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I’m so happy that Aaron has come out of his shell. His thoughts and ideas about everything from blah Hellebores to land usage are obviously as important as Laura’s gardening knowledge. He is definitely the man behind the scenes! You guys compliment each other so well, and are so respectful of each other. Glad that both Benjamin and Samantha are on the mend.

Hi, I live in France. The French way to pronounce Leboutillier today is le-boo-ti-yey. The double “l” is prounouced like the “y” in “yes”. But that may be quite different from the original pronunciation when Aaron’s ancestors arrived in America. it was first found in Normandy and referred to someone who looks after a wine cellar. It is the original of the word “butler”. “Bouteille” means “bottle” from Vulgar Latin “buticula” which also argues for an early pronunciation of the including an “l” sound.

Hi, I was curious about barns, locations etc when listening to your Sunday Highlights. Here's what I found. The general rule is 2 acres per 1 horse, but check with your zoning laws. Two to 3 paddock (fence) areas, so that you can manage rotation grazing (letting one paddock rest while the horses graze on the second paddock area) And to have a small tiny turn out fenced area for a horse that may be lame and healing from an injury but can enjoy being outside near the other horses. Also, Easy access to roadways, for possibly trailering a horse to the vet (if the need rises) and or hay delivery. Lastly A Barn should face East - West with windows facing south if you live in a region that has cold winters and the opposite if you live in warmer temps. Lastly be very careful what you plant near and around the barn and pastures, there are certain trees and plants that are poisonous to horses. Hope this helps getting your research journey on the right track. Oh and don't put the barn to far away from the house if you level and rebuild a new barn because you will be going to the barn at least 3 times a day and that can be a pain if its to far from the house. Best of luck!

Aaron is absolutely correct about moving and designing a barn that is efficient for caring for your horses. After years of having horses and doing barn chores, it makes a huge difference in ease of doing chores if you have a well designed barn & paddocks..... Congratulations on the new property!!! And I look forward to watching your new journey as a horse owner. P.S. I love your idea of getting some older "bomb-proof" horses and giving them a good life/partial retirement.

I'm with Aaron on razing the barn and starting anew...the roof at present is far too low. Stall walls and turn-out fencing is way insubstantial..as it is now. The interior stall walls need reinforcement (think 2x12"'s) to prevent an errant hoof kicking through. A tackroom ought to be separate from a feed room also. Just some thoughts. Thanks! 56:52

Have trained Quarter Horses for 30 + years would be willing to answer any questions that you might have....I have watched you for almost 4 years...have gained so much knowledge from you, would love to be able to reciprocate the time that you have spent teaching me. I am also in a zone 6!! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences!!!

So glad Benjamin and Samatha are so much better!! 💜💜

Aaron is right! Build a whole new barn with a thoughtful design - what a smart plan!! Aaron, Morton buildings have great experts that will help you. I applaud you - you will have happier, healthier horses and much less work for yourself and more time to enjoy.

Hi there! Re: the horse fencing.......be sure to erect electric fencing inside your PVC fence. PVC vinyl won't stand up very well to horses. They will tend to push or lean on that plastic and perhaps push down rails or shatter the fencing. Horses tend to be very rough on fences, trees, pastures and buildings.

All the different horse pastures are for rotational grazing. Otherwise they will eat parts of your pastures down to the dirt and leave other parts tall and scraggly. You move them from one pasture to the next ,once they have grazed most of it .That allows the previous one to grow back for optimal grazing. You want to take them off before they graze it down too far or the grass can't bounce back fast enough and the weeds take over.

Good morning from Indiana. I will pray for your children to recover and that you and Aaron dont get it. Thanks for your videos. My husband has Alzheimer’s and I have to set with him a lot and I watch your videos and love them. Have learned so much from you guys. Thank

Aaron has some great placement thoughts on the barn. Current placement with the huge slope and play areas would not be ideal in my opinion. That area would be better used for gardens and the horse area better over on the flat, open area.

