Things You'll Need:
- notebook & pen
- list of questions
-
Step 1
TURNOUT:
A) Do you have private turnout, or group turnout?
-Private turnout - this is great if you have a show horse and want to keep any scarring off of him. Make sure your horse can still see other horses from his paddock.
-Group Turnout - this is more natural for your horse. If you chose to keep your horse in group turnout, but sure all horses in the group get along.
B) Are the geldings, mares & stallions kept separate?
You'll want to be sure the mares are kept a reasonable distance from the stallions to avoid conflicts. Most geldings & mares get along perfectly fine.
C) Is turnout all day; partial day; evening; days?
You'll need to decide how long you want your horse out. Different horses require different things, and most facilities will accommodate what he/she needs.
-Some horses are kept inside during long hot summer days with fans, and are turned out all night after the sun sets while others do best kept outside 24/7.
D) Are the paddocks safe?
-Look at the gates & fencing to be sure it is safe. Make sure there are no sharp areas where a horse can get a deep laceration.
-Is the area extremely muddy? While mud can be hard to manage in during long spring rainy season, and during winters when the snow melts, the paddock still should be kept as dry as possible by the caretakers. Horses should not stand in muddy conditions as it can lead to hoof problems.
E) Will the caretaker take off your horses halter, or keep the halters on, when he/she is turned out & in? Which is your preference? -
Step 2
Vets & Farriers:
A) Will the caretaker schedule farrier & vet appointments?
- Some barns offer this service, but you must use their vet/farrier.
B) Will the caretaker be available to hold your horse during vet & farrier visits?
- Some barns also offer this service, some for free if you use the barn vet/farrier during the scheduled appointments. Other facilities may charge a nominal fee.
C) Worming:
- Some barns include the worming costs into their monthly board, while others will charge a fee for the wormer & to administer it to your horse.
- There are various methods of administrating wormers, make sure you agree with the barns protocol. -
Step 3
Stalls:
A) How often are the stalls cleaned? What type of bedding?
- Majority of barns clean the stalls daily, assuming the horse was in the stall that day, but there are a few that have an off-day where the staff does not muck.
B) Are the stalls large & airy?
- No horse likes being confined in a small, dark, stuffy stall. Make sure the stalls that are offered are large, and if possible matted. Stalls that are airy and have a window are ideal. -
Step 4
Feed:
A) What type of grain & hay does the barn feed?
- Make sure they feed the same type of feed & hay that your horse is currently being fed. If your purchasing a new horse, ask the previous owner what he/she was fed.
- If the barn doesn't feed the same type, they will have to wean your horse onto his new feed slowly. -
Step 5
Boarders:
See what amenities that the barn offers.
A) Is there a boarding-contract that will be required to be signed?
- This protects the barn owner as well as the horse owner. It should be clear, and list all rules that will be implemented.
B) Are the owners and/or caretakers on-site 24/7?
- What happens if there is an emergency? Is the barn owner or employee on-site?
- Do they check on the horses routinely?
- Do they know what to do in an emergency while waiting for the vet to arrive?
C) Is there a clean dry area to keep your tack, blankets, grooming supplies?
- Most barns offer an area that their boarders can keep their supplies. Some large boarding barns have lockers, others have a locked room where boarders have access to the key. Smaller facilities sometimes have a shed, or stall that they use for tack.
D) How many other boarders are there? And what disciplines are they involved in?
- While some prefer large show barns where everyone competes, others prefer a non-competitive barn. Be sure you and your horse will fit in with the type of barn. Competitive barns tend to be busy, especially during show season. If you want or need a small quiet barn, a show barn may not be for you.
E) Is the barn child-friendly?
- If you have young children that are involved in horses & will be going to the barn with you, make sure the barn child-friendly. Some barns offer adult-only boarding.
F) Is there a restroom?
- If you have children, live far away, or will be spending the whole day at the barn, you’ll want to be sure there is a restroom available.
Comments
sliane56 said
on 4/9/2009 This website might help in eliminating or discovering additional options: www.horsestablereview.com
coachmiami said
on 2/16/2009 Here are a couple more (from a stables owner!) - 1. Ask about the brand of feed being used (is it the cheapest they can find?)2. What kind of atmosphere does the barn have? Some barns are hoity toity - some are much more relaxed (like ours!)3. What kind of horses are prevalent? A show barn will have more high strung horses like thoroughbreds, arabians etc that are more likely to be well - high strung and very active!Good article!Miami Phillipshttp://highcountrystables.comDallas Ga