Walking On Volume 6, Issue 8, August 2019 | Page 10
Back to Basics
Different Types of Horse Boarding
By Janis Macintyre
There are a few different options when deciding on
what type boarding situation is best for your horse
or pony. Of course, if you already live in a rural area
and have the facilities, you can just keep your horse at
home on your property. However, most people don’t
have this luxury and need to find arrangements else-
where. Some good places to look may be your local
stables, who typically have the most amenities included
in the boarding price. You can also find plenty of good
horse boarding stables through private owners who
have extra stalls and rent out the additional space.
Pasture Board - If money is tight pasture board may
be a good option. In this scenario, your horse stays
outside all year and supplied with feed and water. You
may think a horse staying outdoors all year round is
hazardous or unsafe, but these animals are naturally
herd animals who live in the wild - of course they can
stay outdoors! Pasture board situations often include
what’s called a ‘run-in’. This is where your horse would
go doing storms for shelter. A ‘run-in’ can be described
as something of a carport. It’s a loose shelter with a
roof sometimes closed on three sides and sometimes
on two.
Self Board - Self board or as it’s
sometimes called Semi board is an
indoor situation where you get a stall
and paddock. It’s called self board
because it’s you’re responsibility to do
the rest. You have to supply the grain,
hay, feed, turnout, and clean your own
stall everyday. This is usually half the
price of full board and can be a good
choice if you have the time to proper-
ly care for your animal. Consider this
option if you live a reasonable driving
distance to the stable.
Full Board - This is the best choice
for horse owners who cannot make
it to the stable everyday and excel-
lent for children as they can spend
their time at the stable in lessons. Full
board can be considered a complete
10 • Walking On
solution including: daily turnout, feeding, and cleaning
of stall and paddocks. Stable hands that work at the
facilities manage the daily routine of caring for your
horse and your responsibility are only for things such
as calls to a vet, special feeds, blanketing, etc.
Take a visit to your local stables, commercial or pri-
vate, before making any arrangements to find the right
one for you and your horse. There are many options
and not all stables are created equal. Some have extra
facilities which may be assets such as indoor arenas
and round pens, while other may have different train-
ers and clinicians who offer specialized training. All
these things should play a role in your final decision on
where to board your horse.
Janis Macintyre is a mother of two who has been horses her
entire life. From pony club as a girl to owning and training three
horses as an adult, Janis loves horses and shares her experiences on
her site. For more articles like this please visit http://healthyhorse-
care.blogspot.com
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Janis_Mac-
intyre/197677
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