What to Look for When Boarding a Horse

Whether you’re looking to purchase a horse or already have one, you know one of the most important aspects of horse ownership is boarding. Unless you own a ranch, you’ll need to figure out where to keep your four-legged companion while you’re not spending time with them.

Horses are known to live up to 30 years, which means you can potentially enjoy decades of horseback riding and companionship with one of these gentle and majestic animals. Their longevity makes owning a horse a long-term commitment for many riders. If you ever move to a different city or state, chances are you’ll want to take your horse with you.

If you’re looking for a new boarding stable you want your equine to love, you’ll need to consider several things before making a final decision.

Boarding Options

Know exactly what you’re looking for in a boarding facility and how much you can afford to pay each month before you begin your search. In general, you can choose from three boarding options depending on your budget and how much time and energy you can invest in your horse’s care.

• Full-care board: Includes an individual stall, food, water and barn staff care.
  
  
• Pasture board: Includes a pasture with adequate shelter, food, water and barn staff care. In other words, your horse will spend their time in a pasture instead of an individual stall.
  
  
• Self-care board: This is the cheapest boarding option. You’ll be paying someone to keep your horse on their land but you’ll be responsible for feeding and caring for them.

Location

If you’re not fond of driving long distances to ride and care for your horse, you may want to look for boarding options nearest to you.

However, if you live in a major city, finding a boarding stable near you can be a challenge. You may also find the closest boarding options are quite expensive or they don’t offer the amenities you’re seeking. However, if you’re willing to travel outside city limits and into the country, you may find a cheaper boarding option offering the same or even better features.

Amenities

Keep in mind, not all horse boarding facilities are the same. In fact, they can differ significantly not only in terms of services and price but also when it comes to the types of facilities they offer. Never assume a facility has exactly what you’re looking for without researching it or even visiting first.

For example, if you and your horse compete in a certain discipline, you’ll want to narrow your search to boarding stables that offer facilities that can allow you to practice together.

Another important (if not necessary) amenity to look for in a boarding facility is whether there will be a turn-out provided to your horse. The last thing many owners want is for their companion to be confined to a small space with no access to a pasture for grazing and exercise.

Insurance

This aspect of boarding a horse (and other animals) is frequently overlooked. When deciding on a boarding facility, you want to ensure the property has adequate insurance coverage. The owner should have liability coverage in case you fall and get injured while riding your horse.

Keep in mind, however, liability insurance doesn’t cover your horse or any horse-related items you store in the barn. If your horse gets sick or injured, you’ll need to cover the medical expenses out of pocket or purchase equine insurance to help cover the costs.

Similarly, if your horse unexpectedly passes away from an accident, injury or illness or is stolen during their stay at the boarding facility, the only way for you to get reimbursed for your loss is to have equine mortality insurance.

Are You Looking for a Texas Equine Facility to Board Your Horse?

If you’re looking for a safe, secluded and spacious establishment to board your horse, consider a membership at our preserve.

At Ranger Ridge, our state-of-the-art equestrian facility offers everything a horse owner needs and wishes for, including stables, a roping area and over 30 miles of horseback riding trails.

Call us today at (817) 618-6773 to book a tour of our one-of-a-kind community.