BARN LIFE

Every barn has its own varying accommodations and services.

BY JENN WEBSTER

A good relationship with your boarding stable goes both ways. You, as a client must abide by the rules to ensure boarding commitments are met. On the other end, the boarding operation’s owners must provide proper supervision for the animals in their care, communication to their owners, and an appropriate environment for the intended use of horses. It’s not an easy job. Here are a few tips for ensuring a positive relationship from both perspectives.

STABLING OPTIONS

Every barn has their own system of accommodations for horses. Stalls, private paddocks, shared paddocks, and pasture boarding are the most common examples. Each one will have its own price point, type of feeding, and number of feedings during the day. Each stabling option also varies in fencing, watering, and shelter features. As per the board paid for an individual horse, a specific stabling option should belong to that one horse each month – and not shared with other horses, unless specified in the boarding agreement. This helps to ensure the biosecurity of a barn and ultimately, the health of the entire herd kept there. It should be clear to both the horse owner (boarder) and the barn owner what accommodations are provided within the boarding arrangement.

WRITTEN BOARDING AGREEMENT

Gone are the days of handshake agreements when it comes to boarding arrangements. A valid boarding contract should be in writing to help a barn protect itself and keep client relationships running smoothly. While it’s impossible to predict every possible scenario, a boarding contract should, at the very least, outline costs, exit protocol, ownership and contact information for an individual horse, details and services provided by the barn, and which parties bear the risk of loss in the event of an emergency. It should also outline other important considerations such as veterinary, farrier, health care, and negligence issues. The more details that are defined in the agreement, the less chance there is for disputes. These agreements can also help horse owners manage their expectations up front. Board contracts should be signed and understood by both parties.

COMMUNICATION

Communication is an important aspect of every business arrangement, but it can be vital in the horse industry. Reputable boarding stables are genuinely concerned about the health and well-being of the horses in their care – and it’s in their best interest to keep customers happy. That said, it’s important to remember that many barn workers operate above and beyond nine to five hours. They can’t keep up with every little text message about small concerns, barn drama, or things you may have found online that you believe they should be doing better. Trust your barn manager to keep your horse’s best interest at heart. If something isn’t working for you, communicate your concerns properly to the barn. If that still doesn’t help, it might be time to find a new home for your horse.

PAYMENT

It should go without saying – pay your board bills on time. The overhead of a stable can be very large when it comes to utilities, hay, grain, shavings, labour, fuel and other necessities. In order to keep a barn running smoothly and in good repair, barn owners need to ensure they have appropriate cash flow from month to month. This only comes from clients who pay on time.

RULES

Every barn will have its own set of rules when it comes to helmets, arena use, hours, outside dogs, and various other pertinent regulations. Barns have rules in place to protect themselves and ensure they are abiding by the restrictions of their insurance policies. As a boarder, it’s your responsibility to know and understand the barn rules. You also have the freedom to decide whether you can abide by those rules, but if you can’t, that particular barn might not be for you.

BE KIND

A positive barn atmosphere is a joy for both horses and their riders. It’s a safe place and one where all can enjoy periods of education, training, and mental wellness. The benefits are endless! A little bit of kindness toward barn staff and fellow boarders can go a long way.

Along with her husband, Clay (a professional reining and cow horse trainer), Jenn Webster has owned and operated a successful boarding stable for over 20 years. AB