The Cost of Boarding a Horse
If you aren’t able to keep a horse on your own property, you will probably have to turn towards boarding your horse. While boarding can be expensive, it is generally less expensive than the upkeep needed to home a horse on the property you own. When it comes to costs for boarding, the range can be wide depending on these five factors.
Location
If you will be boarding your horse in or near an urban area, you should expect to pay a higher price. Stables in an urban area will also generally have more competition for boarding and that may drive up the cost. In rural areas, fodder is easier to get and there are fewer restrictions on space. You should determine whether you are willing to pay more for a stable closer to you or if it’s worth it to drive farther away for a cheaper stable.
Amenities and Facilities
If the stable offers a variety of amenities and is a well-equipped facility, then you will see that reflected in the price of boarding. Amenities like indoor arenas, groomed riding rings, wash racks, trails, jumps, larger stalls, new barns, automatic waters or feeders will drive up the cost.
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Additional Services
Depending on the stable, additional services may be offered and may cost extra on top of the monthly cost of boarding. Additional services that may be provided include blanketing, handling the horse for farrier and veterinarian visits, extra feeds and supplements, lessons and coaching, in-stable shows and grooming. Look over your boarding contract to see what is and is not included in the cost of boarding.
Self-Care Board
Self-care boarding means that aside from the side and fencing, you will supply everything that your horse needs. You will have to purchase and provide equipment, feed, and bedding for the stalls. Depending upon your agreement, your horse may be checked on daily, but you should expect to visit your horse at least once a day to care for it and clean the stalls. If your horse needs a vet or a farrier, you will have to plan to be there for that. If you are considering self-care boarding, understand that you will have to make the trek out to the barn, rain or shine, to care for your horse.
Full Board
Full board means that the stable will provide the care for your horse. The stalls will be cleaned, and your horse will be fed, watered, and given supplements. They will be turned out for exercise daily and blanketed (typically an additional charge) according to the weather. Visits from the vet and farrier should be arranged by the stable, but you should plan to attend these visits unless you decide to pay someone else to. With full board, you do not have to visit your horse every day unless you want to.
Finding the Right Stable for Your Horse
Before looking for boarding, you should determine if self-care board or full board works best for your lifestyle. Decide what amenities and services you want and if you are willing to pay extra to receive them. In order to find the right boarding stable for you, talk to other horse owners in the area to find the right environment that you can afford and trust.