Boarding your horse vs Having your own farm

Alright, let’s lean against the fence rail and talk it through—boarding your horse at Kenora Bed ’n’ Bale versus buyin’ or buildin’ your own farm. Both paths can lead to happy horses and satisfied riders… they just come with real different chores and commitments.

🐎 Boarding at Kenora Bed ’n’ Bale

The Upsides

• No middle-of-the-night emergencies (usually) Chores don’t stop for snowstorms, holidays, or head colds—but when you board, someone else is already there morning and night.

• Predictable costs One monthly bill beats surprise fencing repairs, frozen pipes, or “how did the hay get that expensive?” Of course you still have to budget for farrier, supplements and vet bills (scheduled and surprise).

• Built-in horse community Buddies, and folks to swap stories (or equipment) with.

• Professional setup, minus the headache Safe fencing, dry footing, expensive heated waterers, good feed routines—already handled.

• More saddle time, less shovel time You get to ride and enjoy your horse instead of fixing things before you can play.

The Trade-Offs

• It’s not “yours” You share space, schedules, hay/bedding and property rules.

• Less customization You can’t just add a shed, move a paddock, or experiment with layout on a whim.

• Monthly boarding fees You pay set fees instead of spreading costs out over years.

  
  

🌾 Buying or Building Your Own Farm

The Upsides

• Total freedom Your land, your rules. Midnight rides? Sure. Custom paddocks? Absolutely.

• Your horse, right outside your door Coffee on the porch, horses nickering—hard to beat.

• Long-term investment Property can build equity, and some folks like knowing they’ve put roots down.

• Personal pride There’s something mighty satisfying about sayin’, “I built this place.”

The Trade-Offs

• Big upfront cost Land with correct zoning, buildings, fencing, waterers, tractors, trucks, trailers—it adds up faster than a spooked colt.

• Chores. All. The. Time. No days off. Not for weather, weddings, or weekends. The horses come first.

• Maintenance surprise roulette Broken waterers, snow removal, manure management—it never really ends. Don't forget taxes and insurance. PLUS the stress, time and expense of sourcing, hauling/shipping, storing, and handling the hay and bedding in the rocky Canadian Shield!

• You’re the staff When something goes wrong, it’s on you… every single time.

  
  

🤠 So, Which Fits You Best?

• Boarding at Kenora Bed ’n’ Bale is mighty fine if you: want more ride time, less stress, more predictable costs, convenient location, and a friendly environment—without takin’ on a second full-time job.

• Owning your own farm makes sense if you: crave independence, have the time (and magical money tree) for upkeep, and truly love the daily grind of land and livestock.

  
  

At the end of the day, it ain’t about right or wrong—it’s about what kind of horse life you want to live. If you’d rather spend your energy ridin’, relaxin’, and lovin’ on your horse, boardin’ just might be the smoothest trail. If you dream of sunrise chores and deep roots, a farm might be callin’.

Either way—keep the hay dry, the fences solid, and the horses happy. 🐴🌲