Issues with boarding

[Dora]

I am at my wit’s end, 4th boarding barn in 3 years, there is always something wrong. 1st stable: unsafe fencing (think rusty nails), leaky roof no repairs, very large groups of horses in turn out; 2nd stable: horse goes out 2-3 hours a day IF he goes out, even though barn owner promised 5-6 hours a day, there is always an excuse to not let the horses out; 3rd barn unclean paddocks, there is a foot of manure and urine in the paddocks and my horse has onging thrush issues, 4th stable there is always something emerging, such as feed grain left in the middle of the stable, horses get loose, no shavings left, promised emergency stall but now there is none and my horse has really bad thrush… I am willing to pay for EVERY service, emergency stalling, etc…

All these problems with sometimes a very negative attitude from owner or a very friendly but clueless one.

So sometimes service is promised but not offered/given, (example “we check the fencing regularly”), we ALWAYS have an emergency box stall, etc.

I am very helpful and uncomplicated, I end up fixing the fencing, cleaning the paddocks, I don’t ask much, my horse is never booted or blanketed and gets along well with everybody, really low maintenance horse and owner, here!

What are your priorities when it comes to boarding your horse and how far are you willing to travel to find the facilities you need?

I am not picky, I just want the basic cleanliness and safety my horse deserves, nothing fancy I don’t even need an indoor arena!

Any advice for finding a proper boarding facility? What sacrifices are you willing to make (ie travel distance), what are your non negotiable points?

Please share your stories so I won’t feel so alone… Thank you.

[eqsiu]

There is no such thing as the perfect boarding barn. You kind of have to pick and choose your battles.

In my immediate area(within 30 minutes of my house) you can have turnout and indoor arena, but no stalls, turnout and stalls, but only an outdoor arena, or stalls and an indoor arena, no turnout. One place comes with a BO who is super woo, doesn’t deworm her horses and prefers that you don’t either, and manure management issues in paddocks. Another has a super rigid BO, which makes things nice and clean, but heaven forbid you are a day late on deworming or something else required in the boarding contract. Third barn has as much barn drama as a sorority full of junior high school girls. No place with turnout has solid fencing; it’s all electric.

One’s priorities are different depending on needs. My needs are essentially retirement board for a blind horse, so having a BO willing to deal with my horse’s disability is the most important. You may need a barn with a trainer on site. Or have an indoor arena as a must. There are a million way to keep horses so it’s up to you to decide what you will and won’t deal with.

[NancyM]

Well I’ve only boarded out a few times in the last 50 years. It often ends up being less than ideal, IMO. So you are not alone! Keep looking. Inspect the barn area and stabling before moving in. Dirty paddocks, dirty stalls, bad fencing can be seen in advance of your moving in. If you don’t like what you see when you visit, don’t move in. I understand that there are a FEW well run public boarding stables. But the best care (in your opinion) is always going to be at your own place.

[SAcres]

No barn is perfect. Some of what you’re describing sounds on par for a larger boarding barn that is understaffed, some is concerning.

Most of the time the real gems as far as care goes are the ones that don’t offer much in the way of amenities and are smaller, “backyard” type places with only 2-3 boarders.

When looking for barns, ask how often paddocks are cleaned, visit several times at different times of the day, ask to walk the fields, etc. Take a good look at the horses, see if you can talk to any other boarders, and have a long conversation with the BO.

Ask what their horse care philosophy is, ask if they keep horses in during xyz weather, ask how often they throw hay, if they have quiet hours, how they deal with mud, how many horses they have on the property at any one time, etc.

It seems like a lot of what you’re describing would have been apparent when visiting the barn, as these issues usually don’t just disappear when a potential boarder comes to look. I would recommend thoroughly vetting barns before deciding to move your horse in the future. Find one that fits all your needs, with issues that you can compromise on.

[Dora]

I can’t buy my own place, that is for sure!

The only things I ask are:

1. safe fencing

2. large enough turn-out area (not 20 feet x 20 feet, yes I have seen that)

3. turn out minimum 8 hours a day and with minimum 1 friend if indoor board (with stall cleaned every day with not a ton of shavings, but not 4 cups of shavings a day either! OR

4. if outdoor board, paddock and shelter cleaned minimum 3 times a week

5. hay 3 times a day

6. one decent ring to ride in, it doesn’t have to be an indoor arena

I find it outrageous that the 4 stables have not been able to provide this minimum of care…

[Dora]

I think I have not been strict enough when visiting because I don’t want to be too far away from the stable, as I have 2 very elderly dogs, and I care for them alone, as my ex left me his dog when he left (he didn’t want to look after her). So it’s hard to travel far after work.

