More on Where to Board

Where to board is a huge topic and varies with each person. What services are covered as a part of the basic board varies with every barn, and the price of the board should reflects the quality and level of service provided. The area of the county you reside in will also influence where you board your horse. If you are in a Northern climate with lots of rain or snow, a facility with an indoor may be a requirement high on your priority list. The best thing to do is make a list of the pros and con's of each barn. The make a list of what services you absolutely need, what you would like to have and the services offered at each barn. If you can only get to the barn once or twice a week, and the temperature varies a lot in your area, a barn which does blankets, on and off as needed my be important to you. Some barns either leave them on, off, or have nothing to do with blanketing as it is time consuming. If you want blankets on and off, you need to do it. Fencing is an area I think many boarders over look it's importance. Fences must be safe and strong and have proper upkeep. Horses will rub against them or kick them hard enough to dislodge them, but they need to be replaced as soon as that happens to prevent injury to your horse. Trying to patch fences back together is not the best option. The more the barn does the more you should expect to pay. If they offer indoor and outdoor arenas, wash areas, tack areas, feed supplements (you provide) clean/pick stalls 3-4 times per day, hay and grain 2-4 times per time, and possibly a light grooming with feet picked out, sand turns outs and pasture, you best expect to pay top dollar. Choose your boarding barn based on the experience of the owner, the services offered, the condition and safety features of the barn, your basic needs and what you pocketbook can afford. You may even find a co-op barn in your area. That is a barn where all basic costs (hay, grain and bedding) and work is shared by those who keep their horses at it. This type of arrangement is easier on your pocketbook, but much more labor intensive. But it works for many, look around to see what will work best for you.