How big should a grass are/stable be for horses?

Getting your first horse is very exciting but there is a lot to consider.

1, Your own experience - How good a rider are you?

Cobs are renowned for being good horses for beginners but their personalities range from downright lazy and stubborn, through to laid back and easy going and finishing with highly strung hunting machines. You would be best getting someone very experienced, perhaps your riding instructor to help you choose.

2, Have you ever looked after a horse before? If not you may wish to consider doing a part share first so you can learn from the owner and other people on the yard.

3, Keeping a horse at home - You will need to consider keeping not just one horse but two. Horses are herd animals and many suffer stress when kept alone. The second horse could be a miniature pony or even perhaps a donkey. Some people use goats as companions but it really depends on the horse. If you can only afford to keep one horse then you should consider whether it would be best to put your horse on a livery yard. That way he will have company and you will have back up.

4, There is more work in keeping a horse at home. You will need to maintain your paddocks yourself, fix any broken fencing, harrow and roll your fields, pay for muck removal. Plus you will need to ensure water is freely available in the field. You also need to consider not just stabling but storage for bedding and food.

5, Quantity of land - This depends on the size and number of horses and where you are to be located. The type of ground makes a huge difference as you can get away with less ground if chalky and free draining but you'll need a lot more of it's clay. IMHO you'll need approximately 1.5 acres per horse. You could get away with less if you have a good sized hard standing available for winter use.

I hope the above has been useful. If you have any more questions feel free to visit the Equine Online horse forum where we have lots of experienced horse owners who can advise.