One of the most expensive aspects of horse ownership are the costs associated with boarding your horse. Unless you are fortunate enough to have land to keep your horses at home, you will have to make arrangements to board him. Boarding facilities vary greatly from simple access to pasture without shelter, to full board facilities with round the clock care and indoor riding rings. And just as the amenities can vary, the cost of boarding depends on the level of care you are willing to help with an how extravagant the barn is. Let’s focus on a few ways to cut costs while still offering a safe and healthy home for your horse.
Pasture Board- This is a very economical way to keep your horse. Some barns may have run-in sheds for shelter from bad weather, but others may only offer the natural shelter of trees in the pasture. Most horses on pasture board are not fed by the barn staff, so if your horse requires additional feed you will have to supply it and come feed him daily. Some barns will have stalls set up for the feeding of pastured horses, where others will not, meaning you will have to catch your horse and stand with him while he eats everyday. The vast majority of horses will thrive in a pasture setting and enjoy the freedom of not being stalled. It is important to make sure the pasture has plenty of grass and isn’t overcrowded which will encourage fighting and allow for parasite issues as well. Also, ask if hay will be offered throughout the winter months when pasture grass may be limited. Check the fence carefully and make sure the other horses on the property are in good condition.
Co-Op/Share Boarding- This is a unique option if you know of a few trustworthy people looking for a place to board their horses. You find a suitable property for lease or rent and split all the expenses including the lease price, hay, shavings, and utilities on the property. Sometimes you can find a property that needs some repair work and can negotiate with the owner for a discounted lease price if you handle the repairs. This can work out well if you have a few trusted friends, but can become an issue if someone doesn’t pay their share or leaves unexpectedly. You also have to consider the care of the horses and the facility. Most boarding barns have a staff to take care of your horse when you are unavailable. In a share boarding situation, the owners will have to work out a schedule and be willing to take turns caring for the other boarders’ horses. Any routine maintenance will also fall on the boarders.
Work Off Your Board- If you have the time and are physically able, you can often work out a deal helping out around the barn to save on boarding costs. Most barns only have a few full time employees, so they are usually looking for someone who can fill in a few days a week to help with stall cleaning, turnout, and feeding. Some barns may even need help with their lesson program if you are qualified. You will have to talk to the barn owner to see what can be worked out as each barn has unique needs. This is an option I used throughout my teenage years to minimize my boarding costs. You will also save on gym membership with this option!
Lesson/Working Horse Option- If your horse is well trained and well behaved, you may be able to save on boarding by allowing him to be used in lessons for reduced board. A lot of barns want to save stall space for paying boarders and don’t want to spend a ton of money on caring for full time lesson horses. If you could share your horse a few times a week this could be a valid option to reduce costs.
Companion Horse- Sometimes you can find someone who is looking for a companion for their only horse at a private property. This can work if your horse is good with other horses. Often times this arrangement can be very cost effective or even free.
So there you have it! These are a few ways you can save on boarding. The costs can be different depending on where you live, but with a little time and negotiation, you can save on this expensive part of horse ownership.
