Finding Good Horse Boarding

You bought a horse, or are in the process of getting one, so where are you going to keep him/her? If you don't have a place on your own property, you must then start a search to find the right location.

1. First of all, you want somewhere as close to you as possible so that it won't be an all out and out chore just getting there and back. Here is my checklist for finding the right place.
2. Locate all the available places in your area, make note of addresses so you can go and visit.
3. Call up potential locations to find out what they offer and when you can go take a look at the place.
4. Ask around at various feed stores to see if they can recommend anyone reliable.
5. Take a look at the ones you are interested in, visit, and then go back to see if things are still the same.
6. Most importantly, ask questions about the barn, stable sizes, feeding time, what's being fed, and make sure that your horse will be fed on a set schedule. What about them getting hay, or any additives?
7. Ask about the other boarders of the barn and find out how many horses are kept there.
8. Find out whether the barn has someone living on the property, and if not, who does the feeding, watering and turn-out and at what times ?
9. How often is your horse going to be turned out, and do they turn out all the horses together, or do they separate mares from the gelding? This is my preference, I had to learn the hard way that most of the time, if two mares are put out with a gelding, the mares will fight for dominance and sometimes, they bite.
10. Ask about the rules of the barn. This is really important. Make sure that your tack will not be used by everyone else in the barn. Find out if the tack room is for everyone's things, or if you need to by a box to keep your things in.
11. How much is your monthly board going to be, and what is included in that price? Get a list of their rules and find out exactly, up front, what all is included for that price.
12. Who do they use as their vets? What about horse-shoeing or hoof care? Does someone come out to the property, and if so, what are the usual charges?
13. What are the barn's hours that you are allowed to come and go on the property? Is the property locked up where you will have access, or how secure is the barn?
14. Do they offer classes or lessons if you are wanting them?
15. Lastly, look at the other horses in their barn. Are they well fed and cared for? Is the barn kept neat and tidy? Are the stalls cleaned out often? Do they have clean water in the buckets? These kinds of things can really give you a good clue as to if you think this is the right place for your horse. After all, purchasing a horse is NOT the most expensive thing you will do, it's the upkeep. Make sure that you are happy with the place you have chosen before moving there.