"But what if Ruby doesn't like it there?"
Let's face it, horse people are crazy. Although finding a nice boarding facility seems like it shouldn't be too much trouble- it is! For some reason, it can be extremely difficult (and frustrating) to find a barn that really knows how to take care of horses, runs like a business, and is drama-free. I was fortunate enough to find an amazing barn for Ruby: Hundred Acre Woods Stables.
I am leaving next week.
This has been a very difficult decision. First, let me say this: Hundred Acres is hands down the best barn at which I have ever boarded. There was grass in the fields, management kept herd sizes down so that this was the case (1 horse per acre), herds were created based on personality to prevent fights, horses were given quality feed and hay, the riding ring was well manicured, the people were friendly, management was always willing to accommodate my needs with Ruby, and the board price was reasonable.
So why leave?
I can't say enough good things about this barn, but I have given up on my dream of taking Ruby to a horse show since I have been there, primarily because the barn is so laid back- too laid back almost! I can acknowledge the fact that I am pretty darn lazy. Since I am the only jumper at this barn, I need to come, set up jumps, ride, take down jumps, and remove anything I pulled in (standards and poles) from the ring before I leave. Secondly, it is very difficult for me to get the motivation to do a solid ride all by myself. A few of the lovely ladies at this barn would watch me ride, critique, and set poles for me when we come to the barn at the same time, but come on, they shouldn't have to do that for me. As much as I have enjoyed this barn, I have decided that I really need to be somewhere that has jumps in the ring (so I won't have to try to set my own courses) and where there are other riders actively practicing in the same discipline.
How do you find a new barn?
I have been using NewHorse as my primary source, but VA Equestrian is another good site (if you live in VA), and even local horse magazines such as HorseTalk will have ads. Once you choose a handful of barns, go see them for yourself! I can't convey how disappointed I have been, seeing a super nice barn online and then showing up at a dump!
There are also some very important questions that you should ask: remember, you are trusting other people to take care of your horse- be sure to ask the right questions so that the new barn will be a good fit for you, your horse(s), and then barn management.
Questions to ask:
What do you feed?
Do you charge to add supplements?
What type of hay? Is hay grown on the property? How much hay will my horse get?
How much turn out do the horses get per day? Is this a seasonal rotation?
Under which conditions are horses NOT turned out (bad weather, storms, etc)?
How large are typical herd sizes?
Do you rotate fields/exercise field management?
Do horses have grass year round? When do you throw hay in the fields?
Does the barn have barn hours?
What type of shavings do you use, and how often are stalls cleaned? Stripped? Are stalls matted?
Do horses have proper ventilation when in the barn? Windows? Fans for the summer?
What is your de-worming schedule?
What farrier/vet(s) do you use? Can I choose/bring my own?
What training/lesson services are available? Can I bring my own trainer?
Do you go to shows? Is trailering available?Is there trailer parking available?
What facilities are open to use for your boarders?
What is the cost of board? What does this include? What does this NOT include?
What are your lay-up policies in the event that my horse in injured and has special needs?
Who will be handling my horse? What are their qualifications? Horse handling experience?
Will I be notified if changes are being made to my horse's (stall, field, feed, etc.)?
Can I bring visitors to the property? Pets?
How many boarders do you have? What is your boarder turn-around? How long has your longest boarder stayed with you?
What are grounds for dismissal? Have boarders been thrown out in the past?
Does the owner/trainer/manager live on premise?
What sets your barn apart from others in the area?
Other questions can be asked based on you/your horse's needs. For example: I am looking for a barn that has open hours (so I can ride after work), has a ring with jumps, has lights (so I can ride at night), provides quality hay and feed per each horses' needs (doesn't just feed all horses the same thing), practices good field management so there is grass most months of the year, allows an outside trainer, is willing to work with Ruby's "being caught" issues, is run by "horse people" with experience and references, and is a barn that goes to shows without being a "snotty brat show barn." Ideally, I would like to have a barn manager that does this as a full-time job, not just to pay the bills (been there done that- doesn't really work for us).
You might also be surprised at the power of Google- look for barns you might be interested in and see if anyone has left a review. Also ask around your barn circle to see what someone else might know about the barns (we all know how fast gossip spreads around the horse community!).
Check out your options, have fun, and good luck!
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