Read About When to Avoid a Boarding Stable

Owning a horse is an investment of one’s time, money and energy and as such, it is important to know when to avoid a boarding stable. No animal owner wants problems with their animal’s health and well-being and good boarding stables are key in avoiding problematic issues.

When looking into boarding stables, ask around as to other horse owners’ opinions of stables. Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool in discerning the quality of a stable or a lack thereof. Ask specific questions regarding staff, facilities, services, cleanliness and accessibility. Check with local farriers, veterinarians, equestrian centers, tack and feed shops, and most importantly, check with animal control and the health department for complaints against any boarding stables. Negative comments or reports are red flags against a particular stable.

As one tours boarding stables, look around. Notice the condition of the barns and stalls. If a ceiling has low clearance or beams which may be too low, or doorways with low clearance, taller animals may hit their heads. These are signs that safety might not be the most important thing on the minds of stable owners. Check for nails sticking out, which may cut into the flesh of a horse causing injuries and infections. Nails can cause nasty injuries. If there are cribbing marks on several stalls, this may be signs that horses are not being exercised well or may have problems with nervousness or boredom. This indicates a lack of interest of stable staff.

Take a close look at water reservoirs and tanks. Look at how full they are. If there are any that are empty or near empty, make note and recognize it as a sign that the horses may not be taken care of well. Look at the cleanliness of the tanks. If the water is cloudy, has food remnants in it or shows signs of algae, it is safe to assume that the tanks are usually in that condition. Bacteria can be present in water that is not changed out regularly, thereby causing illness in horses and other livestock.

Check out how tack and food are stored. They should be in a separate area from the animals. Tack needs to be stored neatly and in a manner which clearly states to which animal it belongs. Feed should be kept dry and should not be spilled out on the ground. It must also be stored away from the horses. Horses are known for their voracious appetites and will eat until they make themselves sick. Horses with gut problems can require expensive medical attention and may even die in the worst cases. Wet food promotes the growth of mildew which is also bad for horses.

Being observant will help you in finding the best boarding facility for one’s horse. Making a horse comfortable gives an owner the opportunity to enjoy their animal for many rewarding years. There are signs all over that indicate when to avoid a boarding stable.