I currently have my 2 horses at home (and my pony is being leased outside of the province), but I have had experience with at home and with boarding.

When I was growing up, basically from 10-18 years old when I left for university, I lived at home on the farm. The most we ever owned was 5 horses, usually 3...but I was the one to go out in the morning, let out and feed/water, muck stalls after getting home from school, then bring them in at night. We didn't travel; and when we did we had our farrier take care of the place. It was extremely difficult in the winter, with 6 foot high snow drifts & a barn 200 feet from the house, water frozen so we had to lug out 5 gallon bottles on a sled, etc etc. That is difficult.

When I was in university I boarded. I dislike boarding greatly; as I am really really picky about the type of care my guys get and I shifted through several barns ranging from cheaper to more expensive and still wasn't satisfied. I hated having to drive 1/2 hr + to see my horses, I hated having other people around, etc.

When we moved into this place in October 09, we moved the boys here and I greatly enjoy having them here where I can once again take care of them myself...but, it sucks in the winter still (but at this place we have water that doesn't freeze in the line!), but traveling is pretty much dead...which sucks...but, that's the life of being a horse owner. You have to sacrifice a lot.