As my mare is older I’m always on the lookout for a good option on where to retire her. I likely won’t need to do so for another two years or so, but I like to have a plan and a spot in mind. Has anyone had experience with Caveland Farm in VA (http://horseretirementva.com/)? Feel free to send me a message if you prefer. Do you have any other recommendations on where you’d send your horse? I’m located in PA but willing to ship her out of state to a good retirement program. Of course cost is a consideration as I’ll need to board a riding horse as well, so I’d like to stay around $450 or less for board. She likes to be out as much as possible, so field board with shelter is absolutely fine. Good care is of the upmost importance as I don’t want to have to worry about her care, especially if she’s out of state and I can’t visit regularly. Thanks so much for the recommendations!
I have my eye on White Rock Manor Horse Retirement, in Lexington, VA (I am expecting to retire to that area myself). Fella always miraculously gets sounder when I mention retirement, so I haven’t looked into this place other than to email with the owners, who seem lovely and responsible re: contracts, etc. I think they’re $500 per month for field board with shelter, though (and that was a couple years ago).
www.wrmhorseretirement.com
897 White Rock Rd, Lexington, VA 24450
A friend retired her mare here, and has been very pleased with the care each time she visited.
Planning is great. But if you have a 2 year plus window, then consider that we may see some serious economic changes in the next two years and a number of business will fail. I am not suggesting anything negative about the various facilities named in this thread. I think the best you can do is pull together a list of prospective places and then see if they are an option in the future.
Thanks all. Ironwood, that’s definitely what I am doing. I’d like to have several places lined up as options, which is why I’m seeking recommendations.
Please keep the suggestions coming!
Thanks so much for the suggestion, this looks like a fabulous option for my mare.
Bump!
Arondel Equestrian in Lexington, KY.
Thank you!
Due to some recent revelations regarding my mare’s health I will likely be retiring here now in the late fall/early summer of this year. Please keep the suggestions coming!
What exactly are you looking for in a retirement boarding barn?
Good care, but it can be minimal work. Mare currently is out almost 24/7 as it is. As long as there is a run in with adequate space she should be fine. Grows a good winter coat so won’t need a blanket I don’t think, especially if it’s a milder winter. Can be a bit of a hard keeper but if grass/free choice hay is available she should be fine. Gets along with every mare she’s been turned out with, low horse on the totem pole. I’d like someone to have eyes on her once a day and have her groomed lightly once a week.
It doesn’t always have to be a professional retirement community, does it? There are great people looking for a pasture mate for their show horses out there That could provide the same level of care. As long as you find them through a friend or a trainer, your mare should be fine. JMHO.
100%! I’d almost prefer this scenario over a professional retirement community.
I currently board at a farm that offers retirement board, my pony is there for the dry lot and care. Look up Belle View Farm in Waterford VA. I think it’s 375 for pasture board in all mare field. Huge fields and multiple accessible shelters, multiple round bales in the winter. All the seniors are in great weight and loved on, the owners and barn manager work hard and do a great job giving everyone’s meds, separate feedings if needed. Its nice to not have to worry about him especially during this Covid stuff. Plus they send me videos and pics if I can’t get out there. I love getting videos of his cute face and
of him playing.
Got in touch with them today, thank you!
