Horse Boarding

If you are considering buying a horse, a crucial factor to take into account is where you will be boarding it on a daily basis. Most horse lovers simply do not have the facilities to properly care for their equine friend. This is OK, it is still possible to experience the joys of horse ownership with the safety and care needed are provided elsewhere.

So what to do if you fall into this category?

Search for a horse boarding facility that will fulfill your needs and the requirements of your equine friend.

So where do you start first? First determine how much time you will be able to spend with your horse. You have to be realistic, and really know what is involved in the day to day chores that go with horse ownership. Some points to consider are:

• Feeding, will you have the time to feed your horse daily?
• Grooming, will you be able to groom and inspect your horses health on a routine basis?
• Cleaning, are you able to keep your horses living quarters (if stalled) clean on a daily basis?
• Exercise, how often do you plan on working with your horse?

These are just a couple of the important considerations you should address early on. Your answers will determine the type of horse boarding facility that is most suited to you. If you are able to contribute significantly in time to the previous points, a self care facility should be sufficient. A self care facility will basically provide a place for your horse to reside, leaving you with the responsibility of its daily needs.

But if you do not have the time to expend on a daily basis, than a full care facility is in order. If a full care horse boarding facility is what you need, there will be other considerations to keep in mind.

• Will you want your horse left to pasture, or do you want it stalled with daily turn-out and turn-in?
• Are stalls provided with outdoor paddocks?
• How often are the stalls cleaned?
• Does the boarding facility have access to riding trails?
• Is there a covered arena for exercise or working with your horse?
• Will the facility owners take an active role in the safety and health of your horse?

Stalls for your horse will be more expensive than pastures, with some facilities offering different levels of stalls, including outdoor paddocks with main or secondary barns. Some facilities will offer other services as part of their board, while others will charge extra. Some extras you might find are winter blanketing, daily turnout, assisting the farrier or veterinarian, or feeding your supplements in addition to hay. Take the time to ask any prospective facility what is included in regular board and what the extra costs are.

Other considerations to be aware of when searching for a full care horse boarding facility would be the barn rules. Some facilities are flexible with rules that say to clean up after yourself. Others may have pages of rules including when you are allowed to visit, what you can wear, what rights the facility manager has towards your horse, and so on. Beware of these types of facilities, they often sound and look great in the beginning, but more often than not become intolerable, especially if you have to call ahead before visiting with your horse.

Be sure to get a copy of the facilities rules before deciding.

Take the necessary time and effort in researching your prospective home away from home for your equine friend and you both will be happier because of it.

Tagged as: Horses