When I have more time, I will not compromise on the things that are essential and I will look into a smaller, more private place… (3 of the 4 places I have been give lessons, they are more or less riding schools, though some give lots of group lessons and one only gave private lessons but she had many school horses still…)

[Scribbler]

I agree, most of the facility issues would be obvious on a visit or two. Never believe a BM that snows you with plans of renovation “next month.”

I have always done self board.

[eqsiu]

@Dora

I can’t buy my own place, that is for sure!

The only things I ask are:

1. safe fencing

2. large enough turn-out area (not 20 feet x 20 feet, yes I have seen that)

3. turn out minimum 8 hours a day and with minimum 1 friend if indoor board (with stall cleaned every day with not a ton of shavings, but not 4 cups of shavings a day either! OR

4. if outdoor board, paddock and shelter cleaned minimum 3 times a week

5. hay 3 times a day

6. one decent ring to ride in, it doesn’t have to be an indoor arena

I find it outrageous that the 4 stables have not been able to provide this minimum of care…

While many of those are reasonable, hay 3 times a day is not standard anywhere I’ve kept horses. Twice a day is standard. Especially if turnout is provided. You would literally not find what you consider normal within an hour from my house. Maybe farther, not sure since I’m not about to drive that far.

[findeight]

The place is going to be what it is on Day one so never assume anything will change after you move in. Meaning you likely could and should have seen things before moving in. Look at each place several times, drive by and see the pastures, meet exsisting boarders before signing the contract…and absolutely insist on a contract.

Its possible you are looking for a boarding price too low to allow better conditions as well. Some of what you describe sounds like not enough people to clean everything as regularly as you like and no money for repairs and paddock cleaning and maybe nobody to do them.

Only barns I was in that fed hay 3 times a day were well above the average area price for basic board and many places don’t clean pastures and larger paddocks on a schedule in any price range. Turn out requires a person to lead the horse out and back, many low end barns don’t have enough help so that’s a place to skimp. Some BOs have " real jobs" so aren’t on the property during the day so nothing gets done but can’t afford to hire anybody. All this can be easily seen before moving in.

Farthest Id drive is about an hour each way but, IME ( 50 years of it), that won’t solve the things you are not getting, more trained staff will but that costs more even if you drive. What is your budget and how much more are you willing to spend to get these things?

[jennycash]

I definitely understand your frustration! I have been at 3 barns in the last couple years. Dealt with issues when BM forgets to feed and water, doesn’t clean stall for days, hostile boarders, very dangerous stall conditions with no desire to fix.

I finally found a show barn where they take excellent care of my horse. I never have to worry about him missing a meal or dangerous conditions. But I definitely pay for it! I pay $500 a month for grass hay 2x a day and a clean stall. We don’t have pasture or turnout where I live. While they take great care of my horse, the BM is not an enjoyable person to be around. I try to avoid her completely honestly (personality conflict).

Ultimately I think you have to compromise. There will never be a perfect barn. I chose a not so nice BM but safe, clean, and well kept facility.

[CanteringCarrot]

Do you live in my country and region, because this sounds familiar :rolleyes:

I fortunately found a nice enough stable, but had to increase my budget, and compromise on turnout. I never thought I would compromise on turnout, but here we are. I prefer my horse to live out 24/7 (field with shelter) but instead he lives in a stall with a small paddock attached (dry paddock, so that’s a plus, no mud) and can be outside in a field with other horses for 6-8 hours a day. Except for the winter months, when he goes in a larger paddock or the exercise walker because the ground here gets so terrible and we cannot turnout on the fields.

However, the stable has no drama, a large indoor with proper footing, a good trainer, and good care. The facililities are well cared for, and feed and forage are good quality.

If I want 24/7 turnout here, then I will either have no where to ride, or only a ring/arena with poorly maintained footing that I don’t even want to ride in anyway. Or inattentive owners, overcroweded facility, or other quality issues. So it is what it is.

