I have seen and worked on many, many horse properties, some very efficient and some a continual waste of time. Money does not appear to be the issue, the safety and efficiency of horse properties appear to be based on the sense of the horses of the person who installed them.
Some of the properties I have worked on have been very beautiful, picturesque, and an artist’s dream. I have known owners who have spent millions of dollars on horse facilities that are neither safe nor efficient. Other horse properties have been built on a tight budget and while they may not be the most glamorous, they are safe and efficient.
These are just seven of the most common areas that can be improved with just a little planning before you start riding a horse farm.
1. Preparation for driving
For example, how long does it take you to get ready to ride a bike? Is all your equipment in one place, close to where your horse is ready to ride? So is it safe to ride close to where you ride or do you need to guide or open and close some doors before you start riding?
If the facilities for this one task are misconfigured, it could cost you an additional ten minutes each time you travel. If you ride two horses every day six times a week, that is, two hours a week, you are wasting.
2. After riding
What happens when you finish riding? Is there a sand roll nearby where your horse can relax after the ride? Can you hose them down near where they are without saddling? Does this area have a place to tie the horse and a solid base or does it turn to mud if you use it continuously?
Check that your horse facility is set up properly so this task is not costing you an inordinate amount of time.
3. Riding track
A safe place to ride is essential.
Is there at least one riding area that has a solid fence and a non-slip surface that is suitable for a cool horse? This is ideal for a beginner rider and young horse to work with and even an experienced rider will prefer this type of riding area if their horse is fresh or unfamiliar.
4. Driving in open areas
Are there riding areas far from where the horses live? Sometimes, if space is limited, a cross-country ski field can be established in a large open area where horses normally live.
If you ride in areas where horses live, can you quickly and easily go to a different area while the horses are mounted in their living spaces to keep you and your horse safe?
5. Main feed barn
Where is the main feeding barn located? Is there easy access to feed and hay delivery? Is it located close to where the horses are fed or is it necessary to carry the food some distance from the horses?
If your horse facility is not set up properly, a poorly positioned feed stable could cost you a lot of time and labor.
6. Lanes
Safety around horses is essential, remember that they are herd animals.
Do you have lanes between all your paddocks / fields / pastures for horses? It takes an experienced horse person to guide a horse safely through a group of horses and is not ideal.
7. Water
Do all horses have easy access to water? While there is an initial cost to set up the irrigation system, it could cost more in the long run if water is wasted and the time it takes if manual irrigation systems are used.
There are many other facilities required to set up a horse property properly with safety and efficiency in mind.
However, these are the top seven where people seem to go wrong when setting up a horse property.