Making the move from the suburbs to the farm - worth it?

[Sweetums_Mom]

[QUOTE=Scandias;8648725]
Husband and I are both turning 40 this year and are in pretty good shape for our age, so it’s one of those now or never decisions; we don’t want to wait until we are 50 and in declining physical condition.[/QUOTE]

Lots of things to think about from all of these comments! I went from suburb to farm life 16 years ago. I was 41 and DH was 43. Bought land and built house, barn, sand ring, pastures, shed. A lot of it we did ourselves. Could not do it today. We are not invalids but being 57 is different than 41…

LOVE IT and it was and still is my dream come true! However, there are days/weeks even, when I wish I didn’t have to go out in sub freezing temperatures or wish I could stay in my pajamas and snooze on the couch all day. It doesn’t last too long though.

I enjoy the routine and mostly solitude. So picture yourself riding by yourself a lot, having to change your plan to ride to attend to some chore, spending money on equipment to make your life easier (namely tractor!) and see if that appeals to you. Think about what you will miss from boarding. Then if you still want to go for it, then do so while in “pretty good shape”…Good luck!

[btswass]

My husband and I bought a farm last year. At 24. Also happened to be our first house. Which is almost 210 years old. We moved in in January. Come spring the place was a jungle overgrown with weeds that we didn’t know about. We had no tools, no tractor, no truck, and not much money. The roof leaked, pipes burst, septic line backed up, dishwasher broke, pool kept filling with algae, no flat place to ride. In one year we’ve over doubled our income, bought a brand new tractor and truck, cleared almost all the weeds and dead trees. We’re now about to start building an outdoor arena and gutting our kitchen and mudroom. It hasn’t been easy. Lots of blood, sweat, and tears. And more sweat and more tears. But to think back on all we’ve been through and accomplished has made it all worth it. My biggest suggestions would be not to rush into a purchase and not to view land or a farm in the winter. We could have had so much more done if we hadn’t been (and are still) fighting weeds.

[TrotTrotPumpkn]

First, there are A LOT of good threads on this, and I would also search for threads about how to make keeping them at home as easy as possible.

Second, you said “bring horse home” (singular) and you will not save money. So just erase that from your reason for buying a farm.

Third, what’s the market like there? Meaning if you do this for a few years and realize you don’t like it, can you sell? We bought a fixer-upper 4 bedroom on 9 acres 3 1/2 years ago and have done a ton of work to it. Our appraisal last week made me do a happy dance. BUT they ignored every single horse improvement. Certain things bring a great return on investment, but most horse structures (riding arenas, etc.), running water and electric, etc. don’t. Things to think about if you decide you don’t like it and you may be selling to a non-horse-person. It’s easier to fix up something existing, than start from scratch, and can also be better when you sell.

Pay attention to drainage and weird potential neighbors.

Are you a competitive rider? Do you like the social aspect of the barn? These things present unique challenges for keeping horses at home.

You guys sound like you are on the same page, but my husband didn’t grasp the enormity of the challenge we set before ourselves in buying our farm and there was a lot of angst at various times. Having all the money right away to do what we planned would have smoothed that out. It was really expensive to buy everything, fence, etc.

One more thing. Our utilities cost a lot more, but we are “ag” and our property taxes are cheaper.

Finally, I second getting the biggest, baddest & newest mower you can afford.

[hosspuller]

farm vs city/town life is a life style choice. everyone has touched the truth about the farm. Boarding one or two horses is NOT a money maker. It might slow the flow of money out… just maybe.

Physical work … I just came in from fixing fence. I’m dirty, tired and got out of bed early to catch the cool morning. I feel great ! The sense of accomplishment is tremendous. I’m also retired. The farm gets me up and moving around. While there will come a time that the work will be too much, that point will be as delayed by being active. Physical conditioning is a use it or lose proposition.

Open space is talked about a lot in urban planning… We and the animals (especially the dog) have it & enjoy it.

[airhorse]

Insane amounts of time, money, blood, sweat, and tears.

Wouldn’t trade it for anything.

