So you guys probably know that my hubby is in the Airforce, and we just found out we will be headed to Luke AFB in Glendale, AZ come the end of summer.

Just wanted to get an idea on the horse community down there. I hear the barrel racing scene is pretty big, but how is the boarding? Is there any pasture board available? I don't mind traveling to get somewhere, we will most likely be coming down sometime to check out the area. I just have one mare and she will have all of her vet records and paperwork. How is the community?

When we moved to Idaho, it was hell trying to find board as a lot of the natives do not want people moving to their state. I have gotten a lot of "Go back to where you came from" responses and I wasn't able to find a place till I actually moved here, and bought a house then it became "Acceptable." It was very frustrating because it's not like I had a choice, my husband serves our country and to get that kind of response was just.. crazy to me. lol  I am really hoping Arizona is not like that! So anyone have the 411 on that area?

Thanks! 

Bump (thank your husband for his service and also to you because I can't imagine I would be able to do what you do as a wife of a serviceman)

Thank you!!

Hey there! I grew up mostly in Queen Creek, AZ - my boyfriend and I went up north (ID and MT) for work for a few years, but we missed the desert and came back 2 years ago. Living near Maricopa now.

My sister in law lives in Wittmann, and her hubby is also stationed at Luke. They were living in Tonopah, but the commute to Luke was pretty crappy from there so they found a house a little closer.

Glendale is pretty much all city now, but there are quite a few horse people living near the stretch of the 60 between Surprise and Morristown, which isn't too far away. That also leaves you in nice commuting distance to Wickenburg and some other north valley arenas. Idk if you're planning on living on or off base?

Board isn't cheap in the valley, but there are quite a few stable options. I'll link to the AZ Horse Network FB page, if you make a post asking for suggestions you should get loads of options. Pasture board is few and far between in the valley, we don't normally get enough rain to sustain natural pastures and not many properties have irrigation anymore. But there are a few who offer it.

The population has exploded in AZ over the last 15-20 years, but I think you'll find people are generally pretty welcoming to fellow horse people.

Arizona Horse Network

I am! Howdy!

So if youre moving to or  near LAFB then you'll be right next to one of the busiest barrel arenas known as Dunns arena.

They constantly have weekly jackpots and big barrel races. about 45 mins west on the 10 is the BIG barrel arena known as Buckeye equestrian center. ( where all the major futurities happen in AZ) They also hold weekly jackpots weekly with big races throughout the year.

Both places offer boarding, but neither offer full time turnout.( i believe you can get daily turn out with an added fee at dunns arena)

If you want to board nearby I do have a friend that is a block from Dunns arena that i believe still has stalls availble and has "herd" turn out. ( thats the only downside if youre not comfortable with your horses being turned out with others.

Moving at the end of summer is a good idea. It's quite miserable here in the summer time and it's pretty quiet too. Dunn's Arena & Buckeye are good places to catch local races. Wickenburg, & Morristown have arenas that run as well. Let me know if you need any more information. You should be able to find a boarding place near the base, Waddell, Litchfield areas. 

Sorry for the late reply! I don't lurk on the boards too often! 

Thank you for the replies, I have heard a lot about Dunn's (now Tanner) arena and I added them on my facebook page. I see they are having Buckle Wednesdays which is totally awesome.. I told my husband we should just move there now so I can get in on some of that! lol 

I am a little concerned about the pricey boarding, I hear it is up in the $4-500 range a month, which kind of just makes me die a little inside as I've never paid that high of board. I hope I can find a place that is a little more pocket-book friendly. If all goes to plan we will be coming down at the end of July, we will probably make a stop and let my mare rest for the night. 

Any recommendations for vets, farriers, chiros etc.? 

Fancie, I'm not too worried about her being on turn out with another horse. My mare is currently on pasture with two other horses and she's the top dog in the pen, although she is a bit of a pushover with me so I don't know if she met another alpha mare if she would hold her ground or not. The most I've ever seen her do with other horses is pen her ears at them and they move, but maybe there is more to the story. There is a shade in the pasture and she is always under it when the weather is bad.. she won't let anyone else near it. So I think she will be alright. 

Do you know the name of the place you're speaking with? I did speak to someone who has a facility near Dunn's arena, and they do have a paddock turn out although he was currently full.. which is fine considering I won't be there for a while. Just wondering if it's the same place. 

For local vets, there's Durango Equine in Buckeye, lots of mobile vets(you can browse FB and get the names), chiro a lot of people use Animal Krackers, there's a girl in Waddell- Madison Hunt that has a water treadmill.(great for summer workouts) As far as farriers, there's a lot to choose from. I use Ken Brown, he lives in Wittman and comes out to Buckeye where I live. Coming out in July is going to be miserable for you. Be prepared for high humidity and it's our Monsoon season. Worse time of the year. Make sure your horses have shade, water...misting systems help along with fans...it's a must have in AZ....Try not to travel during the day with your horses....early early morning or late at night would be best.