It’s true everyone has some preconceived notions on what we, as horse owners, should get when it comes to boarding our horses. Whether it be amenities for us or for our horses. The problem comes in when you have to decided what you can and can’t live without.
The must haves. The wants. And the unimportant. All of it just rushing around in our heads as we attempt to pick the “perfect” place to board.
To decide what you need you have to, of course, first figure out what your needs are. Is your horse pastured boarded OR stall boarded. Is your horse a show horse OR a pleasure horse. Do you ride english OR western. Do you have all of your own equipment. Do you need a show barn OR a private barn. And the list could go on endlessly…
You also need to think of the atmosphere you want for your horse(s). Meaning the kind of care and people that are around them on a daily basis. Most people naturally want responsible people not someone careless or oblivious to your horses issues. So now you need to dive into a list of qualities you want in your horse’s care taker.
Then you need to think about your horse’s feed. Do you want high quality grain. Or do you even care/know anything about feed. Do you want free choice hay? A round bale? What kind of hay do you want? Do you want your horse to have access to nice lush pastures? Or do you need your horse’s grass intake limited?
And don’t forget winter care because, naturally, everything goes out the window in winter. Especially with factors like snow which means blankets and mud which means messy messy messy horses. Do you want your horse blanketed? Do you want your horse kept in on muddy days?
****Again all of the lists could go on and on and on. Next week I’ll be adding part two which will consist of people personal opinions on the matter. It will also, hopefully, include a spreadsheet to make the process easier for you.
