How to take your horse's vital signs

Here is a link to a great blog post from Smart Pack Equine on how to take vital signs.  It is a good idea to practice before you need to take them, and to know your horse's healthy vital measurements.

http://blog.smartpakequine.com/2011/01/how-to-take-your-horse’s-vital-signs/

Time to purchase

After the terrrible failure of the lending system over the past few years, the lenders are actually making loans again.  Five years ago you could get financing if you could breathe.  Last year you could barely get a loan without perfect credit.  This year, with a credit score in the 600's, you can get financing again.  You can even get 100% USDA financing again with the right income qualifications and for homes in rural settings.  FHA has announced it will increase the monthly mortgage insurance premiums in April, rates are still low, and prices are still low, making properties affordable and now the time to buy. 

Horse fencing for North Carolina Horse Farms.

I have asked a couple of veterinarians to comment on their favorite and least favorite horse fences.  I am expecting to see barbed wire as least favorite, but it will be interesting to see what they come up with.  Watch for the results...

Garner, North Carolina Horse Farm

8521 Old Stage Road, Garner

$200,000

     This delightful older home has beautiful woodwork and hardwood floors through most of the main floor.  The bedrooms are large, and with the addition that was added, there is a large master closet and a separate laundry room/pantry that you don't find in most older homes.  The basement has a large rec room perfect for home schooling or gatherings.  You will also find a storm shelter in the basement, a wine celler, and a large workshop area.  If you like a home with a character all its own, and something different from your friends' homes, you will find this home suits the bill. 

     The horse barn has been used for storage for years.  It is in good condition.  It features two dutch doors and after cleanout and some fresh shavings, the barn will be ready for use.  There are two stalls and a tack room so it compliments the 3.7 acres of land.  You will need to add some fencing, but if you need somewhere for your horses quickly check with the neighbors.  They are looking forward to having some horses to look at again.

Keep your boots in shape

Empty Pringles cans are the perfect size to keep your tall boots standing when they are being stored.  (Enjoy the Pringles at a show and save the can for later!)

Apex, NC Horse Farm

                                                           8517 Burnside Drive, Apex

     This pretty working North Carolina Horse Farm is located just southwest of Apex.  You can figure on a 15 minute drive to Raleigh or about 45 minutes to the Research Triangle park.  There are over seven acres of land with this property.  The home is available for sale or lease purchase.

     The home has four bedrooms which include a first floor master suite.  You'll find tasteful formal areas and a large family room.  There are additional rooms for exercise, office, and recreation.

     Pastures are already established, and the barn has five stalls and an apartment over it. There is also a workshop on the side of the barn.  Call an agent to find out more information on this central North Carolina horse farm.

Searching for a Horse Farm

Searching for a North Carolina horse farm is difficult without an agent.  Finding homes with acreage is not easy on most sites.  If you find a real estate agent you are comfortable talking with they will be able to save you a lot of time, frustration, and gasoline.  If you get a good agent in one area, they can also help you find a competent agent in another area as well.

The multiple listing systems (MLS) of today are powerful enough to sort by acreage, house size, property zoning, restrictions, and more.  Although many websites have search capabilities such that you can see most of the homes currently on the market, the screening mechanisms vary from site to site.  With many MLS systems, your real estate agent can set up a custom search for you within a certain area with boundaries defined by you (like a certain number of miles from your work, activities, or church or within certain counties), and your price range clearly defined.  Add in the size of house you want and the number of acres of land you need and you get just the right farm or farmette for you.