6 Tips for Choosing a Boarding Barn for Your Horse – [Guide]

Boarding Facilities
Outdoor vs. Indoor
How to Choose
Checklist
Costs

Selecting the right boarding facility for your horse is essential for both your horse’s well-being and your peace of mind. Boarding involves housing your horse at a facility not on your property that may provide different levels of care, including feeding, grooming, and exercise.

Deciding which boarding barn is best for your horse involves considering various factors, as there are many types of facilities with different amenities and areas of expertise. Options range from basic pasture setups to full-service barns with premium care and high-end, specialized add-ons.

You’ll also want to consider your horse’s specific needs, such as diet, care, and exercise, as well as facility maintenance, proximity to you and overall costs. Other factors include turnout management, suitability for different disciplines, boarder community and availability of services.

Ultimately, choosing a boarding facility comes down to balancing the services provided with the cost, ensuring that your horse will receive the care it needs in a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment.

Types of Equine Boarding Facilities

There are several types of horse boarding facilities, each offering different levels of care and services to suit the needs of both horse and owner.

Options include:

Full service
Self-care
Partial care
Specialized

Full Service

A full-service barn offers comprehensive care where the facility handles all daily tasks pertaining to your horse. This usually includes:

Feeding
Stall cleaning (“mucking out”)
Turnout
Basic health checks

This option is ideal for busy owners or those new to horse care, as it ensures that the horse’s needs are consistently met by experienced staff without requiring daily input or attention from the owner directly.

Self-Care

A self-care boarding arrangement requires the owner to take full responsibility for their horse’s daily care, including feeding, turnout, and cleaning stalls.

This type of management provides the owner with flexibility and control over the horse’s routine. However, these arrangements demand a significant time commitment and effort for the owner, making it best suited for owners with the time and knowledge to manage their horse’s needs effectively.

Partial Care

Partial care agreements offer a blend of services where the facility handles certain tasks, such as feeding or turnout, while the owner takes care of other responsibilities like stall cleaning or specific care needs. This option is more affordable than full-service boarding and provides a balance between convenience and active involvement for the owner.

A partial care setting is a good option for owners who are interested in learning more about management from more experienced handlers.

Specialized

Many horses have unique management needs, such as:

Ongoing injury rehabilitation
High performance training
Underlying health conditions
Aging and retirement

Specialized boarding facilities offer tailored services for horses with more complex management needs, including:

Physiotherapy
Professional training
Long-term care
Individualized nutrition plans
Administering medications
Health monitoring

Specialized boarding may be offered on a short-term or long-term basis. These services usually come with a premium price, but there may also be options for the owner to participate in certain management tasks to mitigate expenses.

Outdoor vs. Indoor

When deciding between outdoor and indoor boarding for a horse, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of the horse and the benefits and challenges of each option.

Outdoor (pasture), indoor (stall), and group housing each have their own benefits and challenges.

Outdoor Boarding

Outdoor boarding, or pasture boarding, allows horses to live outdoors full-time with access to natural or man-made shelter. This setup provides key elements of a horse’s natural environment and offers several benefits, including: ^[1]^[2]^[3]^[4]

Health & well-being: Research shows that outdoor boarding promotes increased oxytocin (the “feel-good” hormone) levels, lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels, and enhanced musculoskeletal health. The constant movement and grazing improve overall fitness, keeping horses more active and engaged.
Natural behavior: Horses in outdoor environments tend to exhibit fewer stereotypic behaviors, such as cribbing or weaving.
Cost-efficiency: Outdoor boarding is generally more cost-effective than indoor boarding due to lower maintenance and resource requirements.

Depending on the circumstances, outdoor boarding may not be ideal for all horses. Those with specific health conditions or living in regions with extreme weather may require additional considerations.

Additionally, space limitations can make outdoor boarding impractical in certain areas. Smaller facilities may lack adequate acreage to provide sufficient grazing and exercise areas for every horse, which may shift time budgeting for horses in their care.

Indoor Boarding

Indoor boarding typically involves housing horses in individual stalls with scheduled turnout for exercise and social interaction.

Benefits of indoor housing include: ^[2]^[5]

Controlled environment: Stalls provide protection from severe weather and allow for close monitoring, making it ideal for horses with specific health needs, those in regular training, and harsh climates
Additional services: Many indoor facilities offer daily grooming, blanketing, and stall cleaning. Personalized feeding regimes are often available, which benefits horses with special needs and owners who prefer consistent care without having to participate in daily management.

