Important Questions to Ask When Looking For a Boarding Barn

Important Questions to Ask When Looking For a Boarding Barn

So, the time has come for you to find a new barn for your horse. Or maybe you’re looking for your first every boarding property. Either way, it’s an important step in caring for your horse. A great way of helping you through the process is to get help from a professional horse property team, such as BarnHop. We’re dedicated to getting answers to the questions at the top of your list!

Choosing the right barn is a very personal decision. It depends on a variety of factors such as your riding pursuit, budget and preferences. Also, boarding properties come in all shapes and sizes. Small stables cater to just a few local clients while high-end stables can be suitable for many types of horses. Some stables only specialize in horses of a particular discipline, while others are open to everyone. There’s a lot to think about when it comes to selecting a barn that suits your needs. By doing a little research and asking the right questions you can find a suitable barn for your horse.

Read on to hear some of the most important questions you should ask your next boarding facility.

What does your boarding package include?

The most important question you should ask should be about the type of service being offered. Every barn will operate in a different way. While some may require you to purchase your own hay, for example, others will include this in the boarding price. If you horse requires more than the ‘normal’ amount of feed, will this come at an additional charge? Do they usually blanket the horse during colder months or not?

Every horse has different requirements. You’ll want to know if the barn can look after your horse in the way you’d like. To get a better idea how things are run, it’s a good idea to ask about their daily routine. You might be able to pop in one morning and see things in action for yourself, all you need to do is ask. Before you visit the barn make sure you write down a list of questions and make notes while you’re there too. You don’t want to be surprised later down the line with a hefty bill!

How much do you charge?

Once you’ve established exactly what’s included in the boarding package, it’s time to ask about cost. Don’t be afraid to ask, it’s one of the most important questions after all. Keep your budget in mind and consider what you’re getting for the price.

Are the owners experienced?

The barn owners and staff are going to be the ones caring for your horse most of the time. Getting to know a little more about their experience is important. Are they experienced with your breed of horse? An honest and responsible owner shouldn’t have a problem telling you about their background and the expertise of their staff. Remember, it’s important that you feel comfortable and reassured that your horse is in safe hands. If you have the opportunity talk to some of the current boarders, ask about their experience as well. This will help you gain better insight into how things are run.

What are the opening hours for boarding?

Believe it or not, many people forget to ask about opening hours! But, without this information how will you know when you can see your horse? If you plan on travelling a little farther out then it’s crucial that opening hours aren’t too strict. This could make it difficult for you to visit. The same can be said for those who work long or odd hours. Make sure the barn’s working hours suit your schedule, especially if you plan on attending shows where preparation time is very important.

Can I bring my own vet or trainer?

Some boarding facilities can be strict about who they permit on site. While some barns will allow you to bring in your own vet or trainer, others won’t. This is because these barns already have an on-site trainer. Alternatively, you may be required to provide your own trainer or vet. This would requiring you to pay an additional fee.

Does my horse need a Coggins test?

A Coggins test is designed to test horses for equine infectious anemia. Anemia is an incurable and highly contagious disease. Most boarding facilities require a Coggins test for all new horses. However, if they are lax about this your horse could be at risk. The infection is usually caused by insect bites and can be passed on between horse that are in close contact.

It’s important that your horse is safe wherever they’re kept. If your horse is free from infection it’s good to know that the other horses are too. If the barn enforces the test then you may be turned away if you do not cooperate. It’s the only way that the barn owner can ensure the horses already in the barn are safeguarded.

If you plan on buying a horse and you’re looking for boarding facilities in Florida, BarnHop can help. Do you have a list of questions that you need answer? Are you a new owner who needs some guidance about horse properties? We understand how important it is to feel comfortable about where your horse is being kept, which is why we’re dedicated to the whole process. Reach out to us today and find out how we can help.