Board v. Home Stabling

[ponyboy]

Originally Posted by Speed Racer    

You can't live your life in fear of the 'maybes' or 'what ifs', ponyboy.

You can if you've taken responsibility for the life of an animal IMHO. I had a dog that had a severe allergic reaction once and he would have died if I hadn't had a vehicle to get him to the vet. For myself, I wouldn't hesitate to live in the middle of nowhere by myself. But it's different when you have a pet. If my horse colicked because I was late coming home from work and there was no one else to feed him he might end up OK but I would feel guilty anyway.

[Mingiz]

I'm 56 and I have 2 horses on 20 acres, I work full time and I take care of all the maintenance of the yard, horses including the LQ and truck. I have boarded before and if I have to do it again I will get out of the horse hobby. I love the fact that when I come home I have 2 animals at the fence following the truck up the lane and nickering to me when I park. I know how my horses are being fed and how thier treated, I know thier personalilties better than if I only visited for a few hours. I always have my therapist out back if I need him. I think it alot easier to have them at home than boarding. I don't have to worry about anyone messing with my tack or more so my horse. Yes it's a pain in the butt sometimes I cuss when I have to wade through mud and snow, my body kills me on the cold days , but then the satisfaction of caring for something that soley depends on you and shows you that they care for you by giving you the feeling of freedom when your out on a trail taking in nothing but nature as you and your horse become one. It's the bestest Mental Therapy in the world...I wouldn't have it any other way...

[Speed Racer]

Originally Posted by ponyboy    

You can if you've taken responsibility for the life of an animal IMHO. I had a dog that had a severe allergic reaction once and he would have died if I hadn't had a vehicle to get him to the vet. For myself, I wouldn't hesitate to live in the middle of nowhere by myself. But it's different when you have a pet. If my horse colicked because I was late coming home from work and there was no one else to feed him he might end up OK but I would feel guilty anyway.

I keep my dog inside when I'm not home, so I don't have to worry about her getting into anything that could give her an allergic reaction when I'm not there. So that point is moot.

Don't let your dog run loose, because that's as irresponsible as an owner can get. I'll bet there are leash and license laws in your area that make running loose illegal.

Your horses can colic at any time, whether or not you're there. They can also colic and the BO/BM not be there, or in the middle of the night when the caregivers are asleep. So that point is also moot.

You just can't plan for every contingency and there are going to be times, even if your horses are boarded, when there are NOT going to be any humans around.

Make sure your horses have a consistent diet and consistent feeding times, abundant clean water available, and keep them in safe fencing. That's all your BO/BM is doing, and anyone dedicated enough can do the same.

I refuse to live in fear and guilt, because that way lies madness.

[SeabiscuitMustang]

I feel that all of you have valid reasons. I rode at the stable last night in the arena (we've lost all nearby trails due to construction) and was home by 9:45 PM and was exhausted. I'm worried that being tired will lead to mistakes that would cause harm. I have a very demanding job -- which I don't want to lose.

I guess I just want the best of both worlds!

The sell of my home may not occur b/c the buyer has changed her mind. Thus, I'll be stuck in my home longer, which is fine. My current home is 12 miles from the stable and 22 from work. I save gas on weeknights by driving to the barn after work. I'm usually at the barn 2/3 nights a week and every Sat/Sun. Whether I ride or not, I like spending time with my horse. It's great to sit in the pasture and read a book while he grazes. I've fallen asleep many a time listening to his munching! Here, the pro of boarding is that I don't have to maintain the pastures and I really like the comraderie of the other ladies. I feel safe.

I imagine I'll keep my current home on the market (provided the buyer changes her mind) and have the time to ponder my options.

Who knows what will happen.

I sure do appreciate all of ya'lls feedback. There's nothing like an altruistic discussion where none are wrong or right, just a simple exchange of ideas.

[mls]

Originally Posted by ponyboy    

I would never live alone with a horse to take care of. I know people do it, but so much can go wrong, and chances are your nearest neighbor isn't going to be within easy hailing distance. If I had the money I'd build two dwellings and rent one out to another horse owner. If not I'd continue to board.

You cannot be serious?

A person can spend their life attached by the lead rope to the horse and the horse can still experience issues.

[Alwaysbehind]

Originally Posted by ponyboy    

You can if you've taken responsibility for the life of an animal IMHO. I had a dog that had a severe allergic reaction once and he would have died if I hadn't had a vehicle to get him to the vet. For myself, I wouldn't hesitate to live in the middle of nowhere by myself. But it's different when you have a pet. If my horse colicked because I was late coming home from work and there was no one else to feed him he might end up OK but I would feel guilty anyway.

Wow, and I thought I worried too much.

I am a little confused though. If you live alone in the country (vs living alone elsewhere) you will not have a vehicle to take your dog to the vet? Am I missing something?

I have lots of pets and I take their care very seriously. I do not see how living with horses would some how restrict me being able to take proper care of them.

[SeabiscuitMustang]

OK, now everyone has a right to state their own opinion - yet, to be hateful and accusatory?

Why not remain polite when we correspond with others whose opinions we might not share. Keep in mind that when we communicate in print, the reader can’t see our facial expressions or our body language, nor can they hear the tone of our voices.

Is there no policy for polite discussion ranting and publicizing opinions that aren't polite enough for the forums?

[thunderhooves]

We aren't being straight out rude. We are stating opninions and trying to *sniff* help a person scared of life.

[ponyboy]

Originally Posted by Speed Racer    

I keep my dog inside when I'm not home, so I don't have to worry about her getting into anything that could give her an allergic reaction when I'm not there. So that point is moot.

Don't let your dog run loose, because that's as irresponsible as an owner can get. I'll bet there are leash and license laws in your area that make running loose illegal.

The allergic reaction was caused by his rabies shot.

So how about not jumping to conclusions? If you knew all the other risks I've taken in my life, you wouldn't be saying that I live my life in fear, believe me.

[.Delete.]

My horses are at home with me, and have been since I was 14. I wish I boarded to be honest, if I could afford it I would. I am the only one in my family that knows anything about horses so I am left to myself making training errors, and not getting second opinions. If I want a second opinion id have to go to a trainer or ask someone to come over. Im a very social person, I love interacting with other people. Riding with other horses ect would be sooo nice for my 5yr old. But we always ride alone, always always alone. It gets boring and when I get stuck, I can't get an opinion right then an there by someone else at my barn because im the only one! When I have kids, I will board there horses (if they do want them) I think social interaction is such a good thing, dealing with people and other riders is something we all have to learn. I work at a show barn, im constantly helping the girls who ride there. I would love love to have that. Just my opinion.