Before you purchase a horse, you must consider where you are going to keep it. Boarding your horse can be a great option for you if you do not have a facility or the space to build one. There are many types of boarding options to choose from, and just as many cost structures. Below are just a few to look into before you make your purchase.

Full Board
Horse facilities that offer full board can be a great option. Many of these facilities provide an arena (sometimes indoor or covered) in addition to full care for your horse. If you are looking at full boarding, be sure to ask for a detailed list outlining what is included in the board and what will be an additional charge. Typically, full board includes daily feed, hay (and/or alfalfa), stall and paddock care, daily turnout, daily checks on the horses for health, and full daily care of your horse. Options that are sometimes provided at an extra charge are exercise routines, special feed needs such as supplements, grooming, and blanketing in the winter months. In addition to your cost for board will usually be vet and farrier needs. Full board is a great option if you have limited time to spend with your horse.

Full Board With Partial Care
This option is excellent if you have time to spend with and care for your horse, but do not have space or facilities. Most partial board facilities allow you to feed and care for your horse as you would at your own home, while providing a portion of the care to fit your schedule. This option usually provides some savings for you depending on how much of the care you take on yourself.

Pasture Board
The pasture board option is great for horses which do not need to be stalled. Horse which are pasture boarded are usually kept in a pasture setting with shelter provided, and many times with a buddy horse. It is usually about half the costs as full board, yet provides excellent care for your horse. This is another great option if you do not have room for a horse at your home. If you are looking into this, be sure to check the pasture area well and ask if the partial care option may apply if your schedule allows. Typically, pasture board includes daily feed, hay (and/or alfalfa), daily checks on the horses for health. Options that are sometimes provided at an extra charge are exercise routines, special feed needs such as supplements, grooming, and blanketing in the winter months. In addition to your cost for board will usually be vet and farrier needs.

Questions to ask:
How much turn out time do horses have at this facility?
How many acres are available for riding out?
Are guests riders welcome?
Is there a farrier schedule, and is there room for additional horses on the schedule?
Does your boarding rate include space for tack storage?
What is the feed routine and what feed/hay is used at this facility?
How often do the rates increase?
What is the schedule for stall cleaning and maintenance?
What are the rules of the facility for boarders?
Are riding lessons an option?

Boarding your horse is a great option if you are unable to keep your horse at your home. The key to being successful as a boarder is to ask any question that comes to mind and be upfront with what your needs and expectations are of the facility. When you are visiting or viewing the facility, talk to some of the other customers to get feed back on management and overall feel of the care provided.


Jason Borchardt has spent his life with horses. He has been involved with many disciplines in the horse arena,from showing, breaking, western pleasure, cutting...the list goes on and on. He currently co runs a family ranch in the Texas Hill Country, where he spends the best part of his days on the back of a horse. His desire is to educate people on buying horses, through http://www.realhorseappeal.com,so they don't make the same mistakes he has through the years.