Top 10: How to Pick a Boarding Barn

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We've compiled our Top 10 and we bet you have other great ideas.

1. Location. Make sure you can get there fast or you won't go.
2. Is it clean with stalls/tack rooms that are maintained/safe with equipment that is in good working order?
3. Has the staff been around long, does anyone live on site and are you able to talk to staff prior to making your decision?
4. Ask for referrals from other boarders as well as a copy of the boarding contract for review.
5. What kind of regular communication does the facility have with its boarders and what are the emergency protocols?
6. How do the horses that are there look? Skinny, fat, well cared for, etc.
7. Turn out. Will your horse be turned out and how often? Are the pastures overfull?
8. Check the rules to associate with your needs such as can you ride or visit when you want to year round? In our experience, barns with a 10 page rules list don't usually translate to a fun, warm, rewarding experience. Conversely, no rules at all may mean things are run a little too loosely.
9. What is included in your monthly board rate? This really does vary, but should be followed by asking about the hay and shavings suppliers as well as if you are able to use your own farrier and veterinarian -- and if additional fees will be charged to you for doing so?
10. Gut check ' does the barn feel good to you? Is it someplace you are going to enjoy going to on a regular basis with friendly people that match your sensibilities?

As always, let me know what you think by leaving a comment below or share your own thoughts and ideas, and ask questions about this topic by posting on the forum connected to this series. Discuss ->

See It ' Do It!

Comments  

Posted On

Mar 07, 2008

Posted By

packzilla

I'm sure all us horse owners think this is very important. Talking with boarders is a great way to find out info. If your horse is in training, find out how often it will be worked, I've heard alot of complaints from people in different barns, that their horse is not worked as often as they were told it would be.

Posted On

Mar 07, 2008

Posted By

Christi

Great point Packzilla! A future Top 10 will be The 10 Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Potential Trainer. How often will my horse be worked is high on the list! Rock on! Christi

Posted On

Jul 30, 2008

Posted By

newbie

hi
Also ask if you can talk to past boarders, or clients.
Ask current & past boarders how long they've been there and why they stay.

Posted On

Aug 14, 2008

Posted By

ridenourhorses

Yes, talk to as many current boarders as you can. Also, if you can, stop by the facility without an appointment. I have had several boarders do this to me, and while it threw me off guard, it is the best way to see what its like in everyday life- see how dirty the stalls get before they are cleaned, etc. This way, nothing is sugercoated to the potential client and they can see better if the barn is really what they are looking for.

Posted On

Jan 24, 2009

Posted By

Mary

These tips are great but when you don't have much to choose from,you just have to deal with it as best as you can and keep looking. In my area there are limited places to broad your horse. One is great at this and the other is good at that then it comes down to distance to it. My horse was treated better at one when it came to being turned out but lost alot of weight,where he is now he doesn't get taken out in the pasture just in a dry lot but he is fed well... So what do you do? HELP

Posted On

May 31, 2009

Posted By

DaisyMaesMom

I just moved Daisy to a new place yesterday. I'm nervous about, but thenew place is much safer and the arenas are MUCH better than the old one, plus my trainer moved there about a month ago and likes it. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

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