How Much Does it Cost to Board a Horse?

Boarding a horse can be a significant expense for horse owners. The cost of boarding varies depending on factors such as location, the type of boarding facility, and the services provided. On average, basic self-care boarding can range from $100 to $300 per month, while full-service boarding can cost up to $900 per month or more.

Factors that affect the cost of boarding include the location of the facility, the size and type of the stall or paddock, the quality of the feed and bedding provided, and the availability of facilities such as riding arenas and trails. In addition, services such as grooming, exercise, and veterinary care can increase the cost of boarding.

Horse owners should consider their budget and the needs of their horse when choosing a boarding option. It's important to thoroughly research and visit potential boarding facilities before making a decision. Look for a facility that provides a safe and healthy environment for your horse, with knowledgeable staff and good communication.

So, how much does it cost to board a horse? The typical monthly cost for horse boarding is $350 to $400. This figure can vary depending on where you reside, the facilities you want, and the sort of board you choose. Here are some of the most common boarding choices for your horse:

• Full Care Board ($300 – $900/month)

• Pasture Board ($150 – $400/month)

• Self-Care Board ($100 – $300/month)

If you're a horse owner, finding a reliable and convenient boarding facility is essential. To help you with your search, here are some tips for finding horse boarding near you:

1. Ask for recommendations: Talk to other horse owners in your area and ask for recommendations on boarding facilities.

2. Search online: Use search engines or online directories to find horse boarding facilities near you.

3. Check social media: Look for local horse groups or associations on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

4. Visit facilities: Once you've found some potential facilities, schedule a visit to see the property and meet the staff.

5. Consider your needs: Think about what you and your horse need in a boarding facility, such as type of boarding, amenities, and location.

By taking these steps, you can find a horse boarding facility that meets your needs and is conveniently located near you. Don't forget to read reviews and ask for references before making a final decision.

Don't lose hope if you think boarding your horse is too expensive. Keep reading as I explain the different types of boarding options available and what each option includes.

Full Care Board

Full Care Board is a type of horse boarding that includes complete care for the horse. This typically includes feeding, watering, stall cleaning, turnouts, and other basic care. Full Care Board may also include additional services such as grooming, exercise, and veterinary care.

This option provides horse owners with the peace of mind that their horse is receiving proper care and attention, without having to do the work themselves. It's important to research and choose a Full Care Boarding facility with knowledgeable staff and a safe environment for horses.

Average Monthly Rate: $300 – $900+

What Full Care Board Usually Includes:

1. Feeding: Full Care Board includes regular feeding of the horse, which may include hay, grain, or other supplements as needed.

2. Watering: Horses require a lot of water, and Full Care Boarding facilities ensure that horses have access to fresh water at all times.

3. Stall cleaning: Stall cleaning is a crucial part of horse care, and Full Care Boarding facilities will typically clean stalls daily.

4. Turnouts: Turnouts allow horses to stretch their legs and socialize with other horses. Full Care Boarding facilities will typically offer daily turnout options.

5. Grooming: Some Full Care Boarding facilities may offer grooming services, such as brushing, bathing, and mane/tail trimming.

6. Veterinary care: Full Care Boarding facilities may offer veterinary care, or have a veterinarian on-call, for emergencies or routine care.

Pros of Full Care Board:

1. Time-saving: By opting for Full Care Boarding, horse owners can save time and effort required for daily care and maintenance of their horses.

2. Professional care: With experienced staff and veterinarians on site, Full Care Boarding facilities provide professional care for horses, including feeding, grooming, and health checkups.

3. Regular exercise: Full Care Boarding facilities often have riding arenas, trails, and pastures that allow for regular exercise and socialization for horses.

4. Convenience: Full Care Boarding facilities offer the convenience of having all the necessary amenities and services for horses in one location.

5. Peace of mind: With Full Care Boarding, horse owners can have peace of mind knowing that their horses are receiving proper care and attention in a safe and healthy environment.

Overall, Full Care Boarding can be an excellent option for horse owners who want to ensure that their horses receive quality care and attention, without the added responsibilities of daily care and maintenance.

Pasture Board is a type of horse boarding that provides access to pasture or outdoor areas for horses to graze and move around. This type of boarding is typically less expensive than Full Care Boarding.

Pasture Boarding facilities may provide basic care such as feeding and watering, but horse owners are responsible for providing any additional care their horse may require. Pasture Boarding allows horses to socialize and move around freely, which can have several benefits for their health and well-being. However, it's important to research and choose a reputable Pasture Boarding facility with safe and secure fencing and access to clean water sources.

