Not only does one size not fit all, not all horse owners can afford the time, money, and responsibilities required to keep their horse where they live.
Some owners simply don't have the space to stable their own horse.
If these obligations are too much for you at this time, you'll need to keep him at a boarding facility.
A boarding stable is a commercial facility that provides housing and limited care (such as feeding and stall cleaning) for horses at a monthly cost.
Some boarding stables will offer horse owners additional services, such as exercising or blanketing their horses.
There are some significant advantages to hiring out the space and the chores of keeping a horse: *A social life: When you become a horse owner, you instantly become a member of a very special community.
Boarding stables are great places to make friends.
Plus, you always have someone to ride with if you keep your horse at a boarding stable.
*Other knowledgeable horse owners: You find out so much more about horses and riding if you're around other horse owners.
You can ask other people for help and advice, as well as get referrals for good veterinarians and dietary supplements.
*Trainers and instructors: Boarding stables have resident trainers and/or riding instructors who work there.
If you need help with your horse or with your riding, you have experts you can call for assistance.
Before you commit to keeping your horse at any commercial facility, check the place out thoroughly.
Go down to the stable and spend some time walking around and talking to other boarders.
Read on to learn to look for the right combination of features and services when touring boarding stables: *Clean surroundings: Look for a well-maintained property that's free of debris and unused junk.
*A sturdy, safe facility: Keep an eye out for dangers such as barbed wire and broken boards on pasture fences.
When examining the stalls, make sure the fencing is secure and in good shape.
*Good daily care: Find out what goes into the horses' care.
Look for daily stall cleanings, and at least twice daily feedings.
Ask about pest control against rodents and insects.
*Security: Not all stables have round-the-clock security, but it's a definite bonus.
A security guard or live-in horse keeper can protect your expensive horse from theft.
*Good riding facilities: Ideally, your choice will have trail access, a well-kept riding arena, and a round 40 to 60 foot diameter arena for training called a round-pen.
*Good water supply: The horses at the stable should all have water in their stalls.
Ask how water is supplied and find out how it is kept from freezing in the winter.
*Quality feed: Visually check and handle the feed to be sure isn't moldy.
The hay should be relatively free of dust.
Find out how grain and pellets are kept away from mice and other wildlife.
*Tack storage: Unless you want to lug your saddle and bridle back and forth every time you come to ride your horse, make sure the stable offers tack storage for boarders.
*Written health requirements: Ask what kinds of inoculations are required of boarders.
You will want to see influenza/rhinopneumonitis and equine encephalitis requirements at the very least.
*A professional approach: There should be liability waivers and a boarding agreement to sign.
The stable management should also ask for your emergency contact information so they can reach you if your horse is ill or injured.
Naturally, the nicer the stable, the more you have to pay for board.
Don't pick a stable that isn't up to par just because the fees are low.
With boarding stables, you can usually count on getting what you pay for.
Boarding stables charge anywhere from $100 to $700 or more a month, depending on where you live and the care and facilities they offer.
Boarding offers many benefits, particularly to first-time horse owners.
Even if your dream is to keep your horse in your backyard, explore the possibility of boarding for at least the first year you own your horse.
Some owners simply don't have the space to stable their own horse.
If these obligations are too much for you at this time, you'll need to keep him at a boarding facility.
A boarding stable is a commercial facility that provides housing and limited care (such as feeding and stall cleaning) for horses at a monthly cost.
Some boarding stables will offer horse owners additional services, such as exercising or blanketing their horses.
There are some significant advantages to hiring out the space and the chores of keeping a horse: *A social life: When you become a horse owner, you instantly become a member of a very special community.
Boarding stables are great places to make friends.
Plus, you always have someone to ride with if you keep your horse at a boarding stable.
*Other knowledgeable horse owners: You find out so much more about horses and riding if you're around other horse owners.
You can ask other people for help and advice, as well as get referrals for good veterinarians and dietary supplements.
*Trainers and instructors: Boarding stables have resident trainers and/or riding instructors who work there.
If you need help with your horse or with your riding, you have experts you can call for assistance.
Before you commit to keeping your horse at any commercial facility, check the place out thoroughly.
Go down to the stable and spend some time walking around and talking to other boarders.
Read on to learn to look for the right combination of features and services when touring boarding stables: *Clean surroundings: Look for a well-maintained property that's free of debris and unused junk.
*A sturdy, safe facility: Keep an eye out for dangers such as barbed wire and broken boards on pasture fences.
When examining the stalls, make sure the fencing is secure and in good shape.
*Good daily care: Find out what goes into the horses' care.
Look for daily stall cleanings, and at least twice daily feedings.
Ask about pest control against rodents and insects.
*Security: Not all stables have round-the-clock security, but it's a definite bonus.
A security guard or live-in horse keeper can protect your expensive horse from theft.
*Good riding facilities: Ideally, your choice will have trail access, a well-kept riding arena, and a round 40 to 60 foot diameter arena for training called a round-pen.
*Good water supply: The horses at the stable should all have water in their stalls.
Ask how water is supplied and find out how it is kept from freezing in the winter.
*Quality feed: Visually check and handle the feed to be sure isn't moldy.
The hay should be relatively free of dust.
Find out how grain and pellets are kept away from mice and other wildlife.
*Tack storage: Unless you want to lug your saddle and bridle back and forth every time you come to ride your horse, make sure the stable offers tack storage for boarders.
*Written health requirements: Ask what kinds of inoculations are required of boarders.
You will want to see influenza/rhinopneumonitis and equine encephalitis requirements at the very least.
*A professional approach: There should be liability waivers and a boarding agreement to sign.
The stable management should also ask for your emergency contact information so they can reach you if your horse is ill or injured.
Naturally, the nicer the stable, the more you have to pay for board.
Don't pick a stable that isn't up to par just because the fees are low.
With boarding stables, you can usually count on getting what you pay for.
Boarding stables charge anywhere from $100 to $700 or more a month, depending on where you live and the care and facilities they offer.
Boarding offers many benefits, particularly to first-time horse owners.
Even if your dream is to keep your horse in your backyard, explore the possibility of boarding for at least the first year you own your horse.