Many horse owners love their animals and don't mind paying whatever it costs to make sure they are safe and secure. If you have bought your first horse and are looking for some place to board it, you have probably already asked your vet or breeder for recommendations. These large animals are not only companions, they are big investments sometimes. The horse boarding facilities Dallas TX breeders suggest might be excellent, but you need to ask some questions before making a commitment.
You should never assume what a facility will and will not provide. It is important to meet with the manager and ask what comes with the boarding package. You can also add to your package, if necessary, when you want your horse to have access to unlimited hay, fly masks in the summer, and blankets in the winter.
You need to know when the facility is open for business. You might assume you can come by any time, and you will be welcome to take your horse out. It may come as a rude awakening when you have driven out of your way only to find the facility closed. If you want to visit outside normal business hours, be sure to ask the owner or manager.
Most facilities understand the good health of your horse is paramount to you. There will probably be other horses in close proximity to yours, and you have to be assured that their owners have complied with all health regulations. Most facilities require horses to have a Coggins test before they are accepted. You may be asked to verify all the vaccinations your animal has had as well.
The grain, hay, and other food the facility provides the animals may or may not be right for your horse. Without gradually introducing new food, your animal can get colic. If you want your animal to be fed specific grain, you may have to pay extra. It is a good idea to look at the hay bales the facility will be feeding your animal to make sure it is clean, fresh, and free of mold and mildew.
Before you decide where to board your ride, you need to talk to the owners about how much pasture time your animal will have. Horses left in stalls all the time may start to pace, weave, and kick. They need plenty of time and space to expend excess energy. Some handlers leave barn doors open all day so they don't have to bother turning animals in and out. This practice is often unsafe for the horses.
It's a good idea to check out the pastures at the facility because that will tell you a lot about the manager's commitment to the health and well being of the animals. Fields with big muddy areas and pastures where the manure has not been removed are indications of poor management. Pastures need water sources and shelter in addition to fresh and abundant grass.
Owners who have to board their horses spend a good amount of money to make sure they are safe and well cared for. They have a right to know how the facility they choose is run and what its policies are. Horses are investments as well as beloved companions.
You should never assume what a facility will and will not provide. It is important to meet with the manager and ask what comes with the boarding package. You can also add to your package, if necessary, when you want your horse to have access to unlimited hay, fly masks in the summer, and blankets in the winter.
You need to know when the facility is open for business. You might assume you can come by any time, and you will be welcome to take your horse out. It may come as a rude awakening when you have driven out of your way only to find the facility closed. If you want to visit outside normal business hours, be sure to ask the owner or manager.
Most facilities understand the good health of your horse is paramount to you. There will probably be other horses in close proximity to yours, and you have to be assured that their owners have complied with all health regulations. Most facilities require horses to have a Coggins test before they are accepted. You may be asked to verify all the vaccinations your animal has had as well.
The grain, hay, and other food the facility provides the animals may or may not be right for your horse. Without gradually introducing new food, your animal can get colic. If you want your animal to be fed specific grain, you may have to pay extra. It is a good idea to look at the hay bales the facility will be feeding your animal to make sure it is clean, fresh, and free of mold and mildew.
Before you decide where to board your ride, you need to talk to the owners about how much pasture time your animal will have. Horses left in stalls all the time may start to pace, weave, and kick. They need plenty of time and space to expend excess energy. Some handlers leave barn doors open all day so they don't have to bother turning animals in and out. This practice is often unsafe for the horses.
It's a good idea to check out the pastures at the facility because that will tell you a lot about the manager's commitment to the health and well being of the animals. Fields with big muddy areas and pastures where the manure has not been removed are indications of poor management. Pastures need water sources and shelter in addition to fresh and abundant grass.
Owners who have to board their horses spend a good amount of money to make sure they are safe and well cared for. They have a right to know how the facility they choose is run and what its policies are. Horses are investments as well as beloved companions.
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