Cover Stories
Keeping Home Sweet for Your Boarded Horse
Barb Hento with Sharon Aller
September 1, 2006

At first glance running a boarding barn may look like easy money. Not too long ago a mother inquired about the size of my farm. When I told her it was 20 acres she promptly replied that she had been watching everything I did that afternoon and that she could easily handle five acres. The family bought a small farm with room for four horses. A month later the lady’s husband stopped by to tell me how much work it was and wondered how I got it all done?

Many people count the number of stalls and multiply by the monthly board charge for each horse, and then announce how much easy money I am making. At that point I smile, nod my head and change the subject. There are several things they just don’t get. Having the care and custody of another person’s horse is a 24 hour, 7-day a week job not to mention initial cost, labor expense, maintenance and repair on the facilities. Many boarders don’t count the cost of the labor they have been doing. They often forget it is the reason they want to board their horse.

Trying to make a decision? Make a list of your priorities and questions before you visit barns. That will assist you in making consistent comparisons and help you find the barn that best suits your lifestyle and specific goals. Don’t be afraid to ask for references. Ultimately you must decide what you can live with and what you can’t. Look for a barn where they are “living their passion”. But then remember your responsibility to help them live their dream, rather than contributing to the dream becoming a nightmare.

Following is a checklist to assist you in making a decision about boarding your horse from a veteran barn manager’s perspective:

  • Attitude of the Horses

    • When you visit a potential stable, observe the general attitude of the horses. Are they calm and relaxed, or bored and fidgety? Look for evidence of stable vises such as cribbing, weaving or stall kicking. Are the stall fronts open to allow for social interaction? Ask the manager how they settle a new horse into the barn. Are they attentive to individual needs and are they willing to move a horse that is bored or having difficulty with a horse in a neighboring stall?

  • Feeding Schedule

    • Horses are creatures of habit. They do best on a consistent schedule with feedings and turnouts at a predictable time each day. Being grazing animals, horses need several small feedings a day rather than one large one. I suggest a minimum of three when there is no turnout that allows for grazing. Are they willing to feed supplements that you provide?

  • Turnout

    • Turnout procedure is closely related to your horse’s health and safety. It allows time for social interaction, exercise and grazing in season. The way turnout is handled will determine whether it is safe or not for your horse. It takes time to develop compatible groups while they are still under a watchful eye.

  • Facility Condition

    • New isn’t necessarily better. Look for a clean facility that is well ventilated, light, safe and in good repair. Are board fences in good repair and free of missing boards or protruding nails? Does the facility use smooth wire, poly cord or braid instead of barbed wire?

  • Herd Health

    • Good hygiene procedures are critical to the maintenance of the health of all individuals in the barn. Are water containers clean? Are the horses checked daily for health concerns and treated in a timely manner?

    Inquire whether they have required tests or immunizations for boarding your horse, or if they leave it up to the discretion of you and your vet. Discuss their policy on worming. It works best in a “herd” situation, if worming is done throughout the herd simultaneously to reduce reinfestation. Does the barn provide this service as part of the boarding fee?

    Is your vet, farrier and trainer welcome at the facility or? Do they prefer you are there when service is given? Is it billed or is payment expected in advance?

  • Stall Cleaning

    • Is the horse’s temperament about his stall respected? If the horse is uneasy with someone cleaning in close proximity does the stall mucker take the time to lead him to another location until the task is completed?
    A clean, well bedded stall keeps your horse more comfortable and the barn smelling fresh and clean.

  • Hours and Security

    • Inquire about the barn hours and how well they are enforced. Strictly enforced hours may crimp your style, but they help to “fence out” unwanted guests and “fence in” horses should they wander. Enforced hours also allow horses to have a predictable, relaxed environment that provides consistency and stability. Find out how exceptions are handled. Inquire about their policy on unannounced guests and how you communicate schedule changes or guests you wish to give access.

  • Common Interests

    • You are likely to enjoy a barn more if other riders share your interests. If you love trail riding, make sure the facility has trails on site or adjacent to their facility. If you are riding basically for personal pleasure, it is unlikely that you will be happy in a big time show barn. Similarly, if you want to show jump don’t choose a barn that is predominantly into cutting horses.

  • Record Keeping

    • It is easy to forget the importance of record keeping when you visit a barn. Does the barn manager keep records on each horse for vet visits, the farrier, and general information about who is allowed access to your horse? Remember, you are forming a team with this individual for the care of your horse. The attention the manager gives to monthly billing and careful records of extra work completed are not only a good indication of their level of commitment to the success of their business, but to the care of your horse. Without good business practices the care of your horse will erode.

  • Boarding Contract

    • Does the barn have a contract? It is an important agreement to both you and the barn owner. It helps establish the value of your horse, and defines what is expected of the boarder and the barn manager. It sets the stage for open communication and helps to avoid misunderstanding down the road. When both parties sign the agreement it indicates that both parties know the rules and agree to abide by them.

    The success of the lifestyle decision that you have made to board your horse is dependant in part on your willingness to be part of a team working in the best interest of your horse. Here are some pointers for success in your new partnership:

  • Barn Manager

    • Look for a stable where the barn manager is a people person. Each horse in their care has at least one person who wants “nothing but the best” for her horse. Choose a stable where the barn manager takes time to visit with you and is informed about the horses. You need to become a team sharing in both the joys and tears that come with owning and caring for these animals. The barn manager is your support person; the person who will share the care of your horse with you.

  • Successful Team Building

    • Considering your current lifestyle, work load, property and facilities or lack of them, you have come to the conclusion that boarding your horse is the most feasible. What you are probably looking for is the best you can afford, convenience and a place where you and your horse can be happy.

    Barn managers are responsible for the ultimate care of your horse. You may not see them every time you visit, but they are always there when you can’t be. They are responsible to see that your horse is in good health, so it is vital that they know every aspect of your horse’s nutritional needs. Be respectful of their “need to know”. Don’t expect to go in a “do what you please” feeding supplements at will without discussing it with the manager. The same is true of medications.

    When you choose boarding you are entrusting your horse to their care. The implication of your decision is that you are also “giving up” certain aspects of care to them for the good of your horse. So partner with them and set up a program together. They have several horses in their care, so it is in you and your horse’s best interest to work on building and preserving a collaborative and consequently more affordable team effort.


    The Barn Manager’s List of Boarder Rules:

  • Pay on time – they have financial commitments to meet

  • Communicate about care and feeding in advance

  • Address concerns with the barn manager, not the hired help or other boarders

  • Keep equipment and personal items stored in the places provided

  • Be considerate of other clients and horses; share community facilities

  • Communicate any schedule changes

  • Don’t be afraid to make special requests

  • If you break it, tell the barn manager. Don’t just leave it to be discovered


    • Barn Manager Pet Peeves:

  • People that just drop in to visit the facility unannounced

  • People that bring kids and dogs and turn them loose

  • Phone calls after business hours, except in emergencies

  • People who think any time is a good time to talk with the manager

  • People who argue with barn policy

  • People who think that their horse is the only horse in the world






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