Equine estates have slowly been gaining popularity, and it’s easy to see why. For horse lovers, owning your own equine estate might just sound like a dream come true. You get to live on the same property as your horses, usually surrounded by people who love the equestrian sport as much as you do. While this could be an ideal setup for an abundance of horse lovers, there are many other factors to consider when trying to decide whether to take the leap and invest in an equine estate.
Can you afford it?
The first thing to consider, as with most investments, is the cost. Not only the money you’ll be pouring into the estate, but also whether the value you’ll be getting from it is worth that money. Keep in mind that this is not your usual purchase, where you buy the estate and that’s that, but rather an ongoing expense. Even once you own the property, you’ll have to pay for maintenance of the paddocks, arenas and stables, as well as your horse’s food, which is usually provided by a livery yard. For people who own many horses, this might in fact work out cheaper, but for your casual rider, what you put in may be much more than what you’ll be getting out.
Do you have the knowledge?
The second thing to keep in mind is whether you have the expertise and time to devote to your horses. When your horses are stabled somewhere else, most of the work is taken care of by other people. Looking after a horse’s needs, especially a competition horse, is a science. There are many thigs to consider when it comes to certain decisions, such as deciding what to feed your racehorse. Not only that, but there is a lot of physical labor involved in the upkeep of horses. Tasks such as mucking out their stalls, grooming them, taking them out to the paddock and bringing them back in are things we often take for granted. Then, of course, there’s the question of who will supervise your horse when you’re away. If you work a nine to five job, or go on holidays very often, you might need to hire extra help, which would set you back another pretty penny.
Why should you consider it?
Not that there are only cons to buying an equine estate. Many people who can afford it love the sense of community. What could be better than living in an estate filled with likeminded people who have the same interests and hobbies as you do? Not to mention the aesthetic appeal. You get all the pros of the country life – long, sprawling fields, a house nestled amongst them – without having to actually maintain an entire farm. Equine estates are idyllic and the perfect combination of city and farm life. If you need any further motivation, just have a look at this horse property for sale in Utah.
Is it worth it?
If you are a serious horse owner, such as a breeder or competitor, having your horses with you 24/7 is ideal. This way, you can monitor every aspect of your horses’ lives, from their exercise, to their grooming, to their dietary intakes, and more. Make sure that either you or someone close by has knowledge of basic medical care for horses. Naturally, if something should go wrong, you’d be able to call your vet, but it is still beneficial to have some knowledge of what to do while you wait for help to arrive.
Is it the right decision for you?
While it may seem like a very daunting decision, there are ways to help you make up your mind. Many equine estates up for grabs offer virtual tours as well as normal tours, so you can have a look around and see what it has to offer. You can also talk to people who already own equine estates about their experience. It might even be possible for you to get a lease. That way, you can try it out firsthand without the commitment of buying. Have a look at some current equine estates for sale in the UK and see if anything tickles your fancy.
What are your other options?
If you are unhappy with your current situation, explore other options before diving headfirst into such a massive change. If you feel like your horse isn’t properly being taken care of, consider other stable yards. Smaller, less competitive stable yards often offer more hands-on and personal services. Perhaps you’re not happy with all that your current livery has to offer. Again, there are other options, such as moving to a more developed yard. While this may cost more than your average stable yard, chances are that it will still cost less than an equine property. After you’ve considered all your options, weigh them up against each other and make an informed decision.
What if no estates suit your needs?
If no equine estates fit your needs, you can buy a vacant lot and build your own estate and see your dream property come to life. You can erect stables, paddocks, and arenas entirely from scratch, as well as oversee the construction of your perfect house. This way, you won’t need to worry about not using anything on the property and it going to waste, nor will you have the issue of something vital lacking from your property. You get to decide what you want, where you want it, and how you want it to look.
Next steps
There are pros and cons to the buying of an equine estate, as there are to most things. While it may be a dream come true for some, for others it might not be worthwhile. You need to take into consideration your and your horse’s needs, and decide whether it will be more beneficial to you than your current situation.