A landowner's guide
Paddocks & Grazing Landon the Isle of Man
A practical guide to keeping horses or livestock on your own land on the Isle of Man: how much you need, what to check and the island-specific things to know.
How much land do you need?
A common guideline is 1 to 1.5 acres of good grazing per horse, and more if the ground is wet or the horses are out all year. Dividing the land into two or more paddocks lets each one rest and recover. For sheep and other livestock, the right numbers depend on the grass, the season and the breed; a local vet or farmer can advise.
Boundaries and fencing
Many Manx fields are bounded by traditional sod hedges and earth banks. Check their condition, and any gaps, before you put animals out. For horses, post-and-rail or electric fencing is safer than barbed wire.
Water and shelter
- Water: animals need a reliable supply all year. Check whether there is a mains connection, a trough or a natural source, and that it won't freeze or run dry.
- Shelter: hedges and trees give natural shelter. Field shelters and stables usually need planning permission on the Isle of Man, so check before you buy. Our guide to buying land explains the planning rules.
Cushag: the island's poisonous national flower
Common ragwort, known on the Isle of Man as cushag, is the island's national flower, but it is poisonous to horses and other grazing animals. It causes liver damage, and there is no known antidote.
- Pull or dig plants out with their roots, ideally before they set seed. A single plant can produce many thousands of seeds.
- Wear gloves and cover your arms when handling it.
- Never leave cut or pulled plants in the field, as they remain poisonous and animals find them more palatable when wilted.
- Check any hay you buy, as dried ragwort is still toxic.
Winter ground
Heavy use in wet weather can turn gateways and feeding areas to mud. Look at drainage and slope when you view, rotate paddocks through the winter, and ask the seller how the land behaves in a wet season.
Bringing horses to the island
An import licence is required for horses travelling to the Isle of Man, with a declaration that the transport vehicle has been cleaned and disinfected. If you plan to run a riding establishment, it must be licensed. Contact the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture for the current rules.
Land for sale now
Lifestyle land at Kerrowkeil: six fields of agricultural land from 3.15 to 7.63 acres, each with road access, with guide prices from £50,000. All nine fields, 45.40 acres, are also available together for £750,000.
Frequently asked questions
How many acres do I need per horse?
A common guideline is 1 to 1.5 acres of good grazing per horse, and more if the ground is wet or the horses are out all year. Dividing the land into paddocks so some can rest helps it recover.
Is ragwort a problem on the Isle of Man?
Yes. Common ragwort, known locally as cushag, is the island's national flower but is poisonous to horses and livestock, causing liver damage with no known antidote. Pull it out by the roots, ideally before it seeds, and never leave cut plants where animals can reach them.
Do I need planning permission for a field shelter?
Usually, yes. Stables, field shelters and other buildings on agricultural land on the Isle of Man generally need planning approval. Check with the Planning and Building Control Directorate before you buy if a building matters to you.
Can I bring my horse to the Isle of Man?
Yes, but an import licence is required for horses travelling to the island, and you must declare that the transport vehicle has been cleaned and disinfected. Check the current requirements on gov.im.
Is there land for sale suitable for paddocks?
Yes. Six fields of agricultural land at Kerrowkeil, from 3.15 to 7.63 acres and each with road access, are for sale with guide prices from £50,000.
General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and fees change, so always check the current position with an Isle of Man advocate or the relevant government department.