It could be that your area is just a crapshoot. It could be the price point. I don’t wish to drive more than 30+ min but if I absolutely had to for the well being of my horses, I would.

Sometimes you can be at a self care facilit or propose self care and that will give you a bit more control over things.

[Dora]

@eqsiu

While many of those are reasonable, hay 3 times a day is not standard anywhere I’ve kept horses. Twice a day is standard. Especially if turnout is provided. You would literally not find what you consider normal within an hour from my house. Maybe farther, not sure since I’m not about to drive that far.

Twice a day is standard even if they are turned out in an area without grass?

[Dora]

@findeight

The place is going to be what it is on Day one so never assume anything will change after you move in. Meaning you likely could and should have seen things before moving in. Look at each place several times, drive by and see the pastures, meet exsisting boarders before signing the contract…and absolutely insist on a contract.

Its possible you are looking for a boarding price too low to allow better conditions as well. Some of what you describe sounds like not enough people to clean everything as regularly as you like and no money for repairs and paddock cleaning and maybe nobody to do them.

Only barns I was in that fed hay 3 times a day were well above the average area price for basic board and many places don’t clean pastures and larger paddocks on a schedule in any price range. Turn out requires a person to lead the horse out and back, many low end barns don’t have enough help so that’s a place to skimp. Some BOs have " real jobs" so aren’t on the property during the day so nothing gets done but can’t afford to hire anybody. All this can be easily seen before moving in.

Farthest Id drive is about an hour each way but, IME ( 50 years of it), that won’t solve the things you are not getting, more trained staff will but that costs more even if you drive. What is your budget and how much more are you willing to spend to get these things?

I would be willing to pay up to 500$ (even for outdoor boarding meaning he lives outside, as long as he has a shelter and at least a friend with him in his paddock) for excellent care, hay minimum 3 times a day, clean paddocks, an indoor arena and at least one outdoor arena both with good footing.

[Dora]

@CanteringCarrot

Do you live in my country and region, because this sounds familiar :rolleyes:

I fortunately found a nice enough stable, but had to increase my budget, and compromise on turnout. I never thought I would compromise on turnout, but here we are. I prefer my horse to live out 24/7 (field with shelter) but instead he lives in a stall with a small paddock attached (dry paddock, so that’s a plus, no mud) and can be outside in a field with other horses for 6-8 hours a day. Except for the winter months, when he goes in a larger paddock or the exercise walker because the ground here gets so terrible and we cannot turnout on the fields.

However, the stable has no drama, a large indoor with proper footing, a good trainer, and good care. The facililities are well cared for, and feed and forage are good quality.

If I want 24/7 turnout here, then I will either have no where to ride, or only a ring/arena with poorly maintained footing that I don’t even want to ride in anyway. Or inattentive owners, overcroweded facility, or other quality issues. So it is what it is.

It could be that your area is just a crapshoot. It could be the price point. I don’t wish to drive more than 30+ min but if I absolutely had to for the well being of my horses, I would.

Sometimes you can be at a self care facilit or propose self care and that will give you a bit more control over things.

It sounds like a place I would like!

[Dora]

@jennycash

I definitely understand your frustration! I have been at 3 barns in the last couple years. Dealt with issues when BM forgets to feed and water, doesn’t clean stall for days, hostile boarders, very dangerous stall conditions with no desire to fix.

I finally found a show barn where they take excellent care of my horse. I never have to worry about him missing a meal or dangerous conditions. But I definitely pay for it! I pay $500 a month for grass hay 2x a day and a clean stall. We don’t have pasture or turnout where I live. While they take great care of my horse, the BM is not an enjoyable person to be around. I try to avoid her completely honestly (personality conflict).

Ultimately I think you have to compromise. There will never be a perfect barn. I chose a not so nice BM but safe, clean, and well kept facility.

How does he get turn-out, do you have to provide it for him? How do you manage? I’m happy you found a place that suits you and your horse, I know how hard it can be! But I couldn’t do the turn out every day bu myself!

[MsM]

It will help to give your general location. Boarding practices vary greatly by location.

My non-negotiables are a decent ring, turnout for the better part of the day (or night in summer) alone or in a small group in an area that doesnt look more suitable for mountain goats, clean hay and not stingy with it, safe fencing and facilities, reasonable if not perfect cleanliness, and someone knowledgeable overseeing.
I can live with less attractive facilities, no bathroom, no heat, smaller turnout, other things not “done as I would” if I know the basic care is good and thoughtful.

