Calculating the Costs to Board Your Horse

If you live in a city or large town, there is probably more than one stable or home that rents out space for your horse.

1. Decide how much you can afford, top figure.
   Advertisement

   
   

2. Are you going to drive to feed your horse or are they going to feed it?

3. If you feed them, then figure the cost of your feed and your milage, gas, wear and tear on your vehicle, and your time.

4. If they feed them, it is important that you know what they are feeding and where it comes from. Especially if you live in cold country, as some feed the cheapest feed and hay possible. That is not always the best choice for the animals.

5. Check out where their hay comes from and that it is horse quality hay. (Plain cow hay can have mold in it.)

6. Consider how often you ride and see your horse. The distance to the boarding facility will depend on how often you visit your horse. Think about whether you will be investing in long-term or short-term boarding.

7. Some boarding places provide no stalls, only pasture and are cheaper but you have no control over what other horses they will be around. If there are other horses with bad temperaments, your horse could be bullied or kept away from the food.
   Advertisement

   
   

   If you pasture your horse and show it, it may end up with scars or injuries. Be informed and take more than one look at whatever boarding you are inquiring about. Meet some of the people who are boarding there to see if you want your horse there.

8. If you live where it's cold, a heated stall and caretaker with a heated riding area is a great plus. They usually use good feed too. You still must go at least once a week to visit your horse to be assured it is being maintained to your satisfaction.

   When I boarded my horse in the north, I went everyday and put her coat off and on, even though she was in a heated barn. We came from Florida in 90 degree weather to Illinois in below zero. I had made her a special warm blanket. This kept me and my horse close, which made it easier on the transition for the horse. My horse was pleasure classed but had allergies to gnats and flies, therefore needed extra care.

   Advertisement

   
   

9. The total costs that you must consider include: vet costs, extra boarding fees, feed costs if not included, travel to and from barn or pasture, length of time you will board, what you get out of it, the value of the horse to you, and its true value as a horse. These can be hard things to determine but before you go into a boarding contract just be aware that you cannot recoup your fees or cost and they will mount up each month.

10. If you decide to board your horse, then consider in advance whether or not it will be long-term. It is a good idea to pick a date to re-access the arrangement.

By gbk from GA