Gee, the listing says "horse potential".....and just what might that mean? To an experienced realtor, it means the listing agent is trying their darndest to get somebody in the door to look at the property with an eye to the future!
As a reminder, my last post talked about pastures - if you look at a wooded property with an "eye to the future"...the future in terms of useable pasture will be at least 2 years. That doesn't include the cost of clearing the wooded property....of fencing the wooded property.....putting up a barn, arenas, or anything else horsey in nature!
True equine enthusiasts will demand the very best for their horses. Finding out about in-ground watering systems is important as they are advertised as healthier because water doesn't stand in a waterer and grow mold, critters don't die in there, etc.!
Another important aspect of equine properties is the fencing. Oak board fencing, although a classic option, is also one of the more dangerous fencing choices. Horses seem to look for ways to get hurt....and busting through an oak board fence could result in a pierced chest, leg or belly...and accompanying vet bills to attest to it! There are numerous fencing options other than oak boards. Poly wire is an alternative - electric wire surrounded by a thick coating of vinyl that is attached to pasture corners with springs....it provides "give" when a horse falls into it! It is also extremely easy to see, even in the dark. 3 and 4-strands are popular. Price seems to be a bit cheaper than board fence and is probably a bit easier to deal with as well! No painting boards which requires either (a) a young intimidated family member with a bucket and a brush...or (b) paid painters with generators, power sprayers and the such. The poly wire is tightened with a ratchet at each end and either t-posts or wood posts provide the conductor surfaces.
What else might a horse need or want? Oh yes.....this year, having good hay might be like a lobster-fest to a horse!!!! With the drought last year, hay prices are at an all-time premium in northern Virginia and those who would stick their noses in the air when "round bale" was even mentioned, are now standing in line at the farms who even sell them! Good hay is important....alfalfa is difficult to find locally - those who grow it usually have the crops(s) sold before they even bale. Alfalfa mixes are easier to find but then it is difficult to truly identify the ratio of alfalfa and other hay grasses. Good luck on that end and pray the rain keeps coming!!!!
See you next blog!!!
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