All of us at one point or another are faced with the prospect of finding a new home for our equine partner. Here are some things to think about when choosing a new facility.
Appearance and Horse Care
Does the barn and surrounding area look clean and well cared for? YES NO
Is the interior of the barn clean and neat?YES NO
Is their hay and grain storage safe and clean?YES NO
Does the barn appear well run and organized?YES NO
Do they have a routine for vet care and shoeing? YES NO
Do they have a regular program for shots and worming where everyone is done at the same time?YES NO
Are the stalls clean and in good repair? No loose boards nails protruding etc.YES NO
Do the horses appear happy and content? YES NO
Are they in good condition? YES NO
Rules and Hours
Is there a posted set of rules?YES NO
Can you live with those rules?YES NO
Do they enforce the rules? Such as No Smoking?YES NO
Do they have posted barn hours? Do they suit your needs?YES NO
Do they close one day a week? YES NO
Can you live with that?YES NO
Facilities
Does it have the facilities you are looking for?
Arena ? YES NO
Sand Ring? YES NO
Jumps? YES NO
Plenty of turnout? YES NO
Trails YES NO
Pasture YES NO
Is the arena well cared for or is it dusty? YES NO
Is the arena well lit? YES NO
Is the out door ring sand or just dirt? YES NO
Does the outdoor ring have lights?YES NO
Turnout & Fencing
What is their fencing like? Is it well maintained and safe looking? YES NO
Are there enough paddocks for the number of horses?YES NO
Are the paddocks hazard free? No old machinery, wire, boards piled in the corner.YES NO
Do they offer the turnout time you want for your horse?YES NO
Do they offer indiviual turnout or small group turnout?YES NO
Is there water available at all times in the turnout?YES NO
Is there grass in paddocks or round bale?YES NO
Can you use your own vet or farrier?YES NO
Training and Riding & Other Boarders
Do they offer lessons? YES NO
Are the times posted so that you can make sure you arrive after or before the lesson times?YES NO
Will the lessons interfere with your enjoyment of the facilities? YES NO
Is there a trainer? YES NO
Do you have to use the barn trainer?YES NO
Are you comfortable with that? YES NO
Can you bring in your own trainer?YES NO
Is the age group at the barn one that you can enjoy? YES NO
If the social life at the barn is what you want is there one at this barn? YES NO