Average Monthly Rate: $150 – $400

What Pasture Board Usually Includes:

1. Access to pasture: The primary feature of Pasture Board is access to outdoor areas for horses to graze and move around. Pasture Boarding facilities may have large pastures, paddocks, or outdoor runs.

2. Basic care: Pasture Boarding facilities may provide basic care such as feeding and watering, but horse owners are typically responsible for additional care such as grooming and veterinary needs.

3. Shelter: Pasture Boarding facilities may provide access to shelter such as run-in sheds or stables for horses to take refuge from the weather.

4. Regular maintenance: Facilities offering Pasture Boarding typically maintain pastures and outdoor areas by mowing, dragging, and fertilizing to ensure that the area is safe and healthy for horses.

5. Socialization: Horses in Pasture Boarding facilities have the opportunity to socialize with other horses, which can improve their mental and physical well-being.

Pros of Pasture Board:

1. Cost-effective: Pasture Boarding is typically less expensive than Full Care Boarding, making it a cost-effective option for horse owners.

2. Natural environment: Horses in Pasture Boarding facilities have access to outdoor areas and the opportunity to graze and move around freely, which can be beneficial for their health and well-being.

3. Socialization: Horses in Pasture Boarding facilities can socialize with other horses, which can improve their social skills and reduce the risk of boredom and anxiety.

4. Exercise: Pasture Boarding facilities often have large pastures or paddocks, which provide horses with ample space to exercise and move around.

5. Low-stress environment: Pasture Boarding can offer a low-stress environment for horses, as they have the freedom to move around and access to natural resources such as grass and fresh air.

Pasture Boarding can be an excellent option for horse owners who want their horses to have access to outdoor areas and the freedom to move around. It's important to research and choose a reputable Pasture Boarding facility with safe and secure fencing and access to clean water sources.

Self-Care Boarding is a type of horse boarding where horse owners are responsible for providing all aspects of care for their horse. This includes feeding, watering, stall cleaning, and any other necessary care.

Self-Care Boarding is typically the most affordable option. This type of boarding allows horse owners to have complete control over their horse's care and routine but requires a significant amount of time and effort. It's important for horse owners to have a good understanding of horse care and be prepared to handle any emergencies that may arise.

Average Monthly Rate: $100 – $300

What Self-Care Board Usually Includes

1. Feeding: Horse owners are responsible for providing their horse with appropriate feed and supplements, and ensuring that the horse is fed on a regular schedule.

2. Watering: Horse owners are responsible for providing their horse with clean and fresh water, and ensuring that the water source is checked and refilled regularly.

3. Stall cleaning: Horse owners are responsible for cleaning their horse's stall and removing manure and soiled bedding.

4. Turnout: Horse owners are responsible for turning their horse out for exercise and providing adequate turnout time.

5. Grooming: Horse owners are responsible for grooming their horse, including brushing, bathing, and clipping as necessary.

6. Veterinary care: Horse owners are responsible for arranging and paying for any necessary veterinary care, including vaccinations, deworming, and emergency medical care.

Pros of Self-Care Board

1. Cost-effective: Self-Care Boarding is typically the most affordable option for horse owners, as they are responsible for providing all aspects of care for their horse.

2. Control over horse's care: Horse owners have complete control over their horse's care and routine, and can tailor their care to meet their horse's individual needs.

3. Bonding with horse: Horse owners who choose Self-Care Boarding often spend more time with their horse and can develop a closer bond with them.

4. Flexibility: Self-Care Boarding offers more flexibility in terms of scheduling and routine, as horse owners are responsible for their horse's care.

5. Learning opportunity: Horse owners who choose Self-Care Boarding can learn more about horse care and management, which can be a valuable skill for future horse ownership.

Self-Care Boarding can be a good option for horse owners who want complete control over their horse's care and routine, and who are prepared to handle the responsibilities that come with it. It's important to have a good understanding of horse care and be prepared to handle any emergencies that may arise.

There are horse boarding options that can fit different budgets, but it's important to ensure they meet both your and your horse's needs. For more information on owning a horse, read our article "50 Tips for New Horse Owners: Everything You Need to Know."

Whatever the boarding arrangement, the horse’s welfare is still the owner’s responsibility. Don’t assume that the horse can be ignored for long periods of time or that it is the stable owner’s problem if the horse becomes sick or needs special attention.