So, I've decided to start seriously saving up for a house. I'm hoping to at least have a down payment in 1-5 years (hopefully sooner than later). Of course, when I look for this house/property, I want it to have enough acreage so I can have horses (and probably other farm animals) on it. 

I've always boarded my horse though, and I assume having a horse on your own property is pretty different, just because you have the responsibility of maintaining your property--making sure everything is safe, working, and all the little things you would have to think about. 

I know many or most HPers have their own horses and other animals and I can't remember if any of you have your horses on your property or board them... so which do you do and/or which do you prefer?

I think the only reason I would want my horse on my property is because, where I live, boarding is kind of expensive and I don't really want to comply to other people's rules anymore. Also, barn people, although with good intentions, can be a bit nosey and sometimes a bit bossy about my horse's welfare, which to me is annoying. 

Growing up I ALWAYS had my horses in my front yard.  They were part of my daily routine and chores list.  I wouldn't have it any other way!  Eventually my Dad decided to move and with that ment I needed to find somewhere to board my horses.  I down sized and went to horse (instead of horses), and it just wasn't the same.  It really became a chore some days as I had to drive out of my way instead of just go home.  I wont say it was the main reason I eventually got out of horses, but it played into it.  When you have to start paying someone to house your horse at 16 it really sucks.

Now, to actually answer some questions you asked. haha.  The money you save on boarding would be all you really need to save a month to maintain your own property.  You just have to be willing to get down and dirty (which horse owners are already experts at :P).  You will have to mend fences, you will have to replace gates, and you will have to shovel your own poop (to add to the list of many other things).  However, it's a whole heck of a lot more rewarding when you get to look out the window and see your love(s).

With that said GET THE LAND!  There's nothing better than waking up to your horse at home with you.  Do know though that if it's anything like this area you will be paying out the wazoo for a stick built home, or finding one in your price range that is a manufactured home (MFH).  MFH aren't bad, but lenders hate them.  They are a hassle and cost more out of pocket in the buying process for special certs and inspections.  Just be super educated as you go into the process and don't set your expectations high & be flexible if you don't have a fortune to shell out for a dream horse property. 

I hate to be a downer, but it's tough being a horse lover in the housing market!  

Ive always had my horses in the backyard...boarding is fun cuz you have friends right there to ride with, but i like lookin out and watchin the horses eat...

I haven't had the pleasure of having Bella at home with me except for the short time I lived at the barn I managed which is completely different because I was watching 30 other horses PLUS my own. That said there will probably be a bunch of little things that you may take for granted with them being somewhere else.

Things that are someone's daily routine you'll have to adjust to once it's YOUR daily routine but at least you'll be right outside your front/back door to do it all! I would definiately say get the land for them, eventually that's my plan. Bella can come live at home where I'll be able to keep an eye on her myself rather than driving anywhere. It's fun to have them around ALL the time, you def get to see some of their personalitys that you may have not had a chance to see before. Josh doesn't really want to deal with the horses but he wants the tax write off to have a farm so I think we may end up with a few more ponies & some other animals in the future. Poor guy, letting me live my dream just for the write off on his taxes. 

I miss being at a large barn (she's on pasture board at a friend of my Aunt's) there's no one to ride with or talk to, but it's nice because I can focus on Bella a little more & if I really want to ride with someone I'll bring her across the stree to my client's once I get her boy started again (weather's been to bad to ride in her ring lately).

It's always cheaper and easier to have them on your land, imo. My grandpa had a farm, and we had two horses on his land, granted it was only like a five minute drive at that.. still sucked lol. I loved getting to see my papa, and looking back now that he's gone I wouldn't have had those horses at my house anyways. I at least got to spend more time with him. 

I'm not much help ;x But wanted to toss my thoughts in.

Paints since 6-8-14

Those are all great thoughts! Looks like the unanimous opinion is for having horses at home :)

Where I live currently, it's about $600 to board my horse somewhere (and some places that charge this much won't even buy the hay--you have to buy the hay for them to feed), and it's probably going to be 20 minutes out of town, or for me, more like 45 minutes because I already live out of town. Where I want to move to though, property is a lot cheaper to come by, especially fixer upper houses with acreage.