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A Farm of My Own:  Horse farms.. advice and thoughts  |
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alterationsbyemily
True Blue Farmgirl
690 Posts
Emily
Chambersburg
PA
USA
690 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 08 2010 : 5:08:15 PM
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Hey girls, this is in my 50 year plan.
I would like to someday own a horse farm, just some girlhood dream. I know very little about horses and farming in general. What would be the best advice you could give someone like me. What would be the best books to read. What would be some of your learn as you go lessons, that you learned. Best Websites to go on to learn about things.
We would like horses, chickens, and goats, we already know there would be scottish terriers involved, since they are close to my heart. You ladies on here give the best advice.
Em
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See my custom costumes, download free patterns, and hear some spook EVPs from Gettysburg, PA on my site, www.alterationsbyemily.com |
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Faransgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
895 Posts
Beth
Houston
Texas
USA
895 Posts |
Posted - Jun 08 2010 : 7:53:54 PM
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If you want to work with horses the best thing to do to get started is to find someplace to volunteer that has horses. There are usually rescues I know there is one in PA somewhere as I have a friend that lives in Scranton and she says there is one there. If you can't find a rescue try a local riding stable or the SPCA.
Farmgirl Sister 572
When manure happens just say "WOO HOO Fertilizer". |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jun 08 2010 : 8:55:50 PM
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I agree with Beth! The best way to learn is by getting some hands on experience. Reading books/watching videos etc is all well and good, but there is nothing like good old fashioned experience. Also one thing to remember is if someone is telling you that you have to have a specific piece of fancy dancy equipment to get a horse to do something simple like lead, back etc they are selling something. The Mugwump Chronicles (blog) are good down to earth pleasurable reading but good tips can be gleaned along the way. Also sometimes you county ag agent or farm bureau offers classes about farming- those are good to take too!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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chickenwrangler
Farmgirl in Training
10 Posts
Julie
Eastanollee
Ga
USA
10 Posts |
Posted - Jun 09 2010 : 08:25:22 AM
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You've already been given some good advice. To extend what my sisters said; you might contact the local large animal vet to see if they know of any farms that would be agreeable to a visitor with lots of questions. Or better yet, find the local farrier. Our farrier knows more about horses than anyone I know because all he does is work with horses all day, every day. He also breeds and trains horses. I live in Georgia so he wouldn't be much help to you but maybe you could find someone like him in your neck of the woods. Good luck!
farmlife blog at www.maytreefarm.com |
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Jun 09 2010 : 09:19:56 AM
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Research, research and research some more, with tons of on hands work /experience too. I would very strongly advise doing alot of voulenter work and learn as you go...Livestock is a 365 day a year commitment, whether you are sick, its raining/snowing or 100 degrees. It can also be a very costly adventure; feed, vet bills, shoer's, trainers, etc, plus having the proper housing and pasture for said animals. Not trying to bring you down, just want to to have some good knowledge before you jump in and swim or sink.
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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msdoolittle
True Blue Farmgirl
1143 Posts
Amanda
East Texas
USA
1143 Posts |
Posted - Jun 09 2010 : 09:59:31 AM
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All I can think about is cost....lol. Horses can be expensive to maintain. I have been advised by friend's husband (a farrier) to never get one! Lol. They have 5. :0) But seriously, I'd do what the others have advised...and that is to get involved with people who already own them, and learn from them.
FarmGirl #1390
www.mylittlecountry.wordpress.com |
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Hosanna
True Blue Farmgirl
466 Posts
Hosanna
Alton
Virginia
466 Posts |
Posted - Jun 09 2010 : 10:47:27 AM
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My advice? Honestly, I wouldn't do it. If you're just going to keep a couple horses around for a hobby, that is one thing. But the horse business is not all that great - my family has been in the horse business since 1986 and it is rough. You have to love, love, love it. At one time I was managing three farms and somewhere between 35-40 horses. Plus teaching in my lesson program. Plus mares, a stud, foals, and young stock. It is all-consuming. You get hurt - physically and emotionally. You make money; then you loose it. Most horse farms have staff; as I was.
