Paddock size recommendations

[tle]

Never had to plan my own facility so while I know what I think works, I'm definitely lookign for input. We've got our eye on a 10 acre place. No horse barn so that will have to be built... THAT I can do. The plans I've sketched out have a 7 stall barn and given our family, anything from large ponies to draft crosses.

When it comes to sacrifice paddock space for 7 horses, would you plan on them all going out together? How big (minimum) would you make the space? What about if you split them up into groups of 2 or 3 and made 3 or 4 smaller spaces? What size would you think would work best?

Ideally I'm looking for space they can use whenever without taking up too much room because honestly I'd rather have them out in a larger pasture when possible. And we are only taking 10 acres. don't wnat the paddock area to be bigger than needed, but don't want it too small either.

Thanks

[horsecents]

tle - it's great to hear you're looking at farms.

When we purchased, I found Cherry Hill's "Horsekeeping on Small Acreage" to be very helpful. Also, contact your local extension service. Mine has plans for an all weather paddock that suits the area you live in along with size recommendations. I have a paddock 50 x 100 that is a good size for a TB to stretch his legs (little run and buck) but couldn't imagine putting 7 horse in it unless they got along, :)

[SMF11]

If the seven horses are not going to change, and you already know their personalities, then you should know if they get along by now. However, if you have 7 stalls and don't have 7 horses -- yet! -- then since their personalities are unknown, I'd make two sacrifice paddocks so you can put 4 in one and 3 in the other. I've been told 4 is the ideal turnout size for a small paddock, and it certainly works well for me.

50 x 100 as the other poster said would work, or even 100 x 100.