8 Questions To Ask When Looking For A Boarding Barn

When you’re looking for a new boarding barn, you’ll want to find a barn that is a good fit for both you and your horse. Here are eight important questions that you’ll want to ask when looking at a new boarding barn.

1. What Exactly Is Included in Board?

Boarding packages are all different, so ask for a detailed list of what exactly is included in board. For instance, some barns may require that you buy hay, grain, or shavings. Other barns may include these expenses, but expect you to pay extra for blanket changes or fly spray application.

2. What Are the Barn Hours?

Many barns have specific barn hours during which boarders are allowed to visit. After the barn is closed each night, it is expected that you will leave the property. Make sure that the barn’s hours work with your own schedule. It’s also a good idea to find out if the barn is closed on particular days of the week.

3. Is a List of Barn Rules Available?

Ask for a list of the barn rules. You might find some rules that you strongly disagree with, or would have a hard time following, so make sure to get this list before you sign a boarding agreement.

4. Is Riding During Lessons Allowed?

If you’ll be boarding at a busy lesson barn, ask about the policy for riding during lessons. If there is only one riding ring and the barn prohibits you to ride during someone else’s lesson, this could significantly limit your riding time.

5. How Many Times Are Horses Fed Each Day?

Ask about the number of feedings that the horses receive to make sure that they satisfy your horse care approach.

6. How Long Are Horses Turned Out Each Day?

Ask about the number of hours that your horse will spend outside each day. Now is also a good time to find out about whether your horse will be turned out alone or with a group of horses.

7. Who Will Be Handling My Horse?

Some barns employ teenagers to help with the horse care. If your horse is difficult to handle, it’s important that you know who will be handling and caring for him before signing a boarding agreement.

8. How Long Do Most of Your Boarders Stay?

This can be a revealing question. If boarders only stay a few months, this is a strong indicator that there may be some issues with this boarding barn. If, on the other hand, boarders stay for multiple years, then chances are that this may be a great boarding barn.