[S1969]

Great comments on this thread. It’s a lifestyle, not a choice of house design. If you would enjoy spending most of your free time at home doing chores of some sort - then yes, you will like it. If you enjoy spending most of your free time riding - then maybe not.

I don’t ride much, not that I ever did to begin with. I love horses, I love my farm, I love my garden, I can’t imagine being without my acreage to run my dogs.

If you ride competitively, your interests will be very different than mine, and it may not be for you. I think the extra hassle of trying to keep yourself and a horse in competition shape while doing all the barn chores would be an ambitious goal - doable, but ambitious.

I agree with the idea of buying an established horse property - or one with the horse property part as you like, and making renovations to the house. That would be far less expensive/difficult than buying the house and trying to create the horse property - at least in my area, where land within a reasonable commute is scarce.

[Jim_R]

[QUOTE=Scandias;8648397]
So we have outgrown our current house in the suburbs and are looking to build/move in the next two years.

We are now horse owners which means we pay a hefty chunk for boarding each month.

So we are thinking about moving to the country so that we can have our horse with us in an attempt to save money on boarding and possibly taking on a boarder to further offset the higher costs of owning a small horse ranch versus living in the 'burbs.

Good idea? Bad idea?

Has anyone successfully moved from the 'burbs to the country? Do you regret it? What would you do different if you had to do it all over again?[/QUOTE]
If you think you will save money by not boarding and taking on a boarder you are not doing it for the right reason.
You still have the cost of hay, bedding, feed,your time taking care of horses.
You have to do it for other reasons, not any that you listed.
You better want to be a farmer and constantly be caring for or fixing or spending money on things around the farm.

[Bluey]

[QUOTE=Scandias;8648725]
Really good points about the combined barn/home structure; see I didn’t know that, so I’m glad I asked

I live in Oklahoma where land is relatively affordable; tornado season can be a little scary, so whichever set up we choose, it will need to be extremely structurally sound.

Husband and I are both turning 40 this year and are in pretty good shape for our age, so it’s one of those now or never decisions; we don’t want to wait until we are 50 and in declining physical condition.[/QUOTE]

In most of OK horses are a way of life, so there should be good support for having your own farm and horses at home.

Makes more sense than trying that in other places may and you will have plenty of others with horses at home also.
Not sure that boarders may be realistic there, competition is tough and rates cheap.
Boarding other than with top training stables with horses in training is so cheap most boarding barns lose money.
Liability insurance if you have boarders is probably more than you can absorb and still make money.

All ideas presented are just more to consider, only you know what may fit your situation.

[hb]

The income from taking on a boarder or two will not offset the cost of insurance for having non-owned horses on the property. That is just for the homeowners or farm-owners policy, not for care, custody and control. You also end up with less privacy, and someone complaining about where their horse is turned out, the footing in the paddocks, how much bedding is in the stall etc. etc. I had two boarders when I first bought my farm, when they left a year or so later I had no desire to get any more.

My 5 acre farmette cost about the same as a condo in the city. If I did not live on the farm I would have bought a house closer to work but not in the city, for about what I paid for the farm. I did not up my budget when I bought the farm over what I would have paid for a house, but I did up my commute. However, not having to drive 1/2 hour to 45 mins to the boarding barn makes up for most of that. When I did board my riding horse while living at the farm, the boarding stable was only 5 mins away since I live out in the country!

It costs me about the same to feed 3 horses as I was paying in board on one. I’m having an outdoor arena put in since I brought my riding/show horse home (other two are retirees). Overall, including the payment on the arena, I’ll be a little ahead of where I was with the 2 retirees at home and one horse boarded. The only amenity the boarding barn had that I won’t is an indoor, but their indoor was small with crappy footing and I rode outside even in the winter.

There are more maintenance costs on a farm, even a small one, than just a house on a lot. However, there is a great deal more control. For instance, I was frustrated with the mud in the paddocks and distance from the paddock to the barn when I boarded - at home I have graveled areas right off the barn. I enjoy doing the chores and light maintenance, if I didn’t have a farm I’d find other ways to be active outdoors.

