Looking for affordable boarding near Hartford, CT

[soloudinhere]

[QUOTE=ssandstr;7607024]
Just a thought - if you’re working in Springfield…consider going a bit north perhaps - I live in Northampton and board my mare in Southampton at Carrier’s farm…it’s all boarding (some great trainers come in to give lessons but no in-house person)… all day turnout in very well irrigated private (or shared) spaces… indoor that’s only 3 years old, trails, two outdoor rings, big riding field with some cross country jumps… and $500 a month. it’s about 15-20 minutes from Springfield. It’s the best place I’ve ever been. No drama, incredibly friendly and helpful folks, and Nancy and Bob Carrier are true horsepeople. Worth checking out.[/QUOTE]

I live in the area and I was looking for boarding fairly recently and was given the impression that Carrier’s was full. The price I was quoted was also way more than $500.

Op, if you’re renting it may not matter as much but you will probably find housing is cheaper on the Massachusetts side. Property taxes in CT are very high. We live just over the granby line in MA and my husband works in Windsor.

[starhorse]

[QUOTE=soloudinhere;7608218]
I live in the area and I was looking for boarding fairly recently and was given the impression that Carrier’s was full. The price I was quoted was also way more than $500.

Op, if you’re renting it may not matter as much but you will probably find housing is cheaper on the Massachusetts side. Property taxes in CT are very high. We live just over the granby line in MA and my husband works in Windsor.[/QUOTE]

Okay that’s good to know! We just need to have a pretty quick commute to Hartford because my SO is going to be in his medical residency, which is why we’ve been looking a bit more on the CT side (but give or take 5 minutes won’t kill him, right?)

It is definitely important that we’re staying at 700ish or less for board costs, and even at that, we’d need to try to find a half lease to offset cost, so a lesson program would be ideal.

You guys have been so helpful, thank you!

[GoForAGallop]

@soloudinhere;7608218

I live in the area and I was looking for boarding fairly recently and was given the impression that Carrier’s was full. The price I was quoted was also way more than $500.

Can’t speak to the fullness, but Carrier’s is $500.

I am going to say this as gently as I can, because it’s not a bad thing, but it’s not a particularly “polished” barn. 100% safe, and the pasture turnout is great (and surprisingly hard to find in this area), but they definitely cater to a more casual horse owner.

I have a friend there right now who is thrilled with the care, but is feeling a little left out at the barn because she competes her horse, and everyone else there is very trail-oriented.

Again, not a bad thing, but may not necessarily be the vibe you’re looking for.

[starhorse]

I don’t think (at least until I check out closer barns) I’m wanting to drive north of Springfield if we’re going to be living closer to Hartford.

I’d really love something that’s close to home or on my way home from work, and I’m okay with more casual. My horse is 21 and I’m mostly concerned about care. I don’t compete her anymore, although she is still fine to compete at lower levels for a leaser.

[RolyPolyPony]

Coggin Creek is west of Springfield, so MAY be doable depending on where you end up living - http://www.coggincreek.com/

My mom boarded there years ago and still knows Brenda, who is great.

[soloudinhere]

[QUOTE=RolyPolyPony;7609787]
Coggin Creek is west of Springfield, so MAY be doable depending on where you end up living - http://www.coggincreek.com/

My mom boarded there years ago and still knows Brenda, who is great.[/QUOTE]

I looked here for boarding and I’d be pretty surprised to see it recommended. Nothing about the place seemed safe or high quality to me.

[RolyPolyPony]

[QUOTE=soloudinhere;7609949]
I looked here for boarding and I’d be pretty surprised to see it recommended. Nothing about the place seemed safe or high quality to me.[/QUOTE]

Oh really? That’s a shame - like I said, my mom was there YEARS ago and it was a great place. Neither of us have been there in awhile -my mom runs into Brenda around the area and she’s always been nice and knowledgeable. I just thought of it when the OP mentioned Springfield as it’s not that far outside.

[starhorse]

Just an update - I am looking at several barns in the next few weeks and wanted to hear thoughts from locals. I am not sure I feel comfortable listing all of the barns here, but if anyone who gave input has a really solid idea of barns in the area and would like to generously offer their time and thoughts, I’d be happy to PM you the names. Please let me know if you are willing

Thank you!