In choosing a boarding facility, a horse
owner must weigh many different factors. Price is, of course, a
major consideration, but must be evaluated as to value for
dollar. The least expensive is not necessarily the best value,
nor does the most expensive guarantee the best care. The board
you pay covers not only the cost of your horse's individual upkeep, and
the labor involved in that, but also contributes to maintaining the
facility and providing the supervision of your horse when you are not
there.
A facility that has safety hazards will ultimately
be an expensive option, no matter how reasonable the monthly fee,
because of the vet and first aid costs the owner will incur. The
expensive barn may require you to pay for things your horse doesn't
need and make you feel you have no control of his care. A
barn with no rules is an accident waiting to happen, while a barn with
too many or too restrictive rules is not one you will enjoy being at.
The rider who wishes to center her social life around her equine
activities will want a busy barn where boarders not only spend time
riding, but also socializing. The rider more interested in
concentrating solely on her technical advancement may be more
appreciative of a quiet barn where she is more likely to have the
facilities to herself or in conjunction with other like-minded people.
Freestyle Equestrian Center offers a mid-priced boarding rate of $375
per month. While we do not field board, our horses are out in
pastures 24/7 except in the event of inclement weather or medical
reasons, so each horse has its own stall. Studies have shown that
horses kept on pasture have much fewer incidents of colic and are less
likely to develope ulcers or vices such as cribbing, weaving, pawing,
kicking and such than horses confined to stalls for even half the
day. Horses are lead in twice a day for feeding and so their
overall condition can be assessed. Horses are blanketed
during winter months as necessary.
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