I’m in my 50s now and not as limber as I was 15 years ago, so I do hire out more labor. I have a dependable barn sitter and a backup, and haven’t missed any vacations due to needing someone to feed the horses. I do have a lowered desire to go away though, I love my home and little farm.

[allons-y]

I just finishing mowing the “back yard” on a riding lawn mower. Took about 2 hrs but that included me and DH picking up Pecan branches first. We had some horrific T’storms that really cleaned my trees!
Then we grabbed a cold one and sat under our magnificent old oak tree and enjoyed the beauty. Blue birds, goofy dog, Canada geese at the pond, rifle shot from neighbors shooting snakes (oh well), giant red squirrels, and that beautiful new mown grass smell. Its still too wet to take the tractor out to the pastures, but that’ll wait.
If that sounds like something you would like, then go for it. I love my little place. It’s not even too hot yet. (Mississippi Gulfcoast)

[JanM]

Utilities may be a huge factor for you. If you need consistent, good quality cell reception, then make sure you have that before you buy. If you need cable internet, then don’t get a property without it. Installing phone, electric, cable, water, septic or sewer, and other necessities can be expensive.

Check zoning for yourself, and make sure your property can be used for the number of animals, and type of use that you want have on the property. Don’t expect that a current owner’s use would transfer to you. Are there easements, or contracts that limit the use of your land? My relatives in the country in Oklahoma have grazing rights contracted out, oil pump maintenance, some have hunting leases on their property, and some have access guaranteed for other property owners. Can you get the services you need if you are not at a boarding barn.

Are there setbacks, wetlands restrictions, or other issues that will limit your use of the property? Mineral and oil rights can be a big problem. Also, be aware that fracking on neighboring properties can have a huge impact on you and your property. Depending on exactly where you are located, the water might not be a quality you want. My Oklahoma relatives (around Ada) had well water for years, and it was awful. They eventually had a city tap by the road, but never joined up for the entire house, so their water didn’t bother the animals, or people who lived there, but visitors hated the water.

[tpup]

We did it 2 years ago. It was my dream, and we made it happen. It wasn’t easy, and we built from scratch ONLY because we fell in love with a killer lot with an amazing view. No regrets about that at all. But some tips, and I’m a Realtor and broke some of my own rules but every day I look out and see my horses grazing, there is no where I’d rather be.

1. Buy existing if you can. It will almost always be cheaper than building new (a.e. building new home, barn, fencing, etc. etc.)

2. Be prepared to ride LESS. As many have said, there are always projects. Even with a brand new property. Mowing, trimming, cleaning, feeding.

3. You will LOVE not having to drive to and from your boarding barn. This was one of the biggest benefits. I love that I can have a pizza in the oven and run down and feed the horses. Or my kids can be home while the farrier is here since our barn is 400 feet from the house. (my kids are almost 11 and 14) Before, I felt like I was living “two lives”…and wearing a track in the road driving to and from the barn.

4. If you want to ride more, make an arena or trails a MUST. (whichever you do or want more or BOTH!) Do not compromise on this. We hope to do an arena in the next few years but have great trails and gravel roads.

5. Look out at LEAST 5 years when you buy. Make sure the property fits where you want to be then, or longer AND what you want to do. (a.e. do you need to be near schools, plan on having a family, will you add an arena and if so, make sure you have a good spot for it)

6. Buy with room to grow. We have 10 acres. Wish we had another 5, or more. But don’t think I’d trade our view or location for it (we are 6 minutes to town, close to our kids’ schools and their friends), so make a list of priorities and stick to them. The 10 acres is keeping me at 4 or less horses and I’m fine with that!

Finally, for me, the biggest benefit is caring for my horses the way I want to care for them. If I want to give them more hay, I do it. If one needs some weight, I tailor feedings the way I want to. I also LOVE that I can look out from any window on the back of my home and see my horses. My smallest pony was laying down more than normal one day and I noticed it from my home just walking past windows throughout the morning. Went down to check on him and sure enough, he was pulse-y and warm in the feet. Caught a laminitis flare before it was too bad and he is now fine. And not to mention being able to watch them play. I feel more bonded and closer to all of them caring for them on my own. And non horsey DH is now very “horsey” and helps with care, feeding, etc. It’s awesome.

