The Barn Next Door: Buying vs. Renting
by Jennifer Prince, An EquestrianMag Exclusive Article

Perhaps one of the most important considerations relevant to horse ownership is choosing where to board your horse. There are advantages and disadvantages to boarding your horse on your own property or choosing to board your horse at a local stable. By prioritizing your needs and taking your lifestyle and the health of your horse into consideration, you will be able to make the decision that is right for you.

Before you begin your search for the perfect horse it is important to understand the level of responsibility involved in horse ownership. Probably the three largest responsibilities include time, money and health. Owning a horse is a 24/7 365 day a year job, especially if you plan to board your horse on your property. Being entirely responsible for an animal of this caliber takes a significant amount of time and money. Deciding how much time and money you are able to invest in your horse will undoubtedly influence your decision to board your horse at home or at a local stable.

Boarding is probably the largest expense to horse ownership. If you choose to board your horse at a local stable, monthly rent could be as little as $200 or as high as $1000 or more, and that only includes the cost of boarding. Other expenses related to boarding include travel time, gas, food (if it is not included in the cost of rent), required vaccinations and any initial deposits that need to be paid up front before you can even sign a contract. If finances permit, however, boarding your horse at a stable has its advantages.

Many owners choose to board their horse at a stable, despite the cost, for several reasons. If an owner does not have the land necessary to build a barn on their property, but can’t imagine giving up their equine friend, boarding their horse at a local stable may be the best option. Flexibility may be another advantage to boarding your horse at a stable, as many stables offer a variety of arrangements to horse owners, from self-care to full care of the horse. Speaking to the owner of the stable and understanding your options before signing a contract is recommended. It will be important to learn where your responsibility of the horse begins and where the responsibility of the stable owner takes over.

The convenience of boarding your horse at a local stable can be a definite advantage for some horse owners. Having the ability to leave for a few days on vacation and arranging for your horse to be cared for by a respectable owner is a big plus. Also, because there are self and full care options available, you can choose the level of responsibility that suits your needs. If you are only able to visit the stable three days a week then you can opt for a full care stable that may include feeding, cleaning and turnout. If you prefer to take a more active role but do not have the facilities available on your own property, self-care may be your best option. More likely than not you will be able to find a stable that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Of course, there are also disadvantages to boarding your horse at a stable, though depending on the priorities you decide, stabling may still be the best option for you. Some of the disadvantages include:

Cost – Stabling can be a very expensive option.
Control – If your horse is being kept under the care of a stable owner you may not have as much control over the care of your horse as you would like.
Veterinarian – Depending on how the stable is run, you may be required to use the stable’s own veterinarian and not one of your choice.
Location – Depending on where you live, you may need to travel several times a week to visit, ride and care for your horse.

If you are lucky enough to have a barn on your property then you are aware of both the advantages and potential disadvantages to boarding your horse at home. Many horse owners prefer to board their horse on their property for the simple reason that they are fully responsible for the health and well being of the horse. Having the ability to carry out a health program for your horse, from the amount of exercise and “play” time you provide, to ensuring your horse is receiving a balanced diet for its individual needs, can be a very rewarding choice.

Other advantages to boarding your horse on your property could be lifestyle-driven. Having the choice to take your horse on a trail ride at dawn or visiting whenever the desire strikes are positive traits to some owners. Having your horse in the company of other horses of your choosing could also help prevent your horse from developing poor behavioral habits. And of course, adding a barn to your property could be a great investment and even add to your property value.

Despite these advantages, however, it is important to not forget the amount of work that is involved in caring for a horse. Having full responsibility for a horse on your property may add limitations to your lifestyle. You may find it difficult to find a respectable horse-sitter if you decide to go out of town for few days, and maintaining a strict feeding and turnout schedule for your horse may require alterations to your own schedule. Lastly, just as you need to maintain the constant upkeep of your home, your barn will need maintenance as well. In addition to structural upkeep, ensuring that your barn continually provides a healthy living environment for your horse is imperative and should be taken into consideration before deciding whether to board your horse at home or at a local stable.

Whether you decide to board your horse on your own property or at a local stable, the health of your horse is the most important factor. Before you decide where to board your horse, consider your priorities, your lifestyle, and weigh the pros and cons of each option. With several boarding options available, you can decide which option works best for you, your horse and your lifestyle.

The Barn Next Door: Buying vs. Renting by Jennifer Prince, An EquestrianMag Exclusive Article

The Barn Next Door: Buying vs. Renting
by Jennifer Prince, An EquestrianMag Exclusive Article