5 Steps to Find the Best Boarding for Your Horse
If you aren’t planning on homing your horse on your own property, then finding the best boarding facility for your horse is an important part of being a responsible horse owner. Taking the time to find the right boarding facility for your horse will make you confident that your horse is in the right hands. Here are five steps to finding boarding that fits you and your horse’s needs.
1. Determine What’s Important to You
The first step in finding the right boarding for your horse is determining what you want out of a boarding facility. What kind of amenities and services do you want? Do you want trail access, an indoor arena, the ability to bring in your own feed, or blanketing services? You should also take into consideration the needs and temperament of your horse and consider what kind of environment they would do best in. Knowing what you want out of a stable will make searching for the right fit much easier.
2. Calculate Your Budget
Determine your monthly finances and how much you can spend on boarding. Remember that additional services may cost more on top of the monthly boarding fee. Don’t choose a stable that you know will be difficult to afford each month because, in some states, a stable owner can sell your horse to settle any debts. You may not be able to determine the actual monthly cost of a barn until you meet with the owner and discuss your expectations.
Want to learn more?
Subscribe to learn how Horse Marketplace can improve your horse buying, selling, and ownership experience.
3. Consider Travel Time
In order to find a barn that works for you, make sure you factor in its location. You may be planning on visiting your horse a lot so before you settle on a barn, take some time to drive from your house to the stable and see what the traffic is like. Also, consider what time of day you will be driving and if that will make your commute to the stable even longer. Not only should the barn be within a comfortable driving distance from where you live, but you should also prioritize being close to your riding community, the places where you regularly ride, and your preferred show or event venues.
4. Ask for Recommendations
A good way to find a stable that works for you is by asking for recommendations from horse owners and professionals that you trust. Not all boarding facilities advertise, so it’s a good idea to ask your vet and farrier for any stables that they know of. Going to shows is another way to learn about potential boarders, and you can get a feel for the place by talking with the owner and their clients.
5. Request a Tour and Ask Questions
By this point, you should have decided on a few stables that fit your needs. Visit all the stables you are interested in and bring a knowledgeable friend with, if possible. Talk the time to speak with the owner and any current clients. Use this time to ask any questions you may have. While at the stable, you should also request a tour and walk around the fields where your horse will be kept. Look critically at the facility to see if everything appears clean and safe and if the other horses there look happy and well-cared-for.
Sign a Contract
Once you’ve been through all of these steps and found the boarding facility that matches your list of requirements, then it is time to sign a contract. Make sure to get it in writing so that everything is clearly defined and outlined and you know what is expected each month. Choosing the right boarding facility can take some time, but if you follow these steps, both you and your horse will be satisfied with the outcome.