Boarding in Richmond, VA area

[Legallygray86]

There have been a couple of threads on this but at best they’re a couple years old, and some of the older farm names referenced appear to be out of business, moved to another part of the state, etc. so would love to poll the field and see what’s out there now!

I’m looking for a decent pasture board option in the Richmond, VA area. My horse is an easy keeper and I prefer full turnout for both health and financial reasons. Must haves are: good pasture, attentive care, barn management who does what they said they would do (not a high bar here, just saying that if my boarding agreement says you feed 2x a day, that you ACTUALLY feed 2x a day), will hold for farrier/vet, no required lesson program. Ideally also has trail access and/or a lighted outdoor ring with a few jumps, if no indoor. Nothing fancy, just decent and well-maintained.

I’m pretty self-sufficient as a boarder, have a truck and trailer, have had the horse for several years, horse is a solid citizen, we try to be good barn residents and clean up after ourselves, be nice to people, and not to ask for a lot, or be willing to pay extra if we ARE asking for a lot - I just also have a day job that prevents me from being able to fuss over my pony every day, so I need to be able to trust the level of care. One day, I’ll have my own place (oh yes, threads on pros and cons of bringing your horses home, I see you) and this will be moot, but in the meantime - is there anywhere that might not be obvious from a Google search? Places that fly under the radar?

Looking in Ashland/Glen Allen/Manakin Sabot/Rockville/Powhatan/Goochland in general. TIA for suggestions or leads!

[PrincessPonies]

I didn’t board in the area you’re talking about but I was in central Virginia. I’ll tell you there are a lot of smaller boarding only barns everywhere. Some you may never hear about outside of local talk. If you can you might go look around and talk to the horse community.

[Barn_Mom]

I’m more familiar with Powhatan, Level Green is family owned and operated, they live on site, offer pasture board and have trails a lesson program, 2 rings - one is lighted and they host 2 cross country events per year as well as other shows. Summerhill is also good, they have a lovely lighted ring and host some fun shows in the summer. Oakdale is another good one, they offer field board, have trails, a small indoor, 2 outdoor rings and an xc course.

[va2txrider]

I have boarded at several barns in the Richmond area, and the best one I’ve been at is Shallowbrook Stables in Rockville. It is full board, but my mare was on night turnout all year long except for some of the nastiest weather, and then in during the day to nap and eat, which was ideal. You can find them on FB: https://www.facebook.com/Shallowbrook-Farm-630029887100014/?hc_ref=ARQe1Ei9Cz2XSrtTmh8eaAXoGt_WYLWlt0kaRX1XeIGKMPX3VhJ3_7aIYHnG7W1r8x4
or the owners’ sons also run Smithfield Hay and Straw, and they would have contact info.

[Legallygray86]

Thanks all! I should have said, I’ve been in the area for a little over a year, and have been at a couple of different places that have been less than ideal for various reasons. I’m dedicated to pasture board and full turnout although I know plenty of people disagree or don’t have the grass to support that, so it is something rather particular I’m looking for that. I appreciate the suggestions all around, especially of places with good reputations - similarly, it would be great to know if people had anywhere they would avoid because it’s tough to move somewhere that seems to check out the boxes only to find out the BM is actually kind of skeezy and hits on the boarders and workers.

[Dubarry]

I would recommend Shannon Kruep at Plumbroke Farm. She is in Louisa. Family lives on the property. Checks majority of your boxes. Offers full time pasture board (also offers stall board). They will hold for farrier/vet if you use their main farrier. No required lesson program, you can bring your own trainer or haul out to your trainers place. No trails but you can ride around the property or in the fields. They also have a lighted outdoor ring with a few jumps. It’s not fancy to look at it, but she is very knowledgeable.

[izzy98]

I had a very good experience boarding at Tuckahoe Plantation through college. I did stall board there, but I know they do pasture board as well.

[va2txrider]

You can PM me if you want to hear some places to stay away from. I’d rather not post.

[Legallygray86]

@va2txrider sent you a PM. I’d known of those Powhatan barns but good to hear recommendations, Shallowbrook and Plumbroke are new to me so thanks for those tips, and Tuckahoe would be very convenient but they unfortunately don’t have any openings right now. Thanks everyone!

[horseteachme]

Hi legallygrey! I may moving to Richmond and am now looking. What did you find?

[Legallygray86]

@horseteachme definitely depends what you are specifically looking for, but places I either have direct positive experience with or else know to have solid reputations that I’d start looking at are Level Green and Oakdale in Powhatan, Hillbrook in Glen Allen, and Manakin Sabot Eq Center in Manakin Sabot. Feel free to PM to discuss more specifics if you’d like! I haven’t boarded in a couple years though I’ve stayed around the scene through part leases and friends I’ve made, and it could be that there are new places or existing places under new management on the scene that others may know about.

[horseteachme]

Hi Legally Grey. I’m not sure how to PM on this format. MY BRAIN!!! Anyway, yes, I’ve been in touch with Oakdale and looks great just a little further than I want to drive everyday. I’m in the medical field and will be closer to the hospitals. I don’t ride much but I do want to be around good horsemanship and care. I’m thinking the winter is fairly mild so don’t need and indoor. I do want a stall with a walkout and lots of turnout.

[Railbird]

Tuckahoe will be your best bet if you’re working at st marys/henrico doctors. If you’re at VCU then better off with one of the farms in hanover though I don’t have experience enough with any offering turnout board to know specifically the options.

[horseteachme]

Hi Railbird! Thank you. Tuckahoe area is looking close to work too. I’ll be at Arboretium Parkway between Chippenham and Johnston Willis Hospital and would like to stay within thirty minutes. Alos, have decided I’m not necessarily needing fulltime outside board but will take stall board especially if there are walkouts on the stalls. thanks everyone for all your input!