I fantasize about having my horse at home. I like the idea of a large property with big grassy pastures and being able to care for her EXACTLY the way I want things done.

However, there is probably no way I would ever keep a horse at home. I wouldn't want to keep a horse on less than 5 acres (this means a 5 acre total property - not 5 acres for the horse). Just because of flys, mud issues, etc. And more than 5 acres where I live is WAY expensive.

Plus, I really enjoy traveling and if you have horses at home that becomes very difficult. I don't live in an area where there are lots of horses so there aren't just people who understand how to take care of a horse that could come and do it. We had talked about buying a place and boarding for a teenager (for free) in exchange for help when we travel but that could easily become an issue in itself.

Plus, I enjoy having other people at the barn to ride with and talk to. So, boarding is probably the best choice for me.