What should I look for in a boarding facility to ensure my horse’s well-being?

Understanding the Importance of a Horse Boarding Facility

Over the years, I have been on the boarding facility owner and the boarding my horse end of this scenario. I think if we are really interested in our horse’s well being, finding the right place will encompass many aspects of care. For me, it goes much farther than basic needs being met. I expect horses to be fully vetted when they enter the facility, and have all the health essentials covered. I want to know if they have a quarantine period, especially for horses coming from auction. My horse might be at risk if they don’t. My horse might be very stressed if they do and he’s required to quarantine, coming in. I like to get permission to come and observe the daily routine at a facility. I want to know if the horses seem happy with their life there, as well as them looking well cared for.

Key Equine Care Factors in a Boarding Barn

Something, that is of great importance to me, is regular care from equine health providers and hoof care specialists. It’s important to ask if you will be able to bring in your trusted providers to a new facility. Also, don’t forget to ask your providers if they are able and willing to travel to the new place. It’s not just important that they are welcome there, but does the manager or owner have the same interest in the well being of the horses they own? It can be rather challenging to feel comfortable having your chiropractor or Reiki professional come to do a session on your horse, if you feel scrutinized or judged for using such a practitioner. My equines receive all sorts of treatment modalities. Make sure that the ones you use, regularly, are welcome at the facility. If you keep your horse barefoot, it’s critically important to look at the footing in all the places your horse will be. Varied terrain is a vital part of keeping a barefoot horse, so this will matter greatly, if you plan to keep it that way. Ask how they source their hay and if there are limits on how much your horse will be fed, daily. Of course, access to, and on call, veterinary care is essential. Ask if they have a routine vet on call and at what hours. Is there a surgical center nearby? Ask what the protocol is for emergencies. I like to see informational posters hanging in a tack or feed room that have vital signs and colic symptoms, for instance. This will ensure that the weekend help knows what to look for and are educated should an issue arise. Talk with the stall cleaners and feeders to make sure they seem to care and are knowledgeable. You can usually get a pretty good feel for the real heart of a facility by speaking to those who do the grunt work. Ask if they have a frequent turnover rate in their boarders. This might be an indicator of an underlying issue with management.

Evaluating Amenities and Logistics

There are several things to consider for yourself. If you ride with a trainer and they come to you, it’s important to make sure that they are welcome at your new facility and that there are convenient time spots available for you to get your lessons in. Are there ever times that you will not be allowed to use the arena, trails or other amenities? Ask if there are restrictions on entering the property and visiting your horse. If you own a trailer, ask about parking and if it’s included in your board. I like to know if they have an issue with theft of property, even if it’s just small things. Are the tack areas secure and what type of security do they have for the property, particularly, at night? Don’t be afraid to ask if they run background checks on their employees.

Building a Positive Relationship with Facility Management

One of the most stressful things to do is leave our beloved equines in the care of others. It’s vital that we aren’t afraid to ask any question we might have, and remember to trust our intuition as well. If something feels off, it probably is. Being clear and open about expectations is the key to a healthy relationship with a facility manager or owner. Most of the time, if a need isn’t being met, it is simply because of a lack of clear communication of that need. Be honest and expect the same in return. Most of what I consider quality care has to do with an attitude toward the horse. I expect kindness, and a desire to see them healthy and happy, to be the driving force of any boarding facility.