So good luck! If you happen to be in VA, PM me!!

[clanter]

oh and do not build extra stalls; if built, it will get filled

and learn to say No

just because you have the land every one thinks you need their extra cat, dog, kid (human and goat)

[BeeHoney]

Based on your comments on this thread I feel like your reasons for wanting to move to the country don’t jive with reality. Now, if you have other reasons that you want to move for, then by all means move, but don’t do it for the reasons you have stated.

1. Want to save money on boarding. Nope, you will spend more money owning and maintaining a property. You may feel like at least you are putting money into paying off your own property, but the fact is that farm properties are generally terrible investments and often difficult to resell, or resell for much less than the value of the improvements. You also may end up with a higher interest rate on your mortgage b/c it’s a farm property. Also, you will spend a great deal of money on tools, machinery and all kinds of stuff required to keep horses, which is basically like throwing your money away anyway (no resale value). Also, have you priced what it costs to put in a decent arena and buy a tractor/drag that can maintain it? You might want to re-check your numbers, this is NOT a money saving proposition.

2. I wish I could tell you that having a boarder or two is a good idea, but it’s not. It is also not a money saving idea. There are many threads on this topic out there.

3. You want back the time you lose driving to the barn. Are you kidding me? You will spend 6 times that time caring for your own horse and property, and you will be doing it in the wind, the rain, the blistering heat, the cold, on holidays, and at night–instead of when you feel like it.

4. Good luck with your fantasy about vacation and reliable farm sitters. I’ve been doing this for decades and finding (and paying) people who genuinely have the responsibility and skills to adequately take care of horses is a whole different ballpark than the dog/cat/fish scene. Forget about taking relaxing vacations.

Admittedly, your husband’s desire for more projects is a plus, especially if he likes manual labor or likes to fix things that horses break.

Look, if you want to live in the country and have a farm, do it. But it is not a money saving proposition. Actually, it is a bit expensive. My advice is to base the decision on whether or not you want the lifestyle, and if you do, then you should do it, with eyes wide open about what you are getting into.

[airhorse]

And if you want to actually have time to ride, plan on spending a huge amount of money on quality tractors, mowers, and implements.

[Calamber]

[QUOTE=Scandias;8648725]
Really good points about the combined barn/home structure; see I didn’t know that, so I’m glad I asked

I live in Oklahoma where land is relatively affordable; tornado season can be a little scary, so whichever set up we choose, it will need to be extremely structurally sound.

Husband and I are both turning 40 this year and are in pretty good shape for our age, so it’s one of those now or never decisions; we don’t want to wait until we are 50 and in declining physical condition.[/QUOTE]

Hey, I resemble that remark (decling physical condition after 50), but, I have lead poisoning and Lyme. After 50 is not the declining years for being outside and working. There are farmers and ranchers going strong at 80 years old, even many riders in the foxhunting field, I know of many who are well in advance of 65 and still very flexible and strong. Physical labor is good for you up to a point, like everything else, it all depends. I would do it in a heartbeat if I were your age and had your conditions at home. My only hesitation would be the needed labor to take care of critters when we left because I want and need time away from time to time.

[js]

Look at NRS Horsemans Ranch, their homes are single story with barns attached.

http://www.horsemansranch.com/homesites_horsemans_ranch.html

They have cute homes, no stairs and your barn is attached by a breezeway. I don’t recommend building overtop of the barn, stairs as you get older are not your friend, or when you have injuries etc.

Having horses at home is wonderful, with a touch of not so great. It does tie you to your property and if you don’t have reliable horse friends or ability to hire someone to farm sit you will be stuck taking separate vacations. Choose your neighbors (for what that is worth) carefully. Make sure vets and farriers are willing and able to come to your farm (or your area), it helps if they have existing clients in that specific area so adding you to their client list is much easier. Of course don’t build in a flood zone. You might consider building a tornado shelter, either above or below ground and fortifying your stalls for tornados also.

[ellisrun]

Preface - I am single, I work full time, I have traveled as much of the world as I want to and don’t want to travel anymore unless it’s to a horse show, the horses are my family.

