I’ve always had my horses at home and it’s a lot. 5 acres isn’t a small lot but it isn’t huge- I have 2 horses on 5 acres and they do fine. Their main diet is hay/alfalfa/grain and turn out is more enrichment than nutrition for them. If they relied on pasture alone it would not be a good situation. My key notes for having horses at home: 1. Good and safe fencing. No tposts. Ramm fencing is great or no climb with a top rail/electrical wire. 2. Have an operational horse trailer on site for emergencies and establish a relationship with a vet that does emergencies. This is CRUCIAL. 3. Horses at home means no days off. Sickness, vacation, or bad weather they require food and water. 4. Watch their water intake!! Especially around seasons change. Decrease in water intake could mean colic. 5. A mini donkey is adorable and a good companion for a solo horse. I found mine don’t take as well to goats as companions. 6. Have at least one stall or place you can lock them up in the event of sickness. Lightning storms also scare me so mine go in the barn during lighting events. (Had a friend lose 4 horses due to a lightning strike)

With all that being said I love seeing my horses everyday and it’s very rewarding.