Most people in the horse business have spent their whole life in the horse industry - teaching, training, breeding, showing, learning. I do it now because it is how I was raised and it is what I know. I love it with a sick kind of passion. People thought I would quit when I got kicked in the face by my horse one time - but I didn't. I got out of surgery and went to the barn the next day. But I have also experienced burnout, wanting to quit, loosing everything and having to start all over. I don't mean to sound negative, because it is a great dream to have - but I would make sure you are ready to give 100% to it, because it will require 100% to work. Sometimes 150%. If you know what I mean. :P I know I sound synical (sp?) but I have lived the horse farm thing my whole life......
www.happilyeverafterhosanna.blogspot.com
www.thewindofheaven.blogspot.com
www.CarolinaRoses.etsy.com
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mandymcar
True Blue Farmgirl
73 Posts
Mandy
Montana
USA
73 Posts |
Posted - Jun 10 2010 : 05:14:09 AM
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Save up your money, as you will need lot's of it, for lan,d buildings, tack and vet bills!
There is a website I really like called www.horseadvice.com it is maintained by a vet and has lots of good advice.
http://www.haystackstudio.etsy.com |
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TabithaLenox
True Blue Farmgirl
605 Posts
Kim
Gettysburg
PA
USA
605 Posts |
Posted - Jun 10 2010 : 06:31:53 AM
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Look for books by Cherry Hill, she has written some excellent books for anyone who is interested in having horses. Second, when you do look for a farm, start small....4-5 acres that already has a small barn, fencing, etc. That way you don't have to start from scratch. Read as much as you can online and find a place locally that gives riding lessons for adults. You'll learn alot and sometimes they will also teach basic horsekeeping. Having horses is alot of work but it's also alot of fun. If you want to chat, email me and I'd be happy to talk horses with you. Live your dream!
Kim
Farmgirl #184
http://www.tabithalenox.blogspot.com |
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miss kris
True Blue Farmgirl
118 Posts
kris
mi
USA
118 Posts |
Posted - Jun 10 2010 : 09:44:21 AM
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Hi Emily - I have 3 horses and board one. I love them but they are more complex than they first seem. Just like freshening a goat for the first time...it would seem quite straight forward but until you do it, you just don't know how complex it can be. Horses are powerful and beautiful animals yet they, like most animals have strong weakness too. They stress easily, flight is the normal reaction to that stress and they break stuff and themselves. Books are good to read...I am a reader but books do not tell it like it is. If I ever write a book, I will be telling it like it is.
Get some hands on experience - Miss Kris
For I know the plans I have for you...Jer.29:11 |
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
Posted - Jun 13 2010 : 1:40:51 PM
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Horses, like dogs, are social animals with a strong heirarchal sense, and group dynamics. There are dominant and less dominant animals and as someone who plans to own them, you will become part of their "herd," and will have to deal with that mentality. Also, they are very expensive to maintain, so start saving up! Housing, feed, health care, foot care, tack, are just some of the things you may expect when keeping them! 
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vegetarian farmer
True Blue Farmgirl
249 Posts
Jane
Freedom
pa
USA
249 Posts |
Posted - Jun 14 2010 : 06:00:43 AM
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I agree with what everyone has said, and it may be hard to hear but Hosanna is right on. If you are going to raise horses and have a stallion, well there is a reason everyone inseminates now. But if I have one piece of advice it is Insurance. If you can not afford good liability insurance do not get a horse. They will get out of the fence, barn, etc, no matter how good it is. If they do not get hurt or kill themselves in the process they will cause damage in the neighborhood. If someone hits a loose horse with their car you are 100% responsible and if the driver gets seriously hurt or killed you can loose your property. It happened to a neighbor years ago. A deer breaks the fence and my horses are out smashing backyard fountains, eating gardens, putting big holes in manicured lawns and in a matter of minutes. Police get called, you get bills to fix the destruction, not fun. Good insurance all the way.
Jane
http://hardworkhomestead.blogspot.com/ |
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alterationsbyemily
True Blue Farmgirl
690 Posts
Emily
Chambersburg
PA
USA
690 Posts |
Posted - Jun 14 2010 : 1:20:53 PM
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Everyone is giving good sound advice. I was speaking like a hobby farm type deal, nothing over the top, in terms of a business, if any at all. I will start looking for a place to volunteer at and "come what may"
Thanks all
Em
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See my custom costumes, download free patterns, and hear some spook EVPs from Gettysburg, PA on my site, www.alterationsbyemily.com |
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miss kris
True Blue Farmgirl
118 Posts
kris
mi
USA
118 Posts |
Posted - Jun 14 2010 : 3:45:22 PM
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Emily - I can't remember if you said how old you are. I know many adults who have had a dream of a horse since childhood. After a few mistakes, they have found a horse or more that they can handle and enjoy. Finding a trusted person who would not sell you anything which wouldn't fit with your experience is important. I can tell you that if you find a horse which fits with your personality and you ride through the woods or meadow === there is something about it which words have a hard time describing. But at any moment, a horse can shy at something and there is an upset. You always hope you won't get hurt seriously.
