The list of equipment needed to manage a horse property is long, and sometimes overwhelming, especially for those just starting out. Not only is new equipment expensive, it is time-consuming to maintain and do upkeep on it plus you need room to store it. Here are some alternatives to buying new equipment and ways to save money, and time, in the process.

For some tools you may decide that for the few times a year you use it, it might make more sense to find a cheaper way to acquire it. Your first option is to buy used. Check out the ag and farming side of life in your neck of the woodsÑask around with larger farming operations or keep an eye on Craigslist or the regional ag related newspaper. Equipment classified sections in these kinds of publications are always interesting. Get into the habit of periodically scanning these sources with your equipment shopping list in mind. Check for equipment auctions held at local livestock auction yards. Ask your horse friends or local farmers for the names and location of these places. Also, talk with horse friends and neighbors about the equipment you want — they may know of a friend-of-a-friend who is getting out of horses or is moving and has farm implements to sell. Keep an eye on the newspaper for listings on estate sales or farm sales