Great topic! This has been on my mind lately as I just moved my horse into a boarding facility for the first time in years over this weekend. So far, I’m beyond thrilled with the accommodations.
What do you look for in a boarding barn?
As I think everybody has included in their replies so far, safety is #1. The details vary depending on my budget, time allotted to the barn, riding goals, etc. but some characteristics that I look for in any boarding situation is attentive and organized staff/owner/manager, cleanliness, healthy-looking horses, ample feed, decent riding space (indoor/outdoor, quality footing are mostly determined by my budget), in that order.
What do you absolutely have to have in a boarding situation, regardless of the price of board?
Safe facilities, ample turnout (enough for my horse to stretch her legs - grass is ideal, large pasture with few horses even better), attentive, knowledgable staff, and the freedom to have the final say in regard to my horse’s care. There are many other considerations, but those are the most essential basics.
What are worthwhile “extras” (for example, a grooming/wash stall, heated tack room, blanket changes/dewormers/vet or farrier holding included in board, massage/alternative therapies, etc)?
A barn, though I’m not totally opposed to the idea of my horse being pasture boarded in just the right situation. Heated tack room is great! Restrooms on site. Hot/cold indoor wash stall. Designated grooming stalls, rather than the aisle. Accessible space for tack trunk storage. Dutch doors, doors that open both into the barn and outside that open easily in case of fire. Sprinkler system/working smoke detectors. Indoor arena. Great footing.
How do you feel about barn hours, if reasonably set?
This is an area in which I’m willing to compromise if everything else fits my needs and desires. I’d prefer from my standpoint of working odd hours to be able to visit at any time, but I absolutely understand why the hours of operation are in place, and where I’m boarding now, they’re quite reasonable.
Is the physical appearance of the barn important to you? I’m not talking about safety or cleanliness, but just the “niceness” factor of the barn. (And be honest! I sure think it is, but everyone’s opinion differs.)
Yes and no. Sometimes “nice” equals “more comfortable”, and sure, I’d prefer that if it’s available. I’ve boarded in a couple of old, converted barns that were plenty safe, but not necessarily clean (beyond the essential areas of horse traffic) or pretty. I wouldn’t rule out a barn for lack of aesthetic appeal, but I might be drawn to a nicer-looking barn (which seems to go hand in hand with good footing throughout and well-maintained facilities) if all else was equal.
What would you want/expect out of barn that charges 400 for full care board? 500? 600? 700+?
At 400, I wouldn’t expect an indoor. I’d expect all of my horse’s needs to be met with an outdoor riding space and turnout. Amenities may be sparse. In my area, you won’t find an indoor for less than $500, and more realistically you’re looking at $650 and up. If I was ever to consider the $700+ range, it had better be a darn nice place with a trainer I REALLY want to ride with (I’d be there for the trainer, not for the facility at that point).
What do you pay for board currently, and what services are provided to you?
My board is in the middle of the range you provided. It’s a beautiful facility in a great location with considerate, knowledgable staff, ample turnout, adequate feed, a beautiful indoor and a large outdoor. Did I mention it’s beautiful? Heated tack room, indoor wash stall with hot water, bathrooms, trailer parking. ALL DAY TURNOUT. Blanketing. Two barns. It’s affordable to me because I chose to board in the smaller barn, which is a hike from the main facilities. I enjoy the walk with my horse, and while it may be a drawback to some, it works well for us.
On the flip side of the above question, what services would you LIKE that aren’t provided?
As I mentioned above, I’d love for the hours to be extended. Not a huge issue.
How much control over your horse’s diet, turnout, etc are you willing to hand over to the BO (reasonably speaking, here)?
None. I’m still the horse’s owner and responsible for her well-being. Like a parent, nobody else will have her best intrest in mind like I do. Of course, I’ve had horses at home for several years, and I know what’s required to maintain a healthy, happy horse. That’s not to say that on a particularly nasty day the BO can’t decide to keep the horses in, but no long-term changes in my horse’s care should be made without my direction. I’m also not going to make unreasonable requests of the BO, and if he notices something that I have somehow missed, I’ll be pretty open to considering a change.
Anything else anyone can think of would be so much appreciated! I have always felt that the horse’s happiness and health is the single, most important thing in a boarding situation, but sadly that has rarely been what I’ve found as a boarder…anyway, have at it!
Two huge issues that eliminated many facilities from my list while barn hunting over the summer were lack of turnout space/time, and inability to use my own vet and farrier. Any less than 8 hours of turnout on a standard day (not a rainy, 32 degree day like this has been) would be an immediate “No!” I was told by one BO that they didn’t even like owners being present for vet/farrier appointments because the owners “ask too many questions and hold up the show.” I clearly didn’t end up boarding there.
At the old barn, sometimes it was me and the 90-yo owner (he leased out the horse facilities) out there in our PJ’s, chatting away, at 11 at night.