The search for a boarding facility for your beloved equines can be a daunting and stressful task. There are numerous things that need to be considered before the search for a new facility even begins. First of all, you need to decide which of the four types of boarding situations will fit your equines needs and your needs/wants the best: Pasture, partial, full, and specialty. Secondly, make a list of the things that you want and need in a new facility such as cost, arenas, trails, trailer parking, and turnout just to name a few. List your needs/wants in order from the most important to the least important attributes and then begin looking.
After reading numerous articles, books, websites, and from many years of personal experience the biggest factor when interviewing prospective facilities is the concern of the health, safety and happiness of the horses. When out looking at the potential facilities, whether inquiring for any of the four boarding situations, pay close attention to the neatness of the property. What are the fences made of and are they maintained? Are the water buckets full and clean or dirtied? Are the stalls and shelters clean or are they full of manure? The barn manager can make plenty of excuses to why the property is not neat and normally the appearances will only get poorer. Do inquire on the health schedules of the horses already on the property. Are all the horses on the same farrier, worming, and vaccinations schedule? The cost of veterinarian care can add of rapidly so make sure all horses are on similar schedules on the property or your attempt to take great care of your horses can, in the end, be a waste of money. Also pay attention to how the other horses look health wise as if they are on the skinner side and have duller coats that can be a sign of poor nutrition and care. Do the people on the property know about horses, how to handle them and when to call in a professional for care. Also, are your choices of professionals (veterinarian, farrier, chiropractor, etc...) allowed to be used and come on the property?
The health and safety of the horses are top priority but you cannot forget the safety and happiness of yourself. While observing the property try to get a good feel of the social atmosphere. If you are a laid back trail rider you may not fit in or like the atmosphere of a hunter jumper competing facility, so try finding a facility where many of the riders have similar interests. Does the security for yourself and personal belongings meet your requirements? What types of amenities are available: lessons, food/water, tack lockers?
Everyone wants the most for their money. Being on a budget can significantly limit the number of positive attributes that you may be looking for in a potential facility. You may be able to barter work such as cleaning stalls, feeding, or grooming other horses in exchange for a reduced cost of your monthly board. Ask to look over the boarding contract for the facility and make sure to ask questions if you have any, concessions could possibly be made before the contract is signed.
As you can tell there are many attributes to keep in mind when interviewing perspective facilities for your beloved horses. Do keep in mind that there is no such thing as a perfect facility!
I've been working around horses for the past 11 years. I breed, train, and show quarter horses, paints, and ponies. I am a member of the AQHA and APHA. I have bought, trained, shown, and sold approximately 20 horses over the past 5 years. I've competed in almost everything from western pleasure to team penning with a little English riding thrown in.
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