Horse Property Essentials

Horse Property Essentials

So, you’ve bought a horse property and don’t know what you need? Well, then this is the article for you! Owning a horse property is the ultimate dream for so many equestrians. However, owning a property requires careful consideration of various factors. From the layout of the land to the machinery and tools needed for maintenance, every aspect plays a role in ensuring the well-being of both the horses and the property itself. In this article, we'll explore the property item essentials you’ll need to keep in mind, particularly focusing on machinery, tools, and other aspects.

Understanding the Layout and Infrastructure

Before delving into machinery and tools, it's essential to understand the layout and infrastructure of the horse property. Factors such as pasture size and quality, stables, shelters, fencing, and water sources are critical. Adequate space for grazing, shelter from harsh weather conditions, and access to fresh water are fundamental requirements for the health and happiness of horses.

If you have bought a property without an established stable barn and/or paddocks, then a good way to plan the property layout is to draw the property boundary out on a piece of paper and cut out the stables, paddocks, arena and any other infrastructure you want or need to scale. You can then place these pieces around the property to determine the best positioning for each area. If you are struggling for design layout ideas, there are companies that you can employ that specialise in equestrian design.

Machinery for Land Management

1. Tractors: For larger properties, a reliable tractor is indispensable for many horse property owners. From mowing pastures to spreading manure and hauling supplies, tractors are versatile workhorses that streamline various tasks. When choosing a tractor, consider factors such as horsepower, attachments compatibility, and fuel efficiency. 

2. ATVs/UTVs: All-terrain vehicles or utility task vehicles are handy for tasks that require agility and maneuverability. They're perfect for cleaning manure, checking fences, transporting small loads, and accessing areas where larger machinery might struggle to reach. 

3. Ride-on mowers: Keeping pastures well-maintained is essential for the health of the horses and the overall aesthetics of the property. Rotary mowers are great for cutting grass, weeds, and brush, helping to prevent overgrazing and maintaining a tidy appearance.

4. Drag Harrows and Arena Rakes: For horse owners with riding arenas, drag harrows and arena rakes are essential tools for maintaining footing quality. Regular dragging helps to redistribute footing materials, break up compacted areas, and remove debris.

Tools for Stable Maintenance

1. Wheelbarrows and Carts: Cleaning stables and paddocks is a daily chore for horse owners. Wheelbarrows and carts make the task more manageable by providing a convenient way to transport manure and soiled bedding to compost piles or disposal areas. Carts can be hooked up behind an ATV or ride-on mower to make carting larger loads more manageable.

2. Pitchforks, Shovels, Brooms and Rakes: These basic hand tools are indispensable for cleaning stalls, spreading bedding, and maintaining tidy barn aisles and pathways. Invest in sturdy, ergonomic designs to minimise strain and maximise efficiency.

3. Blowers and Line Trimmers: Blowers can keep stable areas clean and tidy with minimum effort. Line trimmers are also beneficial for keeping areas of grass neat and tidy as well as for keeping weeds at bay.

Infrastructure for Health and Safety

1. Fencing and Gates: Secure and safe fencing is essential for containing horses safely and preventing them from wandering off the property. Choose fencing materials carefully, considering factors such as durability, visibility, and maintenance requirements. Additionally, strategically placed gates facilitate access to different areas of the property while maintaining security.

2. Watering Systems: Adequate access to fresh water is critical for horses' health and hydration. Consider installing automatic waterers or troughs in pastures and barns to ensure a constant supply of clean water, especially during hot weather or when horses are turned out for extended periods. If your horse’s have access to bore water only, it is important to test for its suitability for drinking.

3. Shelter and Shade: Providing shelter from the elements is essential for the well-being of horses. Whether it's a stable, run-in shed, or shade trees in pastures, horses should have access to shelter to protect them from harsh weather conditions such as rain, wind, and extreme heat or cold.

4. Emergency Preparedness: Equine emergencies can happen unexpectedly, so it's essential to have a plan in place. Keep essential supplies such as first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and emergency contact information readily available. Regularly inspect and maintain facilities to minimise risks and ensure a safe environment for horses and caretakers alike.

Environmental Considerations

1. Pasture Management: Proper pasture management practices are essential for maintaining healthy grazing areas and minimising environmental impact. Rotate pastures regularly to prevent overgrazing, aerate compacted soil, and implement sustainable practices such as composting manure to enrich soil fertility.

2. Manure Management: Effective manure management is crucial for preventing environmental pollution and maintaining a clean and sanitary property. Consider composting manure to produce nutrient-rich fertiliser for gardens or fields, or explore options for off-site disposal or recycling.

Other Considerations

1. Water: Prior to purchasing your horse property, ensure that the property has a bore, and/or you are able to sink a bore. With water scarce in Australia, many councils are limiting the amount of water that can be drawn from a bore and some are no longer issuing a licence to take water from a bore. It is also important to check the amount of water you can draw up from the bore as per the water licence.

2. Horse capacity: Some councils may limit the amount of horses you can keep on your property. Prior to purchase, it is best to check the council requirements. 

3. Soil type: Whilst this isn’t a deal breaker, understanding the type of soil you have on your property will help you determine how much water you need to establish paddocks as well as what species of grass to plant. Sandy soils are often hydrophobic, meaning that they don’t hold water, and so extra water is needed to make anything grow! Clay soils on the other hand, hold water really well, and grasses and plants grow well.

4. Business Establishment: If your plan is to use the property for agistment purposes, you may need to seek approval from the council. Hence, it is best to approach the council first prior to purchasing a property to ensure that you are able to set up an agistment centre.

To help you set up and maintain your horse property, we stock a wide range of products ranging from arena rakes to fertilisers that can help you keep your property looking great. Make sure to visit us in-store or online at oakfordstockfeeds.com.au!