsible for caring for your horse, you must make all decisions about your horse’s daily routine, diet and training. Stop asking the stable master or other border guards to look at the wound on the horse’s leg.

You will be the one treating them and/or making the decision of whether or not to call the vet. You can get family help at home, but you can still be the most knowledgeable person. I highly recommend that you acquire a broad base of knowledge about horses before you bring them home.

2. How, when and where do you drive?

Coming home to yourself can be a very different experience than traveling in a guest house. Are you used to driving alone, without a monitor or other drivers, or do you plan to invite the company? Do you have an enclosed space with a secure platform and adequate lighting for riding? Is your horse ready to leave his grazing comrades and ride alone?

I love horseback riding but find it difficult to fulfill my equestrian ambitions without a suitable companion, guide or companion at home. Not all backyard horse owners choose to ride a horse, but if riding is very important to you, take some time to consider whether or not you can ride at home at a similar level to boarding school.

3. If all you had to do now was ride a horse, how would you keep a horse company in your yard?

There are different theories about the welfare problems associated with owning just one horse. I myself have brought everything from one horse to four horses. He often thought that with as many horses as possible, a horse would come closest to what nature intended: living in a herd. My horses generally seem more restless when I have one or even two horses in the house (two horses can get very angry).

However, I’m pretty sure I rode solo as she was kept alone and had pairs of horses that would have been easy to tell apart. Your buildings, your income and your horse’s personality will also influence your decisions. If you are in doubt about buying or adopting a permanent companion, consider keeping the horses at a friend’s house or temporarily breeding a horse from a rescue.

4. Do you have a team of trusted professionals to help you care for your backyard horses?

Stable horse owners are considered “all-rounders”. But not everyone grows their own hay or trims their horses’ hooves. Most of them are not veterans with DVM. Many still need the advice of riding instructors or horse trainers to improve their riding skills.

Make sure you have a team of professionals by your side. Find out if they drive to your property (or can be reached by horse trailer if you have a truck to haul one. In many cases you can rent a trailer). And if you ever need to leave home on vacation or in an emergency, it helps to know a reliable pet sitter/breeder who can safely take care of all of your pets while you’re away.

5. How will you maintain your existing equine community or create a new one?

One of the main benefits of boarding is the community of ready horses to take with you on a ride. Many people underestimate how much they miss the frequent exchange with other horse owners. Social media can help, but it’s different than actually being in the herd.

It can feel very isolating not knowing who is doing what with which horse. Do you have a strategy for staying in touch? Planning trips together or attending retirement events such as saddle auctions or horse shows are good options. Instead, feel free to find a new tribe by joining a local equestrian club or volunteering with a program like 4H, Pony Club or Horse Rescue.

Having horses in the yard was the adventure of a lifetime, but it wasn’t all about butterflies and sunshine. Despite some dark days, it has been very helpful for me to get to know my horses on an intimate level, like boarding an airplane.