How much land do you need?

[KeikoOka]

My partner keeps talking about wanting to get a horse, she has saved up a good amount of money and I think we could afford it. I just don't know if we have a enough land to really keep a horse. How much land do you need to own a horse?

[Grandpa]

Too many variables. Are you going to buy all the feed? Are you in an area where the horse can get his daily excercise, either by riding or letting him run? A stable and small corral can be built on 1/4 acre but then you have to buy all feed, find a way to dispose of manure, and have a place where he can be excercised daily. A five acre area may be enough for the excercise, but you would still have the feed to buy and manure disposal to deal with. If you are planning on pasturing, then rainfall, irrigation, soil content all will come in to play on how much acreage is needed. Also, a horse is a gregarious herd animal. A lone horse will need lots of human attention if he doesn't have other horses to keep him company.

Your best bet, unless you have the means and time for all of the above, is finding a good horse boarding place nearby.

Also, have you given thought to how you will transport the horse?

[Judy Ann]

Purchasing the horse is the least expensive part of this investment and they live for several decades. In addition to what Grandpa said, there are vet fees, blacksmith fees, cost of tack, transportation costs, blankets, feed, hay, and bedding. Who will be feeding and exercising the horse when you are off hiking and camping in the woods? Will you want to join your partner in this activity? We had three horses and two burros on a 10 acre plot growing up. If you "think" you can afford a horse, you may want to go to your local feed and seed store, talk with a few horse owners in your area and then sit down with your partner and consider the responsibilities practically.

[eightwindsrider]

Originally Posted by KeikoOka

My partner keeps talking about wanting to get a horse, she has saved up a good amount of money and I think we could afford it. I just don't know if we have a enough land to really keep a horse. How much land do you need to own a horse?

I have a freind that has one acer and 4 horses and as long as you keep it up have a couple paddocks for moving them around and your zoning allows horses you can do it.
Yes more land is better.

[dinosaur]

Where do you live?

[CozInCowtown]

Talk to you local Agricultural Extension Office and find out the carring capacity of the property in question.
DC

[hippieP]

There is a difference between saving up to purchase a horse vs. that + feed and extra goodies the animal will need. Think about your land too, do you aactually have enough adequate room for it?