Working Your Horse Property Plan

the summer when potential winter dangers are hidden as Mary P. learned. We dug the holes for our barn poles in what seemed to be an ideal location. Shortly before beginning to build we learned from a neighbour that our barn would be in the middle of the major spring melt drainage area on our property. If we hadnt spoken with our neighbour our barn would have been flooded come spring. We moved the location of our barn and are very happy with the outcome.
Create safe travel routes around your property what may work in one season might become a treacherous path during other seasons. If you will be utilizing various buildings for your horse care needs make sure you have a safe path of travel from building to building regardless of weather conditions. Having a plan for walking horses between your facilities stalls to pasture paddock to arena etc. during ice and mud conditions will help keep both you and your horses injury free. For especially challenging areas bringing in special footing such as rock sand or even shavings can make all the difference.
Optimize the existing features
Identify potential reutilization of existing buildings and fence lines. Oftentimes a bit of a rebuild will allow existing buildings to be repurposed for your needs. This is especially helpful if the buildings already have power and water. It is important to examine the structural integrity of both buildings and fences prior to use. Dayna B. a new horse property owner learned this the hard way I wish Id known about the fence...what to look for regarding how the fence boards are facing and for fence rot. Our fence is falling apart all over the place from rot.
Look at all of your location needs including stalling grooming hay storage tack storage and even trailer parking in relation to what is currently existing on your property. Can the equipment shed be transformed into hay storage? Perhaps the pump house which has water and power! is located conveniently near your horse activities and an addition would make a spectacular tack storagegrooming bay. Take the time to visualize the potential of your property.
Make use of the land
Identify the best locations for pastures taking care to make sure no one area will be overgrazed. If your pasture space is minimal setting up a rotation system will be vital to manage your land. Plan your pasture management through snow