I have seen and worked on many, many horse properties, some very efficient and some a continuous waste of time. Money doesn’t seem to be the issue, the safety and efficiency of horse estates seem to be based on the horse sense of the person who established them.

Some of the properties I have worked on have been very beautiful, quaint and an artist’s dream. I have known owners who have spent millions of dollars on horse facilities that are neither safe nor efficient. Other horse properties have been built on a budget and while they may not be the most glamorous, they are safe and efficient.

These are just seven of the most common areas that can be improved with just a little planning before you start setting up a horse property.

1. Preparation for mounting

For example, how long does it take you to get ready to ride? Is all your equipment in one place, close to where your horse is groomed for riding? So is it safe to ride near where you saddle up or do you need to drive or open and close a few doors before you start riding?

If the facilities for this one task are misconfigured, it could cost you an extra ten minutes each time you travel. If you ride two horses every day six times a week, that is, two hours a week, you are wasting.

2. After mounting

What happens when you finish riding? Is there a sand roll nearby where your horse can relax after the ride? Can you water/wash them close to where they are unsaddled? Does this area have somewhere to tie the horse and a solid foundation or does it turn to mud if used continuously?

Verify that your horse installation is set up correctly so that this task does not cost you an inordinate amount of time.

3. Riding arena

A safe place to ride is essential.

Is there at least one riding area that has a solid fence and a non-slip surface that is suitable for a fresh horse? This is ideal for a learning rider and young horse to work on and even an experienced rider will prefer this type of riding area if their horse is new or unfamiliar.

4. Riding in open areas

Are there riding areas far from where the horses live? Sometimes, if space is limited, a cross country track can be established in a large, open area where horses normally live.

If you ride in areas where horses live, can they quickly and easily go to a different area while the horses are being ridden in their living spaces to keep you and your horse safe?

5. Main feed barn

Where is the main feed barn located? Is there easy access to feed and hay delivery? Is it located close to where the horses are fed or does the feed need to be carried some distance from the horses?

If your horse facility isn’t set up right, a poorly located feed barn could cost you a lot of time and work.

6. Streets

Safety around horses is essential, remember that they are herd animals.

Do you have lanes between all your paddocks/fields/pastures for your horses? It takes a person with horse experience to safely lead a horse through a group of horses and it is not ideal.

7. Water

Do all horses have easy access to water? While there is an initial cost to set up the irrigation system, it could cost more in the long run if water is wasted and the time it takes if manual irrigation systems are used.

There are many other facilities required to set up a horse property correctly with safety and efficiency in mind.

However, these are the top seven people seem to get wrong when setting up a horse estate.