Despite its advantages, indoor boarding with individual stalls has some drawbacks. While individual stalls are widely used, making up 32% to 90% of sport horse management in Western countries, this setup can restrict movement, social interaction, and natural feeding behaviors. ^[6]

Horses in single stalls often receive limited forage and are fed energy-dense grains, leading to unnatural feeding patterns. This feeding regimen can disrupt natural feeding patterns and impact a horse’s physical and mental health, a fundamental consideration for owners who are looking at boarding options. ^[6]

“Open Barn” or Group Boarding

Open barn boarding involves housing horses in shared stalls or larger communal areas, with free-choice access to forage, a paddock and lying area. This setup provides a controlled environment while allowing horses to interact with each other, benefiting their social and psychological well-being. ^[7]^[8]^[9]^[10]

Open barn systems help reduce stress and prevent behavioral issues by enabling socialization, and they often include additional services like grooming and personalized feeding regimens.

However, group housing comes with challenges. Social dynamics in group settings can lead to dominance issues and aggression, requiring careful management and compatibility checks. It is essential to ensure that all horses have adequate access to food, water, and space to prevent conflicts and maintain overall well-being. ^[10]

Despite social benefits, open barn systems are relatively uncommon compared to pasture boarding and individual stalls. Many equine facilities are designed with individual stalls due to their simplicity and ease of management. Transitioning to group stalls often requires significant modifications to existing structures, which may not be feasible for all facilities.

6-Step Guide to Choosing a Boarding Barn

When selecting a boarding facility for your horse, you should evaluate several key factors to ensure your horse’s health, safety, and well-being.

The importance of each factor may vary depending on your horse’s unique needs and your specific situation.

1. Facility Maintenance & Safety

The condition of the facility is critical to the safety and comfort of the horse. Fencing should be secure, well-maintained, and free from hazards such as broken rails or exposed nails. Stalls need to be clean, dry, and properly ventilated to ensure sufficient air quality and prevent respiratory issues. ^[4]

Pastures and turnout areas should be free of debris, securely fenced, and provide ample space for horses to move safely. In addition, the indoor living spaces should be tidy and well organized, so each horse’s personal items are not mixed up between owners, and to reduce the risk of barn fires.

Regular maintenance of arenas, water sources, and equipment is critical. Observing how the facility is maintained during a visit can give valuable insights into the quality of care offered.

2. Turnout & Schedule

Adequate turnout is essential to a horse’s mental and physical health, as it allows them to express natural behaviors such as foraging and slow, steady movement, which horses engage in for up to 16 hours a day in the wild. ^[11] Without sufficient turnout, these natural behaviors are restricted, potentially leading to stress and health issues.

When evaluating turnout options, it is important to consider the size, quality, and availability of turnout areas. Horses need ample space to exercise, socialize, and graze. Verify whether the facility offers individual or group turnout based on the horse’s temperament. ^[1]

Additionally, consider the turnout schedule. Assess how many hours per day your horse will spend outside and if this schedule changes with the seasons.

You’ll also want to learn about the facility’s approach to pasture management, including how they maintain the grass, manage overgrazing, and rotate pastures to ensure a healthy environment for your horse. Some owners prefer to board their horses at barns with track systems, such as a Paddock Paradise set-up.

3. Feeding & Nutrition

Every horse has unique dietary needs, so understanding the facility’s feeding routine is important to ensure your horse’s basic needs are fully met. Ask about the type of hay and grain provided and whether the facility can accommodate special dietary requirements or supplements.

Ask prospective boarding barns if they have a hay analysis or work with a qualified equine nutritionist to implement feeding programs.

For optimal digestive health, horses should have free-choice access to forage throughout the day. Some facilities include feed in the boarding fee, while others may charge extra for specific brands or nutritional supplements. It’s important to ensure that the facility maintains consistent feeding times and offers appropriate feed. ^[12]^[13]

4. Health & Emergency Protocols

Understanding how the facility manages routine healthcare and emergencies is essential. Ask about protocols for vaccinations, deworming, farriery, and other routine care.

Inquire about the facility’s process for handling medical emergencies, including how quickly the veterinarian is contacted and how soon the owner will be notified. Ensure the facility has an established relationship with a local veterinarian or whether the owner is responsible for liaising with their own practitioner.

5. Location & Accessibility

The location of the facility is a key consideration, especially in terms of how frequently the owner plans to visit or ride. A facility that is close to the owner’s home or workplace offers added convenience, particularly for self-care boarding, allowing for more frequent visits and quick responses to emergencies.

In addition, access to training areas, arenas, and trails is important for maintaining a consistent riding or training schedule. Proximity to veterinary and farrier services is also important, ensuring that routine care and emergencies are handled promptly, which further contributes to the horse’s overall well-being.

6. Qualifications, Expertise & Customer Service

Additional factors that can affect the quality of care for your horse include:

Insurance and Liability: Verify if the facility has adequate insurance coverage for accidents, injuries, and damages. Ensure they have a clear liability policy to protect both the horse and owner in case of emergencies.
Staff Qualifications: Check the qualifications and experience of the facility’s staff. Ensure that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle daily care and emergencies.
Communication: Evaluate how the facility communicates with owners. Confirm that they provide regular updates and are responsive to questions or concerns.
Reputation and References: Research the facility’s reputation through reviews and by speaking with current or past clients. Personal recommendations can provide valuable insights.