I always love the weekly recap video! There was around 4 minutes at the end of this one that I thought was going to be a blooper reel or something. Turns out it was just a black screen lol! Hope everyone has a wonderful week!

You know, I think the recap videos are my favorite and I really enjoy your regular videos. It’s like a pod cast. You guys are rocking it and a positive outlet for gardeners! You know, not everyone gets the love of gardening but you guys have built a community of kindred spirits. It’s equally impressive and fun. Thanks for sharing your garden adventure!!

Our son had croup 25 years ago, it was scary! I am so thankful Samantha is starting to feel better!

In regards to the barn, I'm with Aaron on this one. Take it from someone with horses. Do a new barn. You'll want them closer to the house, you'll want more storage, you'll want better streamlined access to outside and then again out to the pasture. You'll probably want a smaller more contained yard or arena to ride in especially whilst the kids are learning and you are getting to know the horses, you'll want more undercover room inside to groom and tac up and you will want to have an efficient set up when it comes to feed and water. The more of a hassle everything is the less you and the children will enjoy the experience and the more it will become a chore for you and them. I know you have the help and expertise from Bethany but please please listen to Aaron here. He will make your horse and livestock lives so much more pleasant if you go on his instincts here. And definitely go for temperament and how bombproof the horse is over what it looks like. Quiet horses are worth their weight in gold and you will love them for it. A horse that is hot and skittish but pretty, you'll not be having a good time and will resent it in the end.

Unfortunately I agree with flattening the barn. It is pretty but it's too small for 3 horses and not strong enough to hold them. If they get spooked and kick back their hoof will go right through the walls and risk breaking their legs when they get stuck. Would love to see it out on the dirtlands! The big oak would shade it well in the summers to keep them cooler

I agree with Aaron. Level the barn. From what I've seen from the videos,that's not a very well constructed barn. I'd rebuild a well constructed and safe structure for my horses.

I love that Benjamin has wizards, elves and etc in with his army guys. That's so funny and cute. My kids are grown but I recall having those little guys everywhere. 😊

I love that you want to be a safe haven for some older horses ! I like you even more now ! All animals deserve love ❤❤❤❤

I’m always happy with longer recap videos. They are among my favorite videos that you guys make. 🙏thank you! (Glad your kids are recovering well from being sick) 💚💚💚

Cross fencing enables you to move your animals from area to area allowing the pasture to rest. You need to look into pasture management practices- manure management, etc. the ground needs to rest periodically or you will have a dirt lot. You may be looking at supplemental feeding costs also. In my area- it’s not enough property to sustain multiple horses without supplemental feeding (meaning you have to by hay as you won’t grow enough)

Re: horses…. We have 2 run-in sheds….3 sides and a roof, inside the pasture, away from the barn, that the horses can get out of the weather (rain or sun * heat) whenever they want. Look into that because it’s cheaper than building a new barn somewhere else.

The roof does seem a bit low on the new barn. Could you build a new barn for the horses and keep that structure for other animals, or storage or playhouse for the kids? Hellebores Rock! 😊

Precious children. Enjoy them and their “mess” as they grow so fast! Love your family dynamics too!

What about adding a bathroom in the barn? Or attached to another building so you guys don’t always have to go all the way to the house when working on land.

Find someone that has a horse farm and ask them!!! (You said there is a horse breeding farm near by) Don’t guess how to do it. Nothing crazier than people jumping in and not having a clue what they are doing. It is a big investment! Make smart choices! We live on a farm and my husband calls horses hay burners! Lol

Wishing All A Happy, Healthy, and Bountiful 2024!!! 🎉

I agree with Aaron about the barn. I see a lot of issues with the present barn. I don’t want to dissuade you in any way because having a horse can be fun, but you should be aware that maintaining a horse is a lot of work, and a lot more costly than you might expect. Since you have a very busy life already, perhaps hiring someone who is knowledgeable to not only do the everyday labor around the barn (but especially the care of a horse) and teach the children what they need to know to be safe around a horse and to ride and how to care for a horse would be advisable. I also agree with Aaron that you should spend time learning what goes into it before you jump in, as there is so much to know before you can begin to prepare.

