When you own horses, you face a lot of choices about their care and living arrangements. They’re large animals and require a lot of space, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep them near your home or even on your own property. However, like anything else in life, there are pros and cons to either keeping your horse at your home or boarding it at a stable. Your horse deserves the best care, so let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of both home stabling and boarding.
Pros of Keeping Your Horse at Home
The obvious pro is, you love your horse and you love riding. Keeping your horse on your property allows you to enjoy your horse any time you like. It’s also cheaper than boarding your horse at a stable; depending on where you live, boarding a horse can cost upwards of $1,000-1,200 a month. On the other hand, if your horse is at home, grain and hay will only cost you $300-400 a month.
Cons of Keeping Your Horse at Home
First of all, horses need a lot of care and attention; if your horse is stabled at your home, getting away for a vacation could be tough. Also, finding horse properties close to your job could be difficult; you’ll need to look up ranch land sales, if it is available in your area. Generally, you’ll need at least 2-acres for each horse. Finally, horses are herd animals, and like to be around other horses. If you only have one horse, it might develop behavioral or emotional problems due to loneliness.
Pros of Boarding Your Horse
While it’s expensive, boarding your horse at a reputable stable will give it around the clock care, even when you are at work or on vacation. Also, your horse will be a part of a herd, and have plenty of other horses to interact with. Your horse will get plenty of attention, even when you are not around. Finally, you’ll be free to spend as much time as you need to commute to your job and work.
Cons of Boarding Your Horse
Besides the huge cost, the biggest downside is that you’ll be away from your horse. Also, you’ll no longer be in full control of your horse’s care. Most boarding stables have their way of doing things, such as only certain feeds for every horse. A boarding stable may also expect you to use their farrier or vet. Finally, it may be closed at certain times, cutting you off from your horse.
If you have the time and space to care for your horse on your property, it will bring a lot of joy to both you and your horse. However, the first priority is that your horse is taken care of and remains in good health. Carefully consider the pros and cons of stabling your horses versus boarding them, and take the time to make the right decision for your family and your horses. Whether they stay at home with you, on property you own nearby, or at a boarding facility, make sure that they are given the best care possible.
