Information on Horse Keeping on a Small Property

If you own a horse, you already know how expensive boarding can be, so you might be thinking about bringing your horse home and saving all that money if you own a bit of land. But before you make the move, there are a number of things you need to consider, from zoning restrictions to the problem of manure disposal.

  1. Zoning Regulations

    • Do not assume your property is zoned for horses just because you live in a rural area. Before making any arrangements to purchase a horse, be sure to check with your local municipality. Note any zoning restrictions concerning the keeping of horses, such as restrictions on the number of horses per acre or minimum distances between the house and the barn. It is important to follow these regulations when designing your horse property.

    Suitable Shelter and Pasture

    • Working with a small area might limit the type of barn you can build and the amount of land you can devote to pasture. No matter what the size of your property, it is important to devote as much of it to pasture as you can. Horses are natural grazers, and a horse that has room to move and graze will be much happier than one that spends his days cooped up in a stall. If pasture area is limited, consider fencing in part of the yard.

      If there is no room for a full-size barn, a run-in shed can be a good alternative. Horses need a place to escape the heat and the rain, and a run-in shed provides that protection quite well. Run-in sheds can be purchased fully assembled and hauled to your property, eliminating the need to build a barn from the ground up.

    Manure Disposal

    • Disposing of horse manure is a problem no matter what the size of the property, but it can be even more of a concern for those with small properties. Environmental regulations and concerns by the neighbors might limit the amount of manure you are permitted to keep on-site, so start asking your friends and neighbors if they could use some free fertilizer for their gardens. You can also purchase a manure spreader and use the excess to fertilize the pasture.

    Liability Issues

    • Liability concerns are important any time horses are involved, but can be of particular concern if you are surrounded by neighbors with young children, who might not understand that horses can be unpredictable and dangerous. Post "No Trespassing" signs on your property and let your neighbors know that they should ask your permission before allowing their children to pet the horses. Also contact your homeowner's insurance company and ask about any special protection you need for damage horses might do. If the horse escapes from your property, you are responsible.

    Proper Storage

    • Proper storage is another challenge when keeping horses on a small piece of ground. The typical horse will eat several hundred bales of hay throughout the year, and that number can go up significantly if there is not a sufficient grazing area. You don't need to keep a year's worth on hand, but do aim for at least 100 bales. Building a separate storage shed for hay is a good solution, as is converting an unused garage. Just be sure to stack the hay on pallets to keep moisture away.