I'm with Aaron on the barn idea. The dirt lands would be more in your active area and where you and visitors drive by. There's more room and have more choices. Keep in mind if you choose to remodel your home, you may choose a different color anyway so painting the old one to match the house is not necessary.

Leveling the barn makes much more sense. The doorways from the stalls to the outside are too narrow, the walls between stalls are too short and flimsy and your average horse will destroy the little flimsy stall dividing “walls”. Either chewing them, and/or playing or fighting over the top or kicking them. When I saw the inside, I immediately thought it looked like a sheep barn. (Had horses for43 years and bred Quarter horses for 30+years.) Horses can be very destructive.

Laura, definitely take a step back and have Aaron do the research. There is a lot of reasons why the barn should have great accessibility for horses and pastures that are set up differently. For turnouts . Having been around horses for many years with my daughter on a trick writing team, you definitely need to have places for them to get out of the weather but also where your barn is right now, If they were to go out the back and you were to have rain and ice It is very slick and treacherous. And you would have to bring in a lot of dirt to make it safe for them.. Also having an arena for you to lunging them in or round area for exercise would be helpful, Even sweet older horses need exercise, good luck with everything, very excited for you.

There are hockey synthetic tiles that you can actually skate or roller blade on from Hockey Shot. There are also hockey rink kits to build an easy rink. Just in case you wanted to weigh another option. I love your videos! Thank you!

Having grown up with horses, I feel Aaron is right about starting over with a barn in a more appropriate spot. So much needs to be taken into account about its location on the land. How will hay be delivered to the barn, and can you unload it in a manner that does not involve moving single bales at a time? Where will the manure pile be? Manure is not usually spread out until the pile is sizable, so there needs to be room for that. If you don't want to have to turn your horses out onto pasture each day from their stall, each stall in the barn needs a small paddock attached, so the horses can go in and out at will. Horses will go stir crazy if they are locked in a stall all day, never being let out. Most horses pick a poop spot in their stall - paddock combo area, and always go there. A paddock gives them room to poop in one area, and then get away from it, so they don't have to stand in manure. As you can imagine, barns have odors, so you need to consider if wind will carry smells to the house from the barn, if you live in a windy area. You don't want your barn too far from the house, because at least twice a day, you will walk to the barn to feed, check water, and check on your horses. Lastly, please consider a 'tack room' inside the barn, as your horses will use a surprising amount of "clothing", toys, buckets, blankets, leg wraps, halters, bridles, and on and on. It is tidy to have an organized room just for their tack, that is separate from the hay and feed storage area. I can't wait to see you all turn into "horse people"! Flowers, horses, cats, and maybe livestock? I would never leave home. 💙💜You are truly blessed, and you deserve all of this good fortune.🙏🌱🌼🌷🌿🐔🐴🐂🐈

I cannot say how much I love that you are going to give older horses a wonderful life enough! We bought/rescued four horses and three of them are in their golden years and are the most incredible, calm, and relaxing horses you can imagine. They love us, and we love them, enjoy, enjoy, enjoy ❤

I was waiting for your winter sowing video, had saved up my containers, and ordered seeds. The day the video was released, I looked for all my saved containers. My husband informed me that he was so relieved I had washed them and stacked them in the garage for him to recycle. 😵😵 I have started over again... LOL

I'm so glad the littles are feeling better! Have a great week!

The horses don't need to be in the barn unless its very very cold. We have 4 acres fenced in and mine have a 3 sided barn and get under the shelter when they want. I would configure it to where they can go in for shelter when they want too. Also you don't have to get up at 6 am to feed. Mine have always been on my work schedule. If they have grass to eat it makes it easier but you will probably have to supplement on top of that. Def. Research. My first horse cost $300 and 2nd $800 with tackles and both were late 20s. I didn't even know how to put a saddle on. Just have someone teach you. You need at least 2 horses. They are heard animals. Remember animals are much more expensive when they get older. You also need a farrier to come out every 6-8 weeks and do their feet. Vet care is A LOT! Easily 500 every farm call visit for shots etc... easily over 1k for sickness or emergency. Way way more expensive than cats. Please make sure you are ready to commit to them for their lifespan! My 2 oldest are over both over 35 years old. They are both missing 6th teeth and haven't been able to eat hay in about 5 years. I spend about $30 a day on horse feed.

