What Steps are Required When Boarding a Horse?

Boarding a horse is a round-the-clock job. If you do not have the time to care for your horse, you should consider sending it to a boarding facility. A boarding facility will provide your horse with housing and handle its daily care requirements, while allowing you to visit and ride your horse at your leisure.

Find Some Possible Boarding Facilities

Search the Internet or scan your local phone book to find boarding facilities in your area. Compile a list of any facilities that interest you. Ask for referrals from knowledgeable friends and family members. Consider location when choosing which facilities to visit. You should choose a boarding facility that is in close driving distance to your home. This will allow you to spend your time visiting with your horse, rather than commuting.

Tour the Facility

Visit the facility in person. Check out the condition of the barns, stables and riding rings. Talk with the owner and ask who is responsible for the daily care of the horses. You will want an experienced person caring for your horse when you are not there. Check out the horses at the facility. They should appear healthy and well cared for. Confirm that you will have a secure location to store your tack and supplies.

Compare Facilities

Once you visit a few different boarding facilities, you will need to compare them. Base your comparison on the condition of the stables, the services that are offered, their policies and hours, and finally, the monthly rate for boarding a horse there. Decide which facility you want to use and contact the owner to sign your boarding contract and move your horse in to their new home.