Thus far, 2009 has been a year of change for me.  The most recent development in my life has been a move from the woodsy, rural, small town feel of Geneva to a more suburban location.  While I will have a shorter commute to work and more access to conveniences, I will miss the sound of frogs at night and the wide open spaces.  As I have gone through the process of packing and moving, of course I began to think about horses!  Luckily for me, Tiny is staying at her current home in Geneva so I haven’t had to worry about finding a new place for her.  But I started thinking about when I moved Tiny to the area in 2006 and how difficult it was to find a great place to board.  Everyone has their own “ideal horse home,” but here are my tips for finding a suitable place for your horse to reside.

• To Stall or Not to Stall

First, you must decide if you want full/partial board or pasture turnout.  Facilities have different protocols for each, but generally pasture board is cheaper and you are more involved in your horse’s care.

• Fence Matters!

Check the property’s fencing in its entirety.  Make sure it is strong and appropriate for your horse and be sure you are comfortable with the materials used.  I do not recommend barb wire fencing for horses as I have seen numerous injuries as a result of it.  Other options are 3- or 4- board wood, pipe, vinyl coated wire, wire mesh, and others.  Some farms include a hot wire to discourage horses from disturbing fences.  Be sure that whatever material you choose, it is strong, well maintained, and safe for horses.

• Room to Roam

How much acreage does the property have?  And do they actually use it?  It may be hard to believe, but here in Central Florida it’s not uncommon to find gorgeous, lush pastures then find out that the barn owners do not regularly turn horses out on them!  On the other hand, you don’t want your horse to be standing in a tiny, dirt paddock for 12 hours a day either.  Good pastures require maintenance and financial investment.  If the farm you are contemplating won’t turn horses out on their fields because they can’t afford to reseed or fertilize regularly, it might not be the place for you or your horse.  You also need to question how often and how long horses are turned out – do they spend an hour on grass every day or are they out all day or all night?  Be sure you approve of the routine.

• Personal versus Professional

What kind of atmosphere are you looking for?  Do you or your children compete or want to be in a show barn with others like you?  Do you like your riding time to be social and group oriented or meditative and solitary?  I have found two types of facilities to board at:  a professional boarding facility (which often doubles as a show/lesson barn) and a private barn with stalls for rent.  I have boarded at both and while I have been happy with both places, my personal preference is a smaller barn that is privately owned.  I find that with large show barns, it’s more of a job for them.  Little extras that you may want for your horse, like supplements or blanketing, are often additionally charged.  They often hire out employees to muck stalls and may not have as much direct contact with your horse to keep an eye on things.  There are often more rules and restrictions and less room for flexibility for your horse’s needs.  For many people, these facilities are fantastic, especially if you’re new to the scene.  However, I much prefer the individualized care and personal relationship my horse and I have at our small, family owned barn. 

• How Much Work do You Wanna do?

Do you want full board or partial board?  Some places may not give you a choice, so this may be a factor in selecting a barn.  Partial board will be cheaper, but you will be more involved in your horse’s care.  Keep in mind that there are generally rules regarding the care of your horse (ie. the stall must be cleaned daily or it will be done and you will be charged for it), and you are typically required to feed once per day.  Does this fit into your schedule?  It is tempting to save some money by choosing this route, but be prepared to commit to the care of your horse.  He won’t understand if you show up 4 hours late to feed him because you went to dinner and a movie on Friday night – and he’ll be even less pleased when he watches his neighbors being fed by their owners!

• Is Your Horse a Social Butterfly?

This has always been the Achilles heel of my boarding barn search.  Admittedly, I am a bit paranoid about turnout practices after my family lost our very first horse to a turnout injury.  However, all horse owners need to consider the turnout routine at the barn they visit.  Some barns will turn all their mares out together and do the same with their geldings.  Some only do individual turnout.  Know your horse and what makes him happiest and be sure that his needs can be accomodated.  Even if you have a sociable, friendly horse be aware of how many animals are turned out together and the pasture size they use.  The best tempered animals can get into scuffles if they are crammed into small spaces or competing for resources.  And sometimes, certain personalities just don’t mix.  What is the contingency plan if this occurs?

• What’s Your Style?

What is your preferred style of riding?  Do you jump?  Barrel race?  Trail ride?  Discuss your preferences with the barn manager and be sure that your riding style is encouraged at the facility.  I found it difficult to locate a barn that would allow me to set up barrels and poles for Tiny, so that was a big factor in my decision on where to board.  Do you need a riding arena?  Do you need lights for riding at night?  Do you want access to trails without having to trailer off property?  Think about your plans for your horse and what your requirements are to meet your goals.

• What is the Small Print?

Communicate with the barn manager to determine their expectations of their boarders.  Is there a grace period for late payments?  Who deals with the farrier and the vet?   What are their worming and vaccination requirements?  What are the barn rules and what is the penalty for not following them?  What happens if your horse breaks a fence?  Do they have any duties that you are responsible for?  I know of several barns that require their boarders to muck out the pastures weekly.  Is that something you are willing to do?  Before committing, make sure you understand what is required of you.

• Legal Issues

 Although no one wants to think negative thoughts, in the horse world you must be prepared for the worst.  When you board a horse, you are entrusting the care of your animal to someone else and relying on them to practice good horse sense.  Know your legal rights and responsibilities before signing a lease (and SIGN A LEASE!!!! Don’t ever leave your horse anywhere without a legal document in place – even if it’s a friend you’re dealing with).  You should know who is liable if someone is injured by your horse, or if your horse is injured as the result of negligence. 

Finding a home for your horse can be a fun and rewarding experience!  Before you set out, write down your needs and wants and have lots of questions prepared to ask.  A good way to find reliable places is to ask around – the vet and farrier deal with different farms every day and may have a recommendation for you.  Drive around if you live in a horsey area.  Check tack stores, online ads, or local horse circulars for ads.  But most of all, do your research!  Plan your move well and be informed and prepared and you will likely have a much better experience.  Happy moving!