Boarding Your Horse

Finding a New Barn to Board

You have determined that it is time to hit the trails to search for a new boarding facility. Trail riders always search for easy access to trails and quality care, but boarding a horse can be an emotional event. Whether you view your horse as a tool for the ride or as a pet, in both cases you want to have the best care for your horse.

Decisions - Decisions!!!

First and foremost, when searching for a stable or farm, you have to decide on how you want your horse boarded. Do you want to participate in the care or do you want to just enjoy time with your horse. Here are some options for boarding:

• Rough board – You basically rent a stall and space for turnout and provide all the care and supplies; hay, grain and shavings. You clean the stall and turnout areas, and feed and maintain the horse. In some cases, you can rough board with several individuals and form a co-op.
• Semi-rough board – You rent a stall and turnout, but only provide the supplies; hay, grain and shavings. The owner then feeds and maintains the stall with what you provide.
• Full board – The stable owner signs an agreement with you to fully care for your horse’s stall and feeding program.

The Horse Boarding Barn

Once you decide how you want to board, you can then search for the best boarding facility for you and your horse. There are many types of boarding facilities to choose from; large facilities with trainers, or small farms with few boarders, some abutting trail systems, and some without any trails. You can view ads online or contact facilities directly to obtain information on available stalls and what services they offer.

Apppointments

Appointments can be made with any boarding facility whether they have an available stall or not. Ask for the rules of the barn and the feeding schedule. Ask questions about the type of hay and grain they offer, the veterinarian they use, how they will deal with unexpected emergencies, such as a colicky horse on a Saturday evening, and don't forget to ask about their worming schedule. Also, find out about turnout. The facilities can have run out stalls, enclosed stalls or run out shelters, but again this is all according to your preference and what you think is best for you and your horse.

Barn Management

The barn manager is a key factor in choosing a barn. Prepare a list of questions to go over with the owner. When you visit the facility, look around. Is the barn area clean and neat? Are the stalls clean? Is there a schedule for feeding, worming and vet visits? Are there children running around? Who will cover the daily chores if the manager is away? Are there lessons at the times you want to ride? Are the barn owners’ horses taken care of? Are the horses content? Is there an emergency plan? Do not make this your first and last visit. Be sure to stop by unannounced to see if there is anything different happening that was not discussed. If you are not experienced, make sure you choose an owner or manager who is.

Turnout

Turnout situations can be a factor in determining the facility you choose. Ask if the horses are turned out together in large herds, smaller herds of 2 or 3, or individually. Also, will the horses be turned out on pasture or a dry lot. Only you know your horse and understand what his requirements are and whether you are comfortable with him in a herd or him being turned out as an individual, on a dry lot or on lush pasture.

Feed

Grain and hay are the staples in keeping your horse fed. Your choice of grain should be what works best for your horse and should not deter your decision to move to a facility. If you are deciding on a full board facility and they do not offer your grain, ask if they would. If they will not incorporate your grain, see what differences there are between your grain and what they offer, if the barn is your top choice, make your decision based on the nutrition levels of the grain offered or ask if they can provide a reduction in board if you provide the grain.

A good quality hay should be offered at a minimum of twice a day, three or four times is better, and free choice is the best, but hard to find. Again, your decision rests on what is best for your horse and if the facility you are moving to meets your standards.

Access to Trails, Indoor and Outdoor Rings

Having the ability to use an indoor ring would be the goal of all riders who live in areas with drastic weather changes, but not all horse owners can afford the board associated with having access to an indoor. As a trail rider, your goal would be to have access to trails and an outdoor arena or area for exercise. A round pen would also be a great area for exercise when you cannot get out on the trails.

These are basic tips and only outline the task of moving your horse. If you are unhappy with the quality of care that your horse is currently receiving, it will take time and effort to find a more suitable place to make you both happy. Once you and your horse are comfortable, you can enjoy your trail rides without worry.

• Horse Boarding Stables
• Safety at the Horse Barn