Moving for Horses
I've always planned to stay in Michigan long term, and a big reason for that is my horses. Michigan has so many affordable areas for equestrians. There's ample "cheap" land within an hour's drive of most major cities, cheap hay (I regularly pay $3-$4 a bale), plentiful water (no worries about severe drought or water rights), and even inexpensive board (in the right areas). I have considered moving out West at times, to New Mexico or somewhere in that area, but the horse issue has always prevented me from seriously considering it. Here, my boyfriend and I can fully support 2 horses on our own land(because, like I said, it was cheap)and I am still in university. True, he does drive an hour and a half to work, but we reap major benefits. It cost only about $450 for a full winter's worth of very good hay, and in the summer feeding is nearly free due to the pasture space (several acres). Vet care and farrier work is also extremely affordable(though we could take care of higher bills if needed). If we can do this now, I can't wait to think of how awesome it's going to be once I finally graduate. Now, if I moved out West, it would be an entirely different story. I've heard people on this board describe $15/bale hay, and boarding costs upward of $1000. It seems like it would be a struggle to even own one horse.
My question to you, especially those of you who live in areas where equine care is very expensive, is have you ever considered moving out of state (or across the country)so that you could keep horses more comfortably? I hear of some people on this board who claim that they'll never be able to buy enough land to have horses at home, and even some who feel that they wont ever be able to afford to buy one. Is this type of situation something that you are contented with? Or would you consider completely uprooting yourselves so that you could own a horse, or multiple, or keep them at home?
I'm just very curious as to what ties horse owners(or lovers) to the areas in which they live and what motivates them to stay or leave. Thanks!
My question to you, especially those of you who live in areas where equine care is very expensive, is have you ever considered moving out of state (or across the country)so that you could keep horses more comfortably? I hear of some people on this board who claim that they'll never be able to buy enough land to have horses at home, and even some who feel that they wont ever be able to afford to buy one. Is this type of situation something that you are contented with? Or would you consider completely uprooting yourselves so that you could own a horse, or multiple, or keep them at home?
I'm just very curious as to what ties horse owners(or lovers) to the areas in which they live and what motivates them to stay or leave. Thanks!