[Woodland1]

We're currently unhappy in CT and looking to relocate, possibly to one of these areas: VT/nw MA/upstate NY. We've read many of the posts here and there seems to be alot of negativity of VT, and many describe VT as a "special place" but one they would not choose to make a home in. We are looking to get into "small-scale" farming, mostly the equine business (boarding and lessons, etc) and also operate a portable sawmill and have logging equipment and things in this area are slowing down in CT. We're trying to get an idea of what it would be (honestly) in the southern part of VT-- we have 5 children (all school age) and are not interested in homeschooling.
We are dissatisfied with CT because of the affluent yuppies taking control of the entire state not to mention the high cost of living, taxes and strict truck highway regulations (and congestion).
Anyone have any idea on the lumber/logging industry in that area of the state? Anyone have any idea about the feasibility of running and making some type of living off a horse boarding and lesson stable?
Any input, greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by Woodland1

Anyone have any idea on the lumber/logging industry in that area of the state? Anyone have any idea about the feasibility of running and making some type of living off a horse boarding and lesson stable?

I have a friend in Brattleboro who boards horses, knows lots of horse people, and who might be willing to chat with you. If you feel comfortable PM-ing me with your regular email address, I'd be happy to send it to her and see if she'll get in touch.

For the record, I love Vermont and my husband and I plan to spend the rest of our lives here. He's from CT and has been here over 30 years. I'm from SFla and have been here 11 (and in Northern New England for over 20 years).

[skytrekker]

Have you tried more rural eastern Connecticut-into Tolland and Windham counties? Less Yuppies, much more earthy types, low traffic and cheaper to live .......

[stevemorse]

I have a small cabin in Clinton COunty, NY town is Schuyler Falls. Everything is lumber up there!!! Logging and lumber is a big business , people are very friendly, and near Plattsburgh and Burlington VT. So your close to two pretty big populated areas to start a business. Saw mills are a big thing, people want to do things with the trees they cut, also cheaper to go to saw mill than Lowes. These people are very resourceful, and wood is a necessary thing. The Adirondacks are wood heaven. This is not Southern VT, I find SOuthern VT quiet, this is North COuntry. Just an idea. If you are serious, this is a vacation cabin, full heat and water, you could stay there for free, and PM me if interested to get an idea. Thanks Marilyn

[Ellwood]

Saratoga area of New York is horse country, especially with the race track. There are many surrounding areas, farms, acreage you might consider: Schuylerville, Queensbury, Gansevoort.

[seanpecor]

I own a horse farm in Virginia and we're working on moving back to Vermont. I know alot about the horse business in Vermont so I'll throw my insight into the mix.

While there may be (overall) more horse people in Chittenden County, the best concentrations of Vermont horse people with large disposable incomes are likely in the Connecticut Valley about midway between the north and south state borders. Look into towns such as Norwich, Woodstock, Strafford, for demographics. Consider outlying areas a short commute from this area (thanks to I-89) like West Hartford, Sharon, Royalton. You've got good timberlands over there also. I'm not quite sure why the Woodstock area became so rich with horse people. Pasture potentials over there in the hills and mountains aren't ideal. I think it has to do with early settlement of the Woodstock area by affluent New England families and it just snowballed from there. The GHMA horse center is in South Woodstock and that's where many of the major equestrian events take place in Vermont.

Another area to consider is the Bennington area, stretching north to Manchester. You'd be close to Williamstown and Pittsfield, MA. It's a wee warmer over there also. Good flats for horses and good timberland.

Saratoga is certainly horse country but the predominant sport is thoroughbred racing so most other sports take a back seat. For example, the Eastern New York USDF GMO has 43 members while the GMO for Central Vermont has 180 members. I remember reading somewhere that Vermont had the highest number of horses per capita, so don't count it out. Just keep in mind that some horse folks travel south to Florida for the winter show circuit and what effect that might have on your business.

For a shameless self plug I thought I'd mention that I've got a 128 acre horse farm for sale in Boones Mill, VA. 80 acres are (very) mature poplar and hardwoods. It's not cheap but for the money you do get more down here. I've found comparable properties for sale in Vermont and they cost 3x more. Our county (Franklin) has several lumber mills and a thriving logging industry with mature poplars, hardwoods and pines. The cost of running a horse business down here would be 30% lower in my opinion. For example. I pay $148 for 5 ton deliveries of pine/poplar sawdust bedding. Diesel is about 10% cheaper down here. Property tax rate is $0.53/$100. Timber grows faster down here.

Sean

[MRVphotog]

I'm no horse expert but I have photographed Morgan horse's as I think that they are the most beautiful horse breed. The fact that the breed started in Vermont is probably part of the reason I like them.

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by seanpecor

While there may be (overall) more horse people in Chittenden County, the best concentrations of Vermont horse people with large disposable incomes are likely in the Connecticut Valley about midway between the north and south state borders. Look into towns such as Norwich, Woodstock, Strafford, for demographics.

I've heard this, too. Here are some resources in that area:

Green Mountain Horse Association
Vermont Horse Country
Equestrian Property, Vermont Horse Farms, Woodstock VT Real Estate

[seanpecor]

Originally Posted by Sherylcatmom

I've heard this, too. Here are some resources in that area:

Those are useful links! We poured over that equestrian property site recently as part of our search for a downsized property close to family in Vermont. There were a couple big time equestrian properties and a bunch with real potential. But since we're going to build a personal facility (indoor, 4 stall barn, etc), and we want to be very close-in to a college town, and very close to family, we are sticking with our goal of buying in Cornwall or Weybridge. There you're +/- 5 miles from Middlebury which is for me one of the nicest and friendliest towns in Vermont. Better still you don't have to maintain pasture on a steep grade, which is so often the case in the Woodstock area.

But I'll have to tell you, during our internet property search, we found what is for us our dream house on just the right amount of land:

VisualTour

It's just too darn bad it's in Leyden, MA, at least 20 minutes from civilization and 2.5 hours from family. Dagnabbit!

I should mention to the original poster that if he's got the coin just about the three largest equestrian properties in Vermont are on the market. One is the Huntington Horse Farm. For $1.6MM this is a flipping steal. It's 197 acres, a house or two, with a substantial cross country course, various arenas and stables, established shows, etc. The price reflects the fact that the property is under conservation. Then there is Winchester Stables in Newfane for $3.9MM. Then there is the Buttolph Road clydesdale farm in Shoreham on 322 acres for $2.8MM which is less than you'd pay for that much land in CT these days That farm is gorgeous with orchards and some beautiful barns.

Sean

[1luvvt]

if you are still looking to move to vt here is a property i saw you might be interested in.MLS # 2800593

regards from nj