Keep in mind your responsibilities as a horse owner: always be courteous to barn staff, pay fees on time, and communicate openly about your horse’s needs. Building a positive, respectful relationship with the facility ensures smoother operations and better care for your horse.

Facility Checklist

This table summarizes some of the key considerations for horse owners to keep in mind when evaluating a boarding facility. It may be helpful to print this guide and take it with you when visiting barns in your area.

Questions to Consider
Location and Accessibility
How far is the facility from home or work?	(distance)
Is there easy access to riding areas, trainers, and/or trails?	(Y/N)
How far away is the nearest equine veterinarian/hospital?	(distance)
Is there a local equine veterinarian taking new clients?	(Y/N) Name of Clinic
How far away is the nearest farrier?	(distance)
Is there a local farrier taking new clients?	(Y/N) Name of Farriery
Facility Safety and Maintenance
How often is the facility inspected and maintained for safety issues?
What is the condition of the stalls and fencing?
How often are indoor shelters mucked out?
How is manure managed at the facility?
Turnout and Forage
How much space is available for turnout?	(acreage)
What is the quality of the turnout area (e.g., condition, plant species, terrain)?
Does the facility offer individual or group turnout, and which is available for my horse?
How many hours per day will my horse spend outside, and does this vary with the seasons?
Is free-choice access to forage available?
Diet and Feeding
What type of hay is provided, and how often is it replenished?
Do horses at the facility have continuous access to clean water?	(Y/N)
How is the water supply managed in subzero temperatures?
Where are horse feed/treats stored at the facility? Are they separate from other animal feeds?
What type of grain is provided, and how often is it replenished?
Can the facility accommodate special dietary requirements?	(Y/N)
Does the facility provide dietary supplementation (e.g., salt, vitamins and minerals)?	(Y/N)
Are there any additional charges for extra feed or supplements?	(Y/N)
Health Care and Emergency Protocols
What are the facility’s protocols for routine health care, including vaccinations and deworming?
Does the facility have a biosecurity program in place?	(Y/N)
What other species are housed at the facility?
Are other species isolated from horses at the facility?	(Y/N)
Is the facility at risk of natural disasters (e.g., forest fires, earthquakes)?	(Y/N)
What is the evacuation plan at the facility?
How are medical emergencies defined at the facility?
How are medical emergencies handled, and who contacts the veterinarian in a medical emergency?
What is the response time for emergencies, and how will I be notified?

Click here to download and print this checklist.

Boarding Costs

The cost of boarding a horse can vary significantly based on the type of facility and the range of services offered. Monthly boarding fees are often the most substantial expense, influenced by factors such as the level of care, location, and available amenities.

Outdoor boarding usually costs less than indoor stall boarding due to lower maintenance and resource requirements. However, this can vary by location. In areas with limited pasture space, outdoor boarding may be more expensive.

By establishing your budget in advance and understanding what is included in the monthly fee, owners can make the best long-term decision without having to move their equines through multiple facilities.

Some facilities provide a base rate that covers essential services like feeding, turnout, and stall cleaning, while others may charge extra for additional services such as blanketing, grooming, or administering supplements. Always clarify what is included in the fee and ask about any potential extra charges to avoid unexpected expenses.

Additional Expenses

Beyond the monthly boarding fees, it’s important to consider other expenses that may arise, as they can significantly impact the total cost of care. Here are some common additional expenses to keep in mind:

Veterinary Care: Routine check-ups, vaccinations, and emergency treatments are often not included in the standard boarding fee and can add up over time.
Farrier Visits: Regular hoof trimming or shoeing is necessary for maintaining the horse’s hoof health and is typically an extra cost.
Feed & Supplements: While many facilities provide basic feed as part of the boarding package, owners might incur additional costs for specialized feed or supplements to meet the horse’s specific dietary needs.
Training: If training services are required, they are usually charged separately from the basic boarding fees.
Emergency Services: Unexpected medical or care-related emergencies can lead to additional costs not covered by the regular boarding fee.

Summary

Choosing the right boarding barn for your horse is an important decision both for their well-being and your peace of mind. Types of equine boarding facilities include full-service, self-care, partial-care, and specialized boarding, each offering different levels of care.

Outdoor boarding is generally more cost-effective and mimics natural conditions, while indoor boarding provides a controlled environment at a higher cost.
Ensure the facility has secure fencing, clean stalls, and safe turnout areas. Check that the turnout space is adequate for exercise and socialization, and confirm that the feeding routine includes high-quality feed and accommodates any special dietary needs.
Consider both monthly fees and additional expenses such as veterinary care, farrier services, and special feed.
When you find the right new facility, follow the tips in our guide to Moving your Horse to a New Barn to ensure a smooth transition.