How to Board Horses in Your Barn

If you have a few extra stalls in your barn, you may be able to offset some of the costs of keeping your own horse by adding a few boarders to your facility. Many people who live in town or even the city still enjoy horseback riding as a hobby, and boarding allows them to pursue their passion without moving to the country. If you do plan to board one or more horses, however, you need to create a boarding contract and set some ground rules for those who share your barn.

Things You'll Need

  • Boarding contract
  • Barn
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check with the municipality where you live to ensure that your property is zoned for horse boarding. Obtain any necessary permits before taking on any boarders.

    • 2

      Ask your attorney to draw up a boarding contract, or download a sample boarding contract from the Internet and ask your lawyer to review and customize it. The boarding contract should clearly spell out the responsibilities of each party in the boarding exchange, including the level of care and the length of the contract.

    • 3

      Prepare a suitable stall or run-in shed for each horse you plan to board. It is important that all horses under your care, both your own and those of your boarders, have access to shelter 24 hours a day. Also ensure that you have sufficient water facilities, either through freely flowing streams, water troughs or a combination of the two.

    • 4

      Set aside a spot for boarders to keep their tack and other equipment. Ideally you should have storage lockers with built-in saddle and bridle racks. If that is not feasible, at least prepare a locked tack room and provide keys only to your boarders.

    • 5

      Place a bulletin board somewhere within your facility, and use that bulletin board to communicate with your boarders. You can post notices about de-worming and veterinary schedules, as well as notes and reminders to both individual boarders and the general boarding community.

    • 6

      Require that each boarder sign a contract before the horse is brought to the facility. Also require that health certificates for each horse be provided prior to their arrival at the barn. Keep copies of those health certificates on file in the stable office.