I absolutely agree it’s not seeing kids being ill and the sound of croup is horrible to hear. I hope Samantha Grace is okay now xxxx As for us, my sister lost her fight with cancer and we stayed with her in the hospice and told her how much we love her and she will be with us when we have family gatherings. Kerry was determined to be with us for Christmas day/New Year’s Eve and we had a carol sing concert in the hospice, which she did join in with some words and managed to say ‘Ho,Ho,Ho merry Christmas’ which we captured on video. She fought so hard but her body couldn’t carry on the fight, she was tired and slipped peacefully into the night. Before going into the hospice for end of life care, Kerry gave me a pink fleece jacket so I could wear it when I’m in my garden. She knows I sometimes get chilly, so she said it would keep my back warm without feeling too hot, as the fleece is a lightweight material. So this year the colour scheme is going to be 💜purple/🩷pink and some 🧡orange…..it’s going to be a colour clash that’s for sure but I think she will love it, giving her a giggle in heaven. Kerry loved holidays and cruises, so I choose to think of her on the best cruise ever and going to all the places she never managed go to. Laura, thank you for your videos because they have given me and my brain some time to zone out for a while this past year……I have been watching a few months before Benja-man was a born X. I’ve just managed to watch your videos and this recap video while taking down my Christmas decorations. I see a horse 🐎 coming soon 😊😉 I’m still going to wish you, your families and the wonderful Garden Answer community a Happy New Year and happy gardening season to you all.

How many times have we heard Aaron say “ it’s not in the right location ( barn door ) 😂it’s the wrong colour…😂…now he wants to flatten that beautiful barn ….id be so so so great-full to have that beautiful barn …a solid well made building. 😮it’s such a throw away world . We live in a different world… making compost , making fences …digging our own pond . Be adventurous, be substantial, be environmentally conscious … I do love u guys …just different worlds …wales uk ❤

2024 would be a good year to take riding lessons as you prepare your property for horses. I'm a city girl and took lessons several years ago. Not only did we learn to ride, but before riding we were shown how to brush them, put on their sattle and bridle, pick their hooves, etc.

Please please never worry about how long the video is. I would watch ALL day! Love you guys! You make it easy to watch because you are so real, passionate and easy going and easy to listen to! Best ever! 💯

The individual fenced areas are called paddocks for turning out the horses together for grazing when you don’t want to turn them out to the large pasture. You also use them (if you don’t have a ring) for controlled riding; as in teaching the kids once they get past the lead line stage. The best hobby ever!

Smaller paddocks/pastures keep stress off the entire land mass as you can rotate paddocks/pastures (like crops). Definitely do your research before getting a horse. Knowing how much grazing land is needed per animal is important as well as the water and feed storage. Having a lift for hay storage makes it so much easier (and cleaner) to drop hay into the stalls. Lots to think about! Love that Aaron is thinking about all of the research.

You may want to keep the little red barn and also build another one in a better "horse" area. Then you'd have it for a cow if you decide to get one.

This comment if for Aaron and the barn/horses. Pasture management is so important and really speaks to your desire to figure that out first and then consider the barn placement.

'La boo til yee ay' is how you say Aaron's last name in French Canadian😊

I had the croup when I was a girl, and it lasted two weeks. I still remember what it was like. I hope Samantha is up and around soon!