I am fortunate that my current barn is smaller (usually about 10 horses) and the BO does much of the work herself so things are pretty individualized. In general, I find smaller barns more compatible for me. She feeds plenty of hay, at least 3 times a day (twice in stall and once in turnout). I am allowed to give him more if he needs it. She and the one helper are very knowledgeable and spot problems. It is not a fancy place and there are some things I would change if I could, but the care is great - in fact I usually tell incoming boarders that I believe they will be happy since the best part of this stable are the things you cannot see!

If I had to look for a new place, two of my goals would be a BO who is a horse person, and no large “lesson factory” barns with a rotating roster of employees.

[Scribbler]

Around here its almost impossible to find pasture board plus an indoor arena because a barn cant generally afford an indoor unless there are a high number of horses on the property. That means stalls with small runouts or else daily turnout in small pens where the horses just stand around.

True pasture board is usually on unimproved properties where there is nowhere to ride. Great for summer vacation or retirees but no good for riding horses. Usually not even an outdoor arena.

[candyappy]

@Dora

I can’t buy my own place, that is for sure!

The only things I ask are:

1. safe fencing

2. large enough turn-out area (not 20 feet x 20 feet, yes I have seen that)

3. turn out minimum 8 hours a day and with minimum 1 friend if indoor board (with stall cleaned every day with not a ton of shavings, but not 4 cups of shavings a day either! OR

4. if outdoor board, paddock and shelter cleaned minimum 3 times a week

5. hay 3 times a day

6. one decent ring to ride in, it doesn’t have to be an indoor arena

I find it outrageous that the 4 stables have not been able to provide this minimum of care…

I am shocked that you can’t find a place that can meet your needs because your “want list” is very reasonable.

Why not tell us what (nearby )city / state you live in and maybe someone here has a stable they can recommend in the general area?

[Jumper_Princess1988]

I boarded at a barn a few years ago - the barn owner claimed to have a lot of experience with TBs, which was great (I owned a neurotic TB at the time). Things started off well - it was a lovely facility and great people…but then I started to realize my horse was steadily dropping weight and getting cranky as a result. I ended up paying for extra grain and extra feedings throughout the day. Then I noticed it was a revolving door when it came to barn staff - people left after a few months, so the care was inconsistent. Even my vet expressed concerns over how my gelding wasn’t getting enough calories despite her talking to the barn owner directly. My last straw was showing up to the barn in the evening and realizing every single horse had no water in their stalls (barn owner had already left for the night).

I moved him to a different barn pretty quick after that and lo and behold…he started to get pretty darned chubby on a fraction of the grain he had (supposedly) been fed. His entire attitude changed as well - he was once again my mellow, chill boy!

The barn I’m at currently is pretty close to perfect. It eats up a healthy chunk of my budget, but it’s close to home, the care is impeccable, the training is world class, and I can leave for a two week vacation and not stress for a minute. To me that more than justifies the cost!

My advice is to make a list of your priorities (sounds like you have that already). Talk to local vets and farriers to see if they have recommendations - or places to avoid. They see lots of places day in and day out and will usually steer you in the right direction. Good luck!

[Wanderosa]

I’m in Northern Virginia Hunt Country so I have the luxury of far more options than most. But I wouldn’t be able to find what you want for much under $1000. Some of it depends on what is standard practice in your area, I suppose. Most places around me feed round bales outside and square bales in stalls during the winter. If you’re in a dry part of the country, hay is staggeringly expensive, though. No one would feed rounds. and I can see hay being rationed carefully. Hay hit $10 for a small square bale here for a time a few years ago. I had 3 huge horses living with me. It was difficult. Generally, I hay my own 2x a day when they’re stalled. It only takes me a day or two to calculate how much hay the horses will actually eat without waste between the am and pm chores and I hay each horse to run out about 60-30 minutes before my next visit.

Private turnout is the gold standard in this area. Personally, turnout in a group larger than 3-4 horses is a negative. Too much risk of injury to the horse. And to me when I’m trying to fight back 5 other crazies from the gate to extricate my horse. Thrush is basically a given with the amount of rain we’ve had. Though, it sounds like your area is otherwise dry and the thrush is being caused by poor sanitation?