Determining What It May Cost to Board Your Horse

Boarding a horse might seem costly, but when compared to buying and maintaining a property suitable for horses, it can be more affordable. For many, boarding a horse at a stable is the only viable option. The cost of boarding can vary significantly. Several factors influence boarding prices, and many stables offer different levels of board options. Factors affecting the cost include:

• Location
• Facilities and amenities available
• Services provided

Location

You can expect to pay more if the stable is located in or near an urban area. Boarding may be cheaper in rural areas, where fodder is more readily available and space is not as limited. Taxes and land costs are higher in cities, which affects board prices. There is often more competition for boarding near urban areas, which can drive prices up. Consider the cost and time of traveling to a more distant stable versus a pricier one nearby. Stables near horse shows and equine events are likely more expensive than those farther away.

Facilities and Amenities Available

Expect higher costs if the stable offers extensive amenities. Indoor arenas, groomed riding rings, wash racks, trails, jumps, larger stalls, new barns, and automatic waterers or feeders all contribute to higher boarding fees. Well-equipped facilities are expensive to build and maintain, which is reflected in board prices.

Services Provided

Boarding options range from complete self-care to full board. More services lead to higher costs. Additional services might require extra fees on top of regular board charges. Your contract should clarify what is included in your board price. Extra services can include blanketing, handling the horse for vet and farrier visits, additional feeds and supplements, lessons, coaching, in-stable shows, and grooming.

Self-Care Board

With self-care board, expect to supply everything your horse needs but the shelter and fencing. Water should be available, but you might have to provide a trough or buckets. You'll have to purchase and bring in your own feed, including hay and bedding for stalls. Horses may or may not be checked every day, depending upon the agreement you sign. Expect to travel at least once a day to care for your horse and clean stalls. You will have to arrange to be there for veterinarian and farrier calls. Self-care board situations provide only the facility, but not the actual care of your horse, so that means work for you. Consider your schedule and how you'll manage things like icy roads and bad weather when deciding to take your horse to a self-care boarding stable.

Full Board

With full board, all necessities are provided. Stalls are cleaned, and horses are fed and watered with basic feed included. Supplements may be fed if you supply them, though they might not be included in the cost. Horses receive daily exercise and are blanketed according to weather, although blanketing often incurs an extra charge. The stable owner or manager arranges vet and farrier services. You may need to attend farrier or vet visits personally or pay someone else to attend if you're unavailable. Lessons might be included or charged separately. While you might visit your horse often, some owners at these barns may not see their horses for extended periods.

Questions to Ask

Between self-care and full board, stables offer a broad range of services and amenities. Before committing, review the boarding contract thoroughly to ensure clarity on what is included in the cost, your responsibilities, and potential extra expenses. Some stables charge extra daily fees for blanketing horses or feeding supplements. Others may care for your horse during farrier visits but might charge for this service. To avoid unexpected costs, understand clearly what is provided.

Horse Boarding Prices

Board fees can range from as low as a dollar per day or a partial payment through manual labor. In contrast, at a well-equipped stable with included lessons near major cities or event grounds, fees can exceed $700 per month. It's wise to explore options and consult with local horse owners to find an affordable and trustworthy stable for your horse.