I use a black paint pen for marking my plant tags. They I’ve been using them for over 2 years and they are still legible. (Walmart)

Your highlight videos could NOT ever be too long. It is the highlight of my week. Love your banter with Aaron…fun to see how your ideas might vary while seeing how each of those variations add to the makeup that is Garden Answer. Hope it never changes….KUDOS 👍💕👍

I'm behind you, Aaron, the lot next to the dirt land looks idea. Plus to, I think you can see the horses, much better, then the back lot.

I would keep the barn, it's great storage for soil, compost, pots, tools, bikes/toys, pond equiptment etc. And build the barn you want for your horses in a different spot.

Yep, Aaron is on the right track. I had horses for a long time. They have needs to keep them safe. I agree to raize the barn, move it closer to where you can see what the horses are up to. They can seriously injure themselves in fences and stalls. Make sure there are no walnut trees around and no bedding that has walnut shavings, this can make a horse very sick, can even be fatal. There's really a lot to know to maintain happy healthy horses. They are large and strong but at the same time very delicate. Take your time and do your research. It will save a lot of heartache. Go Aaron!!! ❤😊

I love that you have the added property for your dream of having horses. I have horses as well. Might I suggest you keep that cute little barn. It appears to be a solid structure and would be a great shelter for them. Build your matching barn on the dirt lands if you want. It never hurts to have an extra shelter when needed. It just needs a new coat of pretty red paint and it would be darling... kind of like your flower shed 😊

Traditional wooden fencing is definitely used for a reason when it comes to horses..

I’m glad your kids are doing better. My granddaughter was in Children’s Hospital ICU with pneumonia and RSV two weeks before Christmas. It was a scary time. It went from cold like symptoms to being unable to breathe very quickly. She spent a little over a week in there and now she’s back to her normal sassy self.😊

Would love to see a black barn! We have one & it's spectacular.❤

I remember the first Garden Answer video I watched it was the day you lost Dexter the cat- I cried right along with you it was a heart breaking video and I’ve watched ever since … I love how the other three cats have sort of filled Dexters sweet love for hanging out with you Laura 🐾🐈✨🤍

I’m 100% team level the barn. A purpose built thoughtfully designed horse barn is worth it! Horses are a pain to care for without a well designed facility. It might even be worth it to bring in an equestrian design specialist that can design the paddocks as well as the barn tack room.

I'm happy to hear Benjamin and Samantha are on the mend. Thank you for all the hard work you do to put out the wonderful videos...BUT I really would have loved to hear the talk you and Russell had🐈.

My stepmother had a Friesian and he was A LOT to take care of. Picky, particular, lots of feed, lots of poop, lots of grooming, but a huge personality to match. I don't think they are a starter horse in the least. 😂😊

Team Aaron : New Barn / New Location

Hi Laura and Aaron ! Please have a look and do some research into paddock paradise/horse track systems to see if this would be something you would consider. You would still require a barn of type however your horses would live on a track system/path around the land. A lot of research is being done into this and how this is a much more natural way for horses to live as they would in the wild meaning happier healthier horses 😊

Addressing the issue of the barn location. Most horse owners don't have the luxury of options. I am so excited to see where you place your horses. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH! Aaron has fun times ahead. Sun location, year-round. Wind direction. All of which your mom will be very aware of. The fact you are not in a rush is a WIN, WIN. I cannot wait to see the breed you pick!!!!!! Woo Hoo!

Was not too long, you two always have great videos to recap

Aaron, I am so glad you want to take your time and research barns and their layouts because there are definitely rules to follow as far as airflow, wind exposure, etc... for animals' comfort and health. For example, you dont want any open access facing the direction of your prevailing winds. I also agree that the dirt lands is a better location for a barn than on that slope. Also... don't get goats, they are crazy little troublemakers, and neither one of you will like their smell! 😂 A few sheep are really nice to have, though, and will definitely help with grazing pasture.

