| Not only does one size not fit all, not all horse owners | | | | daily feedings. Ask about pest control against rodents |
| can afford the time, money, and responsibilities required | | | | and insects. |
| to keep their horse where they live. Some owners | | | | *Security: Not all stables have round-the-clock security, |
| simply don't have the space to stable their own horse. | | | | but it's a definite bonus. A security guard or live-in |
| If these obligations are too much for you at this time, | | | | horse keeper can protect your expensive horse from |
| you'll need to keep him at a boarding facility. | | | | theft. |
| A boarding stable is a commercial facility that provides | | | | *Good riding facilities: Ideally, your choice will have trail |
| housing and limited care (such as feeding and stall | | | | access, a well-kept riding arena, and a round 40 to 60 |
| cleaning) for horses at a monthly cost. Some boarding | | | | foot diameter arena for training called a round-pen. |
| stables will offer horse owners additional services, | | | | *Good water supply: The horses at the stable should |
| such as exercising or blanketing their horses. There | | | | all have water in their stalls. Ask how water is supplied |
| are some significant advantages to hiring out the | | | | and find out how it is kept from freezing in the winter. |
| space and the chores of keeping a horse: | | | | *Quality feed: Visually check and handle the feed to be |
| *A social life: When you become a horse owner, you | | | | sure isn't moldy. The hay should be relatively free of |
| instantly become a member of a very special | | | | dust. Find out how grain and pellets are kept away |
| community. Boarding stables are great places to make | | | | from mice and other wildlife. |
| friends. Plus, you always have someone to ride with if | | | | *Tack storage: Unless you want to lug your saddle |
| you keep your horse at a boarding stable. | | | | and bridle back and forth every time you come to ride |
| *Other knowledgeable horse owners: You find out so | | | | your horse, make sure the stable offers tack storage |
| much more about horses and riding if you're around | | | | for boarders. |
| other horse owners. You can ask other people for | | | | *Written health requirements: Ask what kinds of |
| help and advice, as well as get referrals for good | | | | inoculations are required of boarders. You will want to |
| veterinarians and dietary supplements. | | | | see influenza/rhinopneumonitis and equine encephalitis |
| *Trainers and instructors: Boarding stables have | | | | requirements at the very least. |
| resident trainers and/or riding instructors who work | | | | *A professional approach: There should be liability |
| there. If you need help with your horse or with your | | | | waivers and a boarding agreement to sign. The stable |
| riding, you have experts you can call for assistance. | | | | management should also ask for your emergency |
| Before you commit to keeping your horse at any | | | | contact information so they can reach you if your |
| commercial facility, check the place out thoroughly. Go | | | | horse is ill or injured. |
| down to the stable and spend some time walking | | | | Naturally, the nicer the stable, the more you have to |
| around and talking to other boarders. Read on to learn | | | | pay for board. Don't pick a stable that isn't up to par |
| to look for the right combination of features and | | | | just because the fees are low. With boarding stables, |
| services when touring boarding stables: | | | | you can usually count on getting what you pay for. |
| *Clean surroundings: Look for a well-maintained | | | | Boarding stables charge anywhere from $100 to $700 |
| property that's free of debris and unused junk. | | | | or more a month, depending on where you live and the |
| *A sturdy, safe facility: Keep an eye out for dangers | | | | care and facilities they offer. |
| such as barbed wire and broken boards on pasture | | | | Boarding offers many benefits, particularly to first-time |
| fences. When examining the stalls, make sure the | | | | horse owners. Even if your dream is to keep your |
| fencing is secure and in good shape. | | | | horse in your backyard, explore the possibility of |
| *Good daily care: Find out what goes into the horses' | | | | boarding for at least the first year you own your |
| care. Look for daily stall cleanings, and at least twice | | | | horse. |