Types of Horse Boarding

Depending on an owner’s and horse‘s needs, various boarding arrangements are available. Here’s a quick overview of the types of board offered at many stables.

Full Board

Full board includes all necessities for the horse, plus a stall with full turn out to pasture. Owners don’t need to visit daily as barn staff manage feeding, stall cleaning, and bringing the horse in and out of the pasture. This arrangement is ideal for those with busy schedules who can afford full-time care.

Full board may also offer lessons, access to riding areas like an arena, and equipment use. Extra fees may apply for specialized feeds, supplements, farrier calls, veterinarian treatments, or blanketing. The boarding contract should detail all services and any additional costs

Part-Board

Partial boarding involves sharing your horse with another person for reduced costs. For example, if full board costs $600/month, part-board might be $300/month while allowing another person to ride three times a week or use the horse for lessons. Contract terms will specify if the other user brings their own equipment or manages care like farrier and veterinarian services. All details should be outlined in a contract.

If you offer your horse for part-board, expect to pay less for board but give up some time with the horse. Find someone trustworthy whose riding and handling skills match yours.

Pasture Board

Pasture board is economical. The horse lives outdoors year-round with feed, water, and a run-in shelter. There may be extra charges if blanketing is needed in cold weather. Horses may not receive individual daily attention, but stable staff monitor them. This option suits occasional riders, horses that dislike stabling, or horses with health conditions like recurrent airway disease (RAO), known as heaves.

Self-Care Board

With self-care board, facilities are provided, but the owner is responsible for everything else. Owners must supply their own feed and bedding. Feeding, turn-out, and mucking out are the owner’s duties. They must also arrange vet or farrier visits. This setup can work if people collaborate or for those living nearby. The downside is that, like caring for horses at home, owners must ensure daily care.

Other Arrangements

Some stables may offer reduced rates for those who provide services like mucking out. The horse might also be used for lessons or trail rides. Ensure all agreements are outlined in the boarding contract. If you can’t fulfill your part of the agreement, be prepared to pay full board price. Track your work so the stable owner/manager can verify they receive fair value for reduced rates.

Regardless of the boarding arrangement, the horse’s welfare remains the owner’s responsibility. Do not assume the horse can be neglected or that it’s the stable owner’s issue if the horse becomes ill or requires special care.