If I might suggest established trail horses that are already trained and know each other, speaking from experience, and having had horses that were boarded and abandoned. They are already friendly and people oriented. They are used to inexperienced riders. They will fall into line behind a lead horse with a group riding. I have known them to shift their weight to prevent a child from falling off. And if reigns are dropped by an inexperienced rider or child, they will return to the barn and not run off. Where will you ride them when roads are not safe? A path around your property night be ideal. Imagine taking in your gardens from horse back. Horses are relational, thriving on regular attention, and they need a job or purpose. Don't be afraid to put them to work. If they can do anything with you, they love it. A relationship with them is unspeakably fulfilling. Sorry if theses are unnecessary suggestions, for what your mom might already know.

Good morning, Laura & Aaron ☕️ So glad to hear the kiddos are on the mend. Nothing worse than sick 🤒 children. With regards to the horse barn, I’m with Aaron 100%. Putting up the horse stable where the compost is would be so helpful imo. Another great recap. Still my favorite KZfaq channel! Have a Blessed Day 😊🐈🐈

My sweet husband got me 2 pairs of Felco pruners for Christmas. Wow they are awesome.

Happy New Year...one thing I learned as a parent 40+ years ago...your kids will always get sick on a weekend and holidays....its like when they don't need you until the phone rings scenario...lol....glad they are on the mend

Driveway access to this new barn in the dirtlands is necessary as well. Your vet and farrier will need access, and getting hay and feed and bedding in and out will require a good ample driveway.

I’m with Aaron… if you’re considering building a new barn, put the horses on the dirt land. It’s larger for rotational grazing. Horses are so much happier (and calmer) with land to move around on. Plus you’ll have space for an outdoor ring and/or round pen.

I’m excited for the many new things that are coming? Your channel is so positive and love seeing you and your family and your cats ❤️. Enjoy each day with your children they grow up so fast.

Happy 2024! So glad the kids are feeling better. My daughter had croup multiple times a year when she was young, always so scary. They say warm steam (in a shower) or dry cold (like from a freezer) helps them calm down and catch their breath. Cold air always helped my daughter much better than steam, so I was thankful when she’d get croup in the winter. We’d wrap her up and take her outside until the cold air helped calm her cough.

Thank The Lord for Aaron and the way his brain works. Yes you absolutely need to research the whole horses/barn/pasture placement. That is a responsible horse/pet owner! I'm excited to see what direction you end up going... but please take your time, ask a lot of questions and it'll be great! I'll be praying for you. 😊 It's a stressful process!

Talk to horse people. So many people get in trouble from not knowing. I can’t imagine that you two will lag in the homework department! I think horses are the best investment for happiness to complement your beautiful gardens! So happy to follow along on your journey! Wishing you the very best!💕

Its so funny that Arron doesn't like hellebores in the landscape because here, in the PNW, where we get lots of rain (zone 8b near the redwoods) they are beautiful all year round. I only have to cut off some of the outer leaves in the spring. They are the first plants to bloom for me and I LOVE them!

As to horses, you may want to consider color when shopping. Like your fences, black may make for suffering in your heat & while Friesians are a gorgeous breed, they may not do well in 100 degree heat. Also you may consider draft crosses as they're generally much more kid friendly, steady & calm. Horses are herd animals, so you will have to have more than one, or some kind of buddy for them. Great fun & much good luck with all! BTW, your beautiful park-like setting will only raise the value of your adjoining neighbor's properties. Lucky them!

Aaron is hilarious saying BLAHHH about Helibores. You two make the cutest couple. Love your videos.

Maybe u can use the little red barn for ur 2 cows?🐄🐂🤷‍♀️ Cause it’s definitely too small for 2 horses 🐴 🐴, their hay n feed n tack. Glad Aaron is checking into it 👏 The dirt lands seems to be a better location for a real full sized horse barn. Don’t settle 😉👍

In regards to your ice-skating rink on your basketball court. There is a material that you can lay down and it’s just like ice but it doesn’t need to be cold. It is something you could put down anytime of year to ice skate

Hi Laura and Aaron, My husband , who is a builder, said you should buy the house to move into while you remodel your house, then turn around and sell the that house when your house is finished.

