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 Member
Posts: 49
| For years, my horses have been in my back yard and I have had the luxury of not having to board. Now I have moved a few hours away from home and started a "big girl job" and until I can afford to buy land, I am looking into boarding my horse. What are the things I need to look for and questions that I need to ask when looking into boarding? I am in Columbia, TN and have found a place within 10 minutes of where I live (which I love being close), and they offer quality round bales, bringing horses in in inclimate weather, and do not overload their pastures. Soon I hope to physically go look at the barn but I want to be prepared and find out as much as possible before boarding my horse there. Thanks in advance! |
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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
  
| My biggest deal breakers were overcrowding and responsibility. Making sure the owners are educated horse people. Good quality hay, understanding of different amounts of feeds. I like a place willing to feed a supplement even though I rarely use one. I like them to have a set vaccination schedule so I feel all the horses are on the same playing field.
I would see the types of people who ride there, it can take some getting used to when you're riding with less experienced people. |
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 Expert
Posts: 3815
Location: The best kept secret in TX | Does the barn offer shavings? Are they included in the price of board?
Does the barn vaccinate? Do they deworm? Do they do it automatically wihtout consent or do they ask for permission first?
Are they open to your own Vet coming to do the routine maintence/wound care should something happen or are you forced to use who they employ?
Do they offer a lockable tack trunk for your tack? Do they blanket int he winter? Does this cost extra?
When it is raining do they bring in all horses? Are you charged extra for this?
If it is raining and they don't bring in horses, should your horse slip in the pasture, are they liable for vet costs to get him back sound?
Are there cameras on the property and do you have access to the video footage via streaming? If no, are they opposed to you putting up a camera on your horses stall/turnout/tack area?
Last but not least, will they feed what your horse is used to eating and will they feed supplements? If yes, is this any extra cost? Do they have a lockable air tight bin for your horses supplemetns and feed to be stored? Are they measuring feed intake by pound and feeding the appropriate amounts of both hay and grain?
Hope these get you brainstorming about questions to ask. Remember: It's a n interview conducted by you to employ them. Be respectful and remember that you are paying them, not the other way around. If something feels off, it probably is. Good Luck!  |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 678
Location: Canada | Ask what their vaccinations/deworming schedule is. This is something they should schedule and charge you. This ensures all horses are vaccinated/dewormed at the same time and are all on the same schedule.
Ask what the turnover rate is. All barns have some turnover but major turnover can be a sign of issues.
Ask what the quarantine policy is.
The ability to bring your own vet/farrier is nice if you have someone who you trust. If you can't bring your own ask what their vet qualifications are - they may have someone better.
Ask what extra charges are - blanketing, holding for vet/farrier etc.
Ask what their policy is on emergencies
Ask what their hours are and if there is leeway when you're going to jackpots/rodeos etc.
If they hold lessons or training there ask if that impacts the use of the arenas.
Ask what their liability covers and if you need to have your own policy.
Ask what their experience is as owners of the facility. Some barn owners have never had a horse get sick or injured so they are ill equipped to handle or identify any type of issue or injury. While you hope that you never have an issue it's important that those caring for your horse can identify when a horse is "off" and what the problem may be. (example a very social horse that never paws is standing in the corner pawing occasionally and hasn't moved for a while - may indicate colic or tying up and should be looked at further). Also as owners are they comfortable giving IM or IV injections as required under the direction of a vet.
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 762
Location: NC | I agree with everyone else.. One thing to add is to look at the other horses at the facility. Are they skinny? Look wormy? Tells you alot about how they feed |
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Member
Posts: 49
| This is all great advice. I am terrified to board my horse just because I know how much of a control freak I am and like things done my way. Also, I would freak out if I found out someone else has been riding my horse. I really appreciate all of the replies! |
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Married to a Louie Lover
Posts: 3303
| When I moved from Michigan to Iowa I found the Iowa NBHA Facebook page and asked for recommendations. Found one based on recommendations and was very happy there for several years until I moved them to my fiancé's farm.
You will find everything from the complete self care to the high roller show barns. You have to decide what works for you and what you need. Also consider if your job will ever require you to travel, complete self care may not be the best option if that's the case.
I grew up boarding and I do remember going in and out of a few barns - we were novice horse people and as we learned more and more we just weren't happy with where we were at. Mom was never afraid to put in our 30 days notice and eat a month of board to leave the next day. I don't remember ever leaving because we were unhappy with the care, but rather the people, drama, gossip or the barn just not working for us - like the arena being closed due to lessons during the only times we were able to come ride. Once we found "home" we were there right up until they closed their doors and then we were fortunate enough to find a semi-private place we basically had to ourselves.
Trust your gut, it'll be okay. |
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