I don’t have an acreage or horses or anything related to this topic, but I am taking mental notes reading this thread like there’s a final exam tomorrow.
Just purchaced a new home just outside of Ames with 4.4 acres (3 small pastures, indoor riding arean w/ 6 horse stables, small outbuilding for hay/equiptment,)
I need any advise you can spare. We have never had an acreage and don't know the first thing about horses. We are planning on self care boarding the stables for a little bit of suplimentary income.
Eventually plan on having a horse or two of our own.
I am going to need to purchace a tractor for mowing/snow plowing, and areana maintenance. I am thinking a smaller tractor with a bucket and will need a grader for driveway. Hope to get one with a 60" mowing deck.
Anyway, any tips would be greatly appreciated.
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It depends on your driveway. Mine is basically in a ditch so drifts over very easy.It’s been 7 years since I left Iowa but drifts like that happened maybe 1-2 times per 20 years. The worst I can remember was the winter of 2009-2010. That was epic level drifts. I was actually told by a state trooper that I couldn’t leave town to go to work at like 6am. When I finally was able to leave I remember snow drifts on HWY 42 towards Grimes at least 4 feet above my truck.
We weren’t at our current home in 09-10, but if I remember right, that was a brutal winter. This last winter was the worst we have experienced at our place, and we’ve had some doozies. I actually broke the wench link on my 4wheeler, even trying to plow out multiple times a day, and got the old man’s truck stuck. Had to bring out the Bobcat this yearIt’s been 7 years since I left Iowa but drifts like that happened maybe 1-2 times per 20 years. The worst I can remember was the winter of 2009-2010. That was epic level drifts. I was actually told by a state trooper that I couldn’t leave town to go to work at like 6am. When I finally was able to leave I remember snow drifts on HWY 42 towards Grimes at least 4 feet above my truck.
I like mowing for the same reason except audio books instead of podcasts. But, a ZTR is lifechanging. It goes so fast now I have to stop for 'breaks' to make it last longer (TWSS).We have 5 acres and mowing is a pain in my ass. Luckily for me, my wife likes to mow because she can just listen to her podcasts and mow away.
Moral of the thread: buy a condo with no maintenance.I don’t have an acreage or horses or anything related to this topic, but I am taking mental notes reading this thread like there’s a final exam tomorrow.
the most infuriating thing about it all though was my wife’s boss literally told her this exact phrase “well, I was able to get to work so there is no reason you shouldn’t”. Her boss lived in Des Moines. We lived in the country. They were literally not allowing us to leave town and that Bit$ch told my wife that. Still sticks with me.It’s been 7 years since I left Iowa but drifts like that happened maybe 1-2 times per 20 years. The worst I can remember was the winter of 2009-2010. That was epic level drifts. I was actually told by a state trooper that I couldn’t leave town to go to work at like 6am. When I finally was able to leave I remember snow drifts on HWY 42 towards Grimes at least 4 feet above my truck.
Thanks! I am excited and scared shittless at times.I'm selfishly looking forward to following this thread for a year or two. Please keep us updated with your adventures. You'll get some great advice here. You already have. And congratulations!
Luckily, My wife works from home full time, I WFH 2 days a week. My work is fairly flexable with WFH if I need extra.I
the most infuriating thing about it all though was my wife’s boss literally told her this exact phrase “well, I was able to get to work so there is no reason you shouldn’t”. Her boss lived in Des Moines. We lived in the country. They were literally not allowing us to leave town and that Bit$ch told my wife that. Still sticks with me.
How far are you from a main road? Guessing pretty close if you live in a HOA. We were stranded for 5 days and live 2.5 miles from town.Luckily, My wife works from home full time, I WFH 2 days a week. My work is fairly flexable with WFH if I need extra.
Lol thats currently what I live in here in Chicago. Getting ready to sell it though and move back to the DM area. While it would be nice to live on a few acres someday, reading this thread has taught me that maybe I’m not ready yet.Moral of the thread: buy a condo with no maintenance.
HOA. no livestock allowed. Horses and pets only.
Be aware that many insurance carriers will cover the liability when you own your own horses, but boarding horses for others can typically be excluded, and requires a commercial liability policy, or at least a special endorsement to bring that coverage in. Care, custody, and control is also an issue. Many insurance companies have been burnt in the past by anything to do with horses, and are very reluctant to provide liability coverage. Coverage can be obtained, just make sure that your agent is aware of everything upfront to avoid surprises later on.We are currently quoting insurance. Our current insurer(nationwide) has farm and ranch coverage. As I understatnd it, any clients that we are boarding for will also be required to carry renters insurance. If we do self care, we are basicly going to grant access to the facilities, all other responsibilities(food/water/care/placement) fall on the owner. I imagine we will have to grant tenants access to our water supply(Xenia) and I understand our water bill is going to be high. I was thinking about having a well installed, if our HOA allows, for watering the horses.
Tractor is on the radar. I am thinking a bucket, mower deck, and whtever impliment we will need to harrow the areana and smoth/rake out the surface material. I guess the previous owners had to dig up 3 feet of ground because the owners before them had let the ground get so compacted.
I think we are 6 miles from county line road.How far are you from a main road? Guessing pretty close if you live in a HOA. We were stranded for 5 days and live 2.5 miles from town.
Goats? Let those bastards eat
Sounds like you need some pet goatsHOA. no livestock allowed. Horses and pets only.
Full disclosure, I wasn’t ready for an acreage when we bought one and I didn’t know it. I thought I was, but…Lol thats currently what I live in here in Chicago. Getting ready to sell it though and move back to the DM area. While it would be nice to live on a few acres someday, reading this thread has taught me that maybe I’m not ready yet.
I like mowing for the same reason except audio books instead of podcasts. But, a ZTR is lifechanging. It goes so fast now I have to stop for 'breaks' to make it last longer (TWSS).