The part when Aaron said “I’m so glad you feel that way because, I feel the same way” was so adorable- sorry,manly adorable Aaron lol! 💪🏻

Soooooo sorry the kids were so sick......will continue to pray for them for strength and you all❤

WHOOHOO, Think "Yellowstone" white barn with big black "L" and black hardware.....very classy 😍

Suggest looking and talking to Morton Buildings about barns. We built a 24 x 36 for two horses, tack space and hay storage. No loft has better ventialtion which in your summers would be important. Maybe just run-ins for shade. Some horse properties do take into consideration topography relative to winter winds and drifting snow. Probably not a winter problem for you. You could also build a barn with an apartment ($$$) you could stay in while you remodel your house. I agree with Aaron, ditch the exisiting barn. Have fun with it though.

Your videos are never too long! I could watch you and Aaron all day!! I love seeing you communicate, share ideas, and banter with each other. I'm so happy the kiddos are on the mend. Croupe is a scary thing to see in your children. Can't wait to see how the new land progresses too! So many exciting times ahead for Garden Answer. So happy to take the ride with you. And yes, just wait Laura, someday you truly will miss army men all around your house...lol.

My brothers were the same about loving their army men. But for years after, we kept finding them in the garden. Good times.

KZfaq premium is so worth it. It was not in my budget but I bit the bullet and cannot imagine going back.

I remember The Croup when my 4 sisters and I were kids! Vicksburg on chest, sitting near the tub for steam... now that I think of it, we could have just used a big bowl!😊 But that was in the 60s ...

There is a plastic product in sheets that can be used for ice skating. We recently had one set up for the kids in our town. They rented it and took it down after the Holidays. It works great.

My granddaughter begged for goats for years. My husband said Nan will never go for that they would destroy her flowers. She finally wore her pap down and “Fort Knox” (as we call it lol) was built. We’ve had them for years now, she plays with them everyday, so are so fun. We’ve even taken a goat, rabbit and chicken to a nursing home for a visit. My grandkids also show horses and my grandson has a Friesian ❤

Thank you Aaron for doing all of Laura’s research. I know she really appreciates it and we all know you secretly love “having” to do it.

Do yourselves a favor and live with horses in the existing barn before you pick out a new barn “just because it’s cute”. Functionality is everything when keeping horses and understanding where you’ll have drainage issues, shade/sun issues, stall size, hay and grain storage, wash stall and grooming/tacking needs, aisle width, orientation to sun and breezes, etc. There are so many details beyond what an animal housing barn looks like that will drive your satisfaction with the end result.

Glad the kids are getting better. So happy to hear you both are committed to being ready to care for animals prior to getting them. I had to stop viewing one of my favorite KZfaq Gardners because of procuring animals not ready to care for. It is one thing to experiment with plants and another to experiment with live animals depending on us for well-being. Good for you.

The white vinyl fences are beautiful but can be very dangerous around horses if kicked. I have seen a sweet little filly get spooked and get her leg severed.

Dividing your pasture into smaller paddocks is a smart way to go. Then you rotate the animals between the paddocks to give the grass in the other areas a rest. If you have any interest in learning about rotational grazing, check out the books by Joel Salatin. Mind you, his stuff is all about raising animals for meat production, but the principles are the same. You get a healthier, more resilient pasture with this system. Also, I would put it as close to your driveway as is reasonable. You want to make caring for them an enjoyable experience. I'm thinking when it's terrible weather and you need to feed/water them. I remember one year my sister had to crawl on top of 3' of snow to get to their barn, and unfortunately they had placed it quite a distance from their house!

"I'm in the middle of a war..." 😅 someday he will be a general and working at the pentagon. Seriously, I am thankful the kids are better. Hopefully you can get through the rest of the winter with healthy kids. I also agree with what some else said about the little barn could have other uses. A playhouse, future camp outs and sleepovers, a studio of some sort, party space. Just a little getaway.... I think a new barn on the eastside is a great idea. And we love long videos!!

Aaron's comments surprised me because my hellebores look amazing year round and I'm planting a ton more because they are such a nice ground cover (and they're evergreen!)