Dreams, hopes are what makes life delightful - Em, dream, learn and try to make your dream come true but as safely as you can. Miss Kris
For I know the plans I have for you...Jer.29:11 |
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Jun 14 2010 : 4:30:11 PM
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Remember, there is no such thing as a truely "bomb proof" horse, and anyone that tells you they have been a horse person all their life, and they've never been thrown, kicked or stepped on is a liar. I think where you had girls alittle cofused, is that you said "Horse Farm", which usually means a breeding/training facility, which includes foaling and stud management. This is something you ether have done all your life, and or was born into it, it also is a very expensive business, with lots of heartache. I hope you find a place where you can learn from the ground up, and when you are truely ready, emotionaly and financialy, you find the right horse for you.
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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Rxgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
216 Posts
Dana
Id
USA
216 Posts |
Posted - Jun 14 2010 : 8:54:27 PM
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Another good way to start getting some experience is seeing if there is a rental stable in your area that you could start working/volunteering at. Rent string horses are usually pretty manageable compared to private horses and may be a good place to start getting some experience under your hat. I've had and trained horses for most of my life and they are amazing animals that definitely enhance your life like you can't imagine. On the other hand they can be dangerous/deadly if you don't know what you are doing and get put in a bad situation. They are at the lower end of the food chain and as such, act like it. They enrich your life like nothing else but get ALOT of hands on experience before you buy one of your own. Reading books is helpful, but in this instance it cannot substitute for gettin' dirty. :-)
farmgirl #1432
"He who throws mud only loses ground"-Fat Albert |
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Mamarude
True Blue Farmgirl
107 Posts
Anna
Durango
Colorado
USA
107 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2010 : 8:33:56 PM
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| Have you ever heard the term "Horse Poor" ? I recommend a healthy trust fund, or very large income to support your "horse habit". I worked for 6 years at horseback riding camps and different horse "farms" before I went to Univ. of Findlay for their equine science program, luckily I figured it out very quickly and went into another line of work. I've had a horse in some capacity up until this year, I have young children and finally gave up on horses (for now). I gave my beautiful gelding to someone who's recently retired and has lots of $$ to spoil him with. Take lots of horseback riding lessons, volunteer at any horse facility that will take you, and be willing to work hard. Leasing a horse is a fabulous way to start! |
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Sarahpauline
True Blue Farmgirl
672 Posts
sarah
Ringgold
GA
USA
672 Posts |
Posted - Jun 27 2010 : 11:14:09 AM
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I have horses, including a stallion. I do agree with what many others have said, but I will also say that if you are smart about it, and practical and have the resources you can make horses part of your life. All through my high school years and into my 20's I braided horses for english shows, went around the the stables and picked up and laundered winter rugs, pads and bandages (people dont want horse stuff in their home laundry for some reason, go figure) and did some basic blanket repair and cleaned tack in order to pay for my horses. It worked. The only reason I stopped is that I got busy with kids and family. I taught lessons all the way through and coached for pony club events as well. Now I dont do any of that commercial stuff. I breed a few quality foals each year. I have a waiting list for my babies and the day I dont is the day I will stop. I chose a breed that is very even tempered to work with, but a stallion is STILL difficult to handle and even the kindest one can turn on you in a minute. I would suggest finding a local person who is certified, who can help you get your feet wet. Maybe you will decide to breed warmbloods like me, or maybe you will get mini's. I think a dream is worth pursuing, but dont wish for tomorrow, get started today, and change your plans as you discover what you want to do. It really depends on your area as well, some areas have much higher cost boarding and better markets. I am not in one of those areas.
Oh Mr Darcy!
www.SarahPauline.com
www.AbraxasBaroque.com |
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A Farm of My Own: Horse farms.. advice and thoughts |
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Horse farms.. advice and thoughts
