[mab]

There's nothing to feel guilty about - you're not responsible for the credit crunch or the horse market (or lack thereof).


The best thing you can do (for your kids AND yourself) is to get yourself to a position where YOU are happy and unstressed - whatever that takes.  Whether that involves selling or renting out or whatever I don't know - but if you feel your way forward is to downsize & move then go for it; get back to where you can enjoy what you do again. You won't do your kids or your animals any favours by driving yourself into the ground.


Ah. you've posted whilst I was typing (typical).

[ZaktheLad]

Sounds like your neighbours are not a helpful bunch either, which makes life doubly hard for you and is enough to make anyone stressed.  Living with neighbours you do not get on with is horrendous and for that alone you might be best looking for somewhere else to live.  What if you just sold the whole lot of land/houses together - perhaps by auction and then cutting all ties and moving away somewhere totally different for a fresh start?   There are plenty of places around that will suit 5 ponies and the few cattle you are planning to take.  Good luck with whatever you decide 

[AnnS]

Good luck with your plans. Your neighbours sound like narrow minded bullies, hell mend them.


I can't remember the name of the site but it's the one where you offer accommodation and they give you some help in return, would that be an option? Someone will know what I mean.


AnnS

[mowhaugh]

Sorry, still don't feel quite up to replying properly, but having just returned from my 60 year old father-in-law's funeral, who did not take proper care of himself, I would urge you to see your doctor about the depression - I put it off for so long, and things could have been sorted so much sooner.  As always, ellied (who takes perfect care of her animals, and absolutely DOES deserve them!) offers great, sensible advice.

[lachlanandmarcus]

Good luck with your plans. Your neighbours sound like narrow minded bullies, hell mend them.


I can't remember the name of the site but it's the one where you offer accommodation and they give you some help in return, would that be an option? Someone will know what I mean.


AnnS

The site is HelpX very good I think

[Lesley Silvester]

Sounds like you are having a really tough time.    I've never been in your position so I'm not the right person to offer advice, and you've had plenty already that sounds good to me. As you want to get away from the neighbours, it does sound like moving is probably your best option.


Do look after yourself. I quite understand why you don't want to go to your doctor but maybe talking to someone will help. Remember the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day to talk to. And we are all here for you. 

[Marches Farmer]

Finding the right property can be a so hard.  You could try a list - things you must have, things you'd really like, things you'd quite like but are willing to compromise on.  Award each item points out of 10.  Think about when, where, what, who and why. Bear in mind where you'd like to be and what you'd like to be doing in a year, five years, ten years.  Bear in mind also that your children may have to move away to study, work, etc,. and as you grow older you may want neighbours and a shop a bit nearer. 

There are many paths and sometimes life makes you change the route, although you'd never have thought you ever would.

[SteveHants]

Id think about getting the horses off the place if you want to sell - have your or someone elses (although if you have rubbish neighbours, maybe not) sheep on - they will at least eat the ragwort before it looks a problem (they won't eat the flowering plant, just the 'rosette' stage). Will help the farm look tidy to sell and if you keep density low, you shouldn't have to buy as much (or indeed, any) hay. Graze the whole farm in winter, close half up for hay in summer (make sure the ragwort has been eaten off) if you can get someone to cut/bale it, that is - if not try and let half out for summer grazing or something.


Will probably be lots less hassle for you and give you some breathing space to think about what you want to do - although there wont be as much money in the sheep, you wont need to spend much time looking after sheep on 70ac, might give you time to think/find some other work....etc..

[Bramblecot]

Sell the whole lot at auction and make a fresh start.  It sounds drastic but is better than dragging it out especially if you have rotten neighbours.  Be a 'ski-er' and let the children make their own way in life (with a bit of help to get started). 
Now you all think I am a really harsh old (I'm not really )