It was a few years ago that I found myself needing to find a place to board my horse.
I just didn't have the space I required on my land to keep my horse Challenger happy.
That's when I began the process of finding a suitable boarding arrangement - a long process that was difficult because we didn't know what to look for.
Here are 6 steps to finding a happy home for your horse: Step 1.
Think about what You and Your Horse Want and Need This was the most difficult part of the process for us.
Because we didn't start with a particular goal or list of requirements for Challenger's new home in mind, we had a hard time seeing what was right and what wasn't a fit for us.
Take some time to consider your budget and your reason for boarding.
Consider your horse - whether it needs an indoor or outdoor arena, or a round pen.
Consider whether you want your horse to be kept in a stall or pasture.
Decide now whether or not convenient access to trails is a requirement.
Step 2.
Find Stable Options Near You Start by talking to friends and neighbors who have horses.
It's a small world, and you're bound to find out about good possibilities simply through your current networks.
You should also take a quick glance at the phone book and make a search on the internet as well.
Try to find at least 4 stables that are within a reasonable traveling distance, and get ready to do some calling! Step 3.
Compare Your Wants/Needs List with Your Stable Options Next, pull out your wants/needs list you compiled earlier and call the first stable on your list.
Take some time to find out how well they match your wants and needs.
Call all the other stables before committing to anything.
Once you've talked to all your options, select the 2 stables that seem to fit your list the best, and arrange a tour of the stables.
In addition to the wants/needs list you created in step 1, be sure to locate the nearest vet who makes barn calls as well as an equine veterinary hospital.
Step 4.
Check Out the Stables Start your visit by meeting as much of the staff as possible.
These faces will be the people caring for your beloved horse, so take a moment to get to know them.
Take a look at the horses - do they look happy? What about the property - is it in good repair? Now is the time to take a look at the tack room, the stalls, and the pasture.
Watch for hazards that can hurt your animal.
Step 5.
Ask for References The greatest measure of your horse's future happiness will be the current happiness of other horses being boarded at your stables.
Ask the stable owner for references and give them a call.
If other customers are happy, there's a good chance you will be too.
Step 6.
Seal the Deal Don't wait too long to sign a contract - you don't want to go through all this work only to discover that someone else has taken the last stall you were hoping to fill with your horse.
I just didn't have the space I required on my land to keep my horse Challenger happy.
That's when I began the process of finding a suitable boarding arrangement - a long process that was difficult because we didn't know what to look for.
Here are 6 steps to finding a happy home for your horse: Step 1.
Think about what You and Your Horse Want and Need This was the most difficult part of the process for us.
Because we didn't start with a particular goal or list of requirements for Challenger's new home in mind, we had a hard time seeing what was right and what wasn't a fit for us.
Take some time to consider your budget and your reason for boarding.
Consider your horse - whether it needs an indoor or outdoor arena, or a round pen.
Consider whether you want your horse to be kept in a stall or pasture.
Decide now whether or not convenient access to trails is a requirement.
Step 2.
Find Stable Options Near You Start by talking to friends and neighbors who have horses.
It's a small world, and you're bound to find out about good possibilities simply through your current networks.
You should also take a quick glance at the phone book and make a search on the internet as well.
Try to find at least 4 stables that are within a reasonable traveling distance, and get ready to do some calling! Step 3.
Compare Your Wants/Needs List with Your Stable Options Next, pull out your wants/needs list you compiled earlier and call the first stable on your list.
Take some time to find out how well they match your wants and needs.
Call all the other stables before committing to anything.
Once you've talked to all your options, select the 2 stables that seem to fit your list the best, and arrange a tour of the stables.
In addition to the wants/needs list you created in step 1, be sure to locate the nearest vet who makes barn calls as well as an equine veterinary hospital.
Step 4.
Check Out the Stables Start your visit by meeting as much of the staff as possible.
These faces will be the people caring for your beloved horse, so take a moment to get to know them.
Take a look at the horses - do they look happy? What about the property - is it in good repair? Now is the time to take a look at the tack room, the stalls, and the pasture.
Watch for hazards that can hurt your animal.
Step 5.
Ask for References The greatest measure of your horse's future happiness will be the current happiness of other horses being boarded at your stables.
Ask the stable owner for references and give them a call.
If other customers are happy, there's a good chance you will be too.
Step 6.
Seal the Deal Don't wait too long to sign a contract - you don't want to go through all this work only to discover that someone else has taken the last stall you were hoping to fill with your horse.
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