roxynoodle
Veteran Member
Equus keepus brokus!
I have less horses than you (only 3 currently), but I have found necessary implements are the front end loader, mowers although you aren't planning on a lot of grass, and a post hole digger. The post hole digger I borrow from my neighbor but not all of us have this opportunity. I am also using small rectangular bales. I'm in the process of making pallet forks in order to lift several bales at a time. You will also need some way to grade or drag your pasture and riding arena. Is this a sand arena? I'm on grass on clay (eventer and eventing horses run and jump on grass) and I use a disc harrow when my pasture gets bumpy. Depending on your setup you might want the loader to move manure or you might want to be able to throw it directly into a spreader. I need my loader more because sometimes I can't spread (winter or crops on the field). I just fill the loader and drive it to the big compost bin, where it sits until it can be spread or people take it for their gardens.
I have less horses than you (only 3 currently), but I have found necessary implements are the front end loader, mowers although you aren't planning on a lot of grass, and a post hole digger. The post hole digger I borrow from my neighbor but not all of us have this opportunity. I am also using small rectangular bales. I'm in the process of making pallet forks in order to lift several bales at a time. You will also need some way to grade or drag your pasture and riding arena. Is this a sand arena? I'm on grass on clay (eventer and eventing horses run and jump on grass) and I use a disc harrow when my pasture gets bumpy. Depending on your setup you might want the loader to move manure or you might want to be able to throw it directly into a spreader. I need my loader more because sometimes I can't spread (winter or crops on the field). I just fill the loader and drive it to the big compost bin, where it sits until it can be spread or people take it for their gardens.
! The first thing I will say is hang in there. The second is there are a lot of HP "junkies" out there in TBN land. I would say that you should get the most you can get within your budget considering tractor "foot print" vs intended use. Tractor specifications are generally driven by their respective sales and marketing departments. If you get caught comparing "specs" be sure to make sure you are comparing equivalent HP's, lift capacities @ lift point distances, hydraulics, dimensions, weight, etc. Dealer "feel" is just as important as tractor "feel" when comparing tractors of similar performance. A good dealership will save you money in the long run. You should look at your immediate needs as well as anticipated uses. I love my FEL and need 4WD. I always had 4WD, but I did not have a FEL for 20+ years and do not know how I managed without a FEL once I got one. If you are going to do a lot of mowing, material moving (including snow), mowing, and tilling I would go with HST. It is a lot easier on your body. If the jeep works keep it for snow removal (You spend a lot of time backing up removing snow with a FEL.). If you anticipate heavy ground engaging attachments I would go gear. I know that JD and NH have a "needs assessment" site that will help you identify tractor models that will best meet your needs as you programmed. If your terrain is uneven, sloped, hilly, and/or obstructed I would look at ground clearance as well as underbody protection plus 4WD. I believe in weighted tires and R-1's due to my needs and use. Your terrain and use will determine what type of tires you will need. Many tractor models do not protect their "soft underbelly". I did the same amount of work with my Ford 1100 (13/11 PTO HP) as I do with my NH TC29DA (29/23+ HP). I just approach my tasks differently and I get the job done more quickly. Any additional information you can provide will help the readership in sharing with you their opinions and experiences. The most important thing you should know that we at TBN are more than willing to help you spend your hard earned money as well as provide you with the "justifications" to help you convince/explain your purchases with your "comptroller" 
