The Most Essential Amenities For Offering Horse Boarding On Your Property
If you’re thinking about offering horse boarding on your property, you’re probably wondering what exactly you’ll need to get started.
What amenities in particular are essential to really attract owners and ensure the horses are well taken care of? You see, setting up your property for boarding isn’t just about having enough space. It’s about creating an environment where the horse owners who board with you will be confident in knowing that their animals are well taken care of.
Here are the most essential amenities you will need to offer if you board horses on your property:
Shelter and Stabling
One of the most important aspects of offering horse boarding is providing proper shelter and stabling. Horses need a safe, comfortable place to rest, and especially when the weather isn’t cooperating.
Here’s what you need:
1. Proper Stalls
Each horse will need its own stall, and the standard size is about 10×12 feet for most horses. Larger breeds may need a little more space. The stalls should have good ventilation to prevent respiratory issues, and natural light is always a plus. Horses love a bright, airy space.
2. Run-in Sheds
If some of the horses will be kept outdoors in pastures, you’ll want to provide run-in sheds. These shelters give horses a place to escape the sun, wind, or rain while they’re out grazing. They’re particularly important for horses that are kept out in the mastures most of the time.
3. Bedding Options
Comfortable bedding is necessary for keeping horses happy in their stalls. Most people go with straw, shavings, or rubber mats as bedding options. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s absorbent and easy to replace or clean.
Fencing and Pasture Space
Besides good shelter, horses also need plenty of room to roam, graze, and stretch their legs. But they also need to be kept safe within the boundaries of your property.
Fencing
Not all fences are created equal when it comes to horses. You’ll want to choose fencing that is both durable and horse-friendly. Wood, vinyl, or electric fencing are popular options because they’re sturdy and highly visible to horses, which reduces the chances of accidental run-ins. Electric fencing is particularly useful because it encourages horses to stay clear without harming them.
Grazing Areas
Horses are natural grazers, so it’s important to provide enough pasture space for them to move around and forage. A good rule of thumb is at least 1-2 acres per horse, though more space is always better.
If you’re boarding multiple horses, you should consider dividing the pasture into sections for rotational grazing. This will allow you to move the horses between different areas to prevent overgrazing and give the grass time to recover.
Watering and Feeding Systems
Ensuring horses have constant access to fresh water and a reliable feeding system is one of the most important aspects of boarding horses on your property, for obvious reasons.
Water
Horses need plenty of clean, fresh water every day. You can opt for automatic waterers, which are great because they refill as needed and will ensure the horses never run out. Just make sure they’re cleaned regularly to prevent algae or bacteria buildup.
If you go with water troughs, they’ll require more hands-on maintenance but can work well if checked and refilled daily. In colder climates, you should think about investing in heated waterers to prevent the water from freezing.
Feed and Hay Storage
You’ll need a dry, secure place to store hay and feed to keep it fresh and free from moisture or pests. A rodent-proof feed room or storage area is ideal for preventing mice and other critters from contaminating the horse’s food.
The hay should be stored in a well-ventilated and dry area to avoid mold. It’s also helpful to keep a separate storage area for grain and supplements, which will ensure everything stays organized and easy to access when it’s feeding time.
Exercise and Training Areas
Horses need regular physical activity to stay healthy and happy, and owners will expect facilities that allow them to ride, train, and work with their horses.
Riding Arena
A riding arena is a must-have for any boarding facility, whether it’s a covered or outdoor space. The size of the arena can vary depending on the space available, but a standard size for most activities is 60×120 feet.
Make sure the arena has proper footing, such as sand, rubber, or a combination of materials that will provide the horses with traction and reduce the risk of injuries. Covered arenas are a bonus since they allow for year-round riding, regardless of weather conditions.
Round Pen
A round pen is perhaps the most essential training tool for lunging, groundwork, and starting young horses. A standard round pen is about 50-60 feet in diameter, which gives horses enough room to move freely while still being confined to a controlled environment.
It’s especially useful for trainers and owners who want to work on horse behavior or groundwork before riding. That’s why you should make sure the footing in the round pen is soft yet supportive to avoid injury to the horses’ legs and hooves.
Trails or Open Riding Space
If you have enough land, offering trails or open riding spaces is a great way to attract boarders who enjoy trail riding and outdoor activities to your property with their horses. You can set up designated trails around your property, but you’ll need to make sure that they are well-maintained, free from hazards, and provide a variety of terrain.
The trails should also offer shaded areas for hot days and perhaps even access to water. Alternatively Or additionally, if your property has open fields where horses can freely gallop or practice different disciplines will add significant appeal to your boarding facility for horse owners as well.
Conclusion
Offering horse boarding on your property is a fantastic way to generate income while providing a safe and comfortable environment for horses and their owners. WIth these amenities you will create a space where horses can thrive and owners feel confident about their care.
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