1. Buy existing if you can. As others have said, I built from scratch and love it but it is not cheap. It would have been cheaper for me to even buy an existing property and modify as needed.

2. I am (in the process) of making the move for two reasons - I am anal and want to take care of my horses my way. I have boarded for a long time (in an expensive market) and I am always there when the farrier/vet/sick pony/meds, etc. is there or needs to happen. Barns claim full service but when push comes to shove and it’s my horse - I want to be involved.

3. My commute - I spend more time in the car between work and barn than I would actually at home doing the work on the farm (including riding). I live in an area where traffic is increasingly becoming a major problem. I rather be working on the farm then sitting in a car. Some people complain about the farm work but it’s the same stuff if you own a home - gotta mow, repair things, etc (just on a different scale).

4. I hire people to do the things I can’t do (or shouldn’t do). Like bushogging the pastures, taking down trees, repairing fences - could I do it - yes, should I do it - probably not when it comes down to time/quality/risk scenario.

Good Luck!

[Pocket_Pony]

Totally worth it!!! I moved mine home in 2004, and hope to be able to keep this up for a loooooong time (started with 5 acres, moved to 20 last year).

Can you swing it, job-wise? Meaning, will your commute not be too terrible, and/or do either of you have the luxury of working from home? (Mr. PoPo works from home and I work PT telecommuting, and PT in town, so one of us is always here).

Can you afford another horse? Horse math requires that for every riding horse you have a plus-one and maybe plus-two. So, for one horse you need a companion. If that companion is herd-bound, your companion may need a companion. The base number for horses at home is three, not two. :winkgrin:

Are you a hard worker? Do you mind tending to the horses multiple times per day (whatever that means for you - feeding, mucking, watering, riding, turning in/out, etc.)? And do you mind giving up weekends for farm projects? Tree-trimming, weed-eating, burn-piling, mowing, seeding, fertilizing, dragging the arena, putting in fencing, and on and on and on.

Do you like to travel? You will need a trustworthy and reliable farm sitter, plus one on back-up, to go anywhere. We tried two, who both needed surgery between the time we booked them and the time we took a trip - the panic of having your house-sitter call you and say “I know I was supposed to come so you could go on vacation, but I broke my xxxx and need surgery and I won’t heal in time” is very real and unnerving.

Do you mind riding alone? I don’t, and I do 99.9999% of my riding solo. I trailer out if I want a lesson. It doesn’t bother me at all. (Of course you’ll need a truck and trailer)

Do you have the extra money for equipment and projects? Tractor, truck, trailer, harrow/drag of some sort, other accessories as needed, mower, etc? Extra money for fencing (new or repairs), painting the barn, buying hay (and either paying for it to be delivered, or renting a flatbed so you can do it yourself)?

Are you healthy enough that you can do the chores yourself, or would you need to hire someone?

Granted, when we first started, we had an initial outlay for equipment that we never had before, but both our properties were already horse properties when we bought them so we didn’t HAVE to do any huge project. IMHO, that is the better way to go because things always take twice as long and cost more than you expect. Where we are now, it would cost me my mortgage (not to mention commuting time) to board out all three, so I can keep them at home much cheaper than boarding. Plus, I can manage them exactly as I wish and I have no one to blame but myself if something goes wrong.

I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way.

[Jersey_Fresh]

Im looking forward to moving my horse (soon to be horses) home this summer. We just bought a small farm (just under 12 acres). For me it wasn’t so much the saving money part, but more wanting to care for my horse myself and having a place for him to retire. I got tired of spending $$$ each month and having my horse look like crap and having limited options to move him. I drive 35 minutes to where hes boarded now, as my life changes I just cant get home at 8pm every night anymore.

Here board is high, and COL is low so ultimately, we’ll break even between the mortgage, building the barn, feed/hay etc on board. Adding a second horse to the mix we would probably come out ahead because board is so high. We got lucky and bought our house under market value so I don’t feel as bad putting the money into the property to build the barn and ring. My horse is also 17 and we wanted a place for him to land when he retires.

Yes its hard work, long days and late nights. But 100% worth it.