Financing a horse farm.

If you are thinking about owning a North Carolina horse farm, you will need to do a bit of financial planning.  There are loans available for horse farms of all sizes, however if you want a farm with more than ten acres, you will need to find a lender that works regularly with country properties. 

With less than ten acres, financing is pretty normal if the land is only about 30% of the total property value.  Another criteria is that the surrounding properties are similarly sized properties.  (If you have a horse farm on nine acres, but it is surrounded by subdivisions with half acre lots and homes on them, the bank may disapprove the loan.) 

If you are looking for a North Carolina horse farm with large acreage, then talk with a lender when you start the search, so you can know your financing possibilities and down payment requirements up front.  Much better to have all your ducks in a row when you find that dream farm. 

If you need help finding a lender, don't hesitate to call.  I have several I can recommend.

Concussion

Wow.  I have had a couple days off riding.  When I turned Windy out on Saturday night, she decided she wanted to go a different direction than I intended and she walked through me.  I was not expecting that one.  I fell over and hit my head.  I am not sure if I went unconscious or not, but when I looked up Windy had turned around and was staring at me as if to say, "What are you doing down there?"  I got up and let the barn hold me up for a minute or two while I got my bearings.  Then I put Windy and Skittles out (where I wanted them to be) for the night and weaved my way up to the house. 

I rode on Sunday, and found that with every bounce my head ached.  I passed on riding on Monday, and this morning, too.  (Windy got longed yesterday; she does not do well with too much time off.)  My head is doing better.  I found my neck muscles were also complaining, and they are about back to normal.  One more day and back to normal schedules...

So what is my horse tip for you?  Wear your helmet.  Concussions are not fun for you, but more importantly, you are wearing the helmet for the people you love who might have to take care of you should the unthinkable happen.  I wasn't even on a horse, and I got lucky things were not worse...

Skittles

Skittles eyes are bright. His coat is shiny. He looks forward to supper and breakfast.  He trots into the stall to get food.  He still pushes Windy around.  After Windy gets ridden, Skittles thinks he should get a cookie.  He is happy and loved.  I will switch his supplements around a bit to make him comfortable:  glucosamine to help the joint and bute to help with comfort and swelling.  He still needs me to groom him, and my instructor says walks with weight on his back and collection will keep his joints as good as they can be. 

Hunter-Jumper Horse show this weekend

Look for info on it on MacNairs Country Acres website.  Can't come this weekend?  There is an NCDCTA (eventing) show on October 30 in Raeford, suitable for novices, so I am going.  Also a Halloween show at MacNairs.  Both of next weeks shows have costume classes.  Any suggestions for costumes for a big red horse?

Skittles

I took Skittles and Windy to the vet today for their fall shots and a check up for Skittles. Skittles loaded onto the trailer just fine, and Windy decided she did not want to be left behind, so she went right on too. I had allowed 20 minutes, so when they loaded in less than 5, we got there a little early.

The reason I wanted a checkup for Skittles was that he has been a little off every time I try to ride him. The vet could not believe that Skittles will be 30 in March. She said she would never have guessed it. Her assistant got him trotting and the vet said, "Is it always his left front?" I was surprised. I had not even seen the limp yet when she asked. I said, "yes it is." She did a flexion test which made it even worse. We had Xrays done and he arthritis in that ankle. So the bottom line is no more riding him at the trot or canter, no jumping, no fox hunts, and only walks on flat level surfaces. He is going to be as close to retired as he could be. I guess he will get just get enough riding to make him feel important. It is kind of hard for me to see the end of a 17-year partnership. At least I can make him comfortable now.

Windy and me on October 10th

State fair starts this weekend

We've got horses to watch for a whole week at the fair.  I'll be there this weekend with my mentee, Julia, and her horse Rita.  We trailer in tomorrow.  If you would rather avoid crowds, there is a dressage show at Buckhorn Farms on Saturday.

Horse show parents

Just read a great article on "Help for Horse Show Parents" from MacNairs Country Acres.  Three main points: make a list, have everything ready the night before, and handle the stage fright.  Actually it is two lists; one for the horse and one for the rider.  The packing the night before includes snacks and water.  The stage fright section included what to do after the show: stay out of the way of the trainer, and don't say anything if it was a disaster because uyou just can't win...  Lots more tips in the article.

Dressage show coming up this Saturday

Buckhorn Farms is having their last show of the season this Saturday, October 16th.  Horse shows at the state fair, too.