Horse Boarding Information

Many horse owners would like to keep their four-legged companions at home, but this is not always possible, Unlike other pets that can be kept in a fenced back yard, horses need a great deal of room to roam and exercise. In order to ensure proper pasture, horse owners will need to supply a minimum of one acre for every horse you own, and many horse owners simply do not have that kind of space. If you do need to board your horse, it is important to choose a facility that is safe, convenient and affordable.

  1. Prices Vary

    • One of the most important things to keep in mind when looking for a boarding facility is that prices vary widely, both from region to region and from facility to facility. The price for a boarding facility convenient to New York City and other metropolitan area tends to be much higher than those in more rural areas where boarding facilities are plentiful. But even in the same area prices can vary quite a bit, so it is important to shop around for the best care.

    Pasture Board Can Be a Good Choice

    • Generally the least expensive type of board is what is known as pasture board. With pasture board the horses are turned out 24 hours a day with a combination of pasture and supplemental feedings of hay. In some cases grain may be offered as well, but it is important for horse owners to ask if grain is included in the price. It is also important to make sure there is sufficient shelter for the horses to get in out of the weather--horses do not necessarily need a stall to be happy and healthy, but they do need a suitable shelter like a run-in shed to provide protection from the wind and rain.

    Self-Care Board

    • Safe fencing is essential

      Another affordable alternative for horse owners with time to spare is self-care board. With self-care board the boarding facility provides the shelter, either in the form of a stall or run-in shed, but the owner is responsible for feeding the horse and cleaning the stall. If you choose a self-care boarding facility it is important to make sure you will be able to visit the barn twice a day to feed your horse and clean up after him. In some self-care facilities the barn owner will step in and care for your horse--and charge you extra. In other facilities you will simply be asked to leave if you fail to take proper care of your horse.

    Check the Fencing

    • No matter where you choose to board your horse, it is essential that the facility provide a safe place for your equine companion. When checking out a possible boarding barn be sure to check the condition of the fences, both in the front of the property and in the rest of the pasture. Walk the fence line and look for broken boards, torn wires or other indications of a substandard facility. Also look for unsafe fencing like barbed wire--barbed wire fences should never be used to contain horses.

    Know the Rules

    • One of the advantages of boarding your horse is access to amenities you may not be able to afford on your own. Things like wash racks and indoor riding arenas are very costly, and access to those amenities can be very valuable, especially if you plan to show your horse and need a safe place to practice. When evaluating a boarding stable it is important to ask about the rules governing the use of those shared facilities. Some stables provide access to riding rings and other amenities on a set schedule, while others allow boarders to use them on a first come, first served basis. Just be sure you understand the rules of the road before bringing your horse to the stable.