You don't have to live on a farm or ranch to own a horse. You can board your animal, but it is important to know that the conditions at the facility you choose are safe and comfortable. Veterinarians and breeders usually know the best options for boarding because they work with most of the owners and managers. Although you should certainly consider the horse boarding facilities Dallas TX breeders and vets suggest, you also need to ask some questions of your own.
Owners often, mistakenly, assume boarders will take care of certain things without ever inquiring about them specifically. Before you choose where to board your animal you need to know what is done for free and what is considered extra. You may have to pay for unlimited hay, masks in the summer months, and blankets when the temperature dips.
A lot of people who board animals live on the property with the animals. You may not think anything about arriving in the evening to go for a ride, but the facility might very well be closed so the owners can rest and relax. If you need to arrange special hours for visiting your animal, you should take it up with management.
Boarding horses in the vicinity of other horses can be a problem unless strict health guidelines are enforced. Most facilities require proof of a negative Coggins test before they will allow an animal to stay on their premises. You should be ready to produce proof of all your animal's vaccinations 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.
Most owners prefer their horses to have plenty of outdoor time, and you need to talk to the handlers about their policy when it comes to pasture time for the animals. Horses who get exercise are less likely to kick their stalls, bite, pace, and weave. Facilities that leave the barn doors open for animals to come and go may not be a good choice.
One good indication of what a facility considers important is the pastureland they turn horses out into. If the grass is abundant and fresh and kept free of manure and mud, you probably are talking to an owner who values the health and well being of the animals boarded. Sheds and water sources are another indication of a commitment to excellence.
In addition to being valued companions, horses can be big investments for their owners. It is costly to board them at any facility. Most owners are anxious to know their animals have the best possible care regardless of the expense involved.
Owners often, mistakenly, assume boarders will take care of certain things without ever inquiring about them specifically. Before you choose where to board your animal you need to know what is done for free and what is considered extra. You may have to pay for unlimited hay, masks in the summer months, and blankets when the temperature dips.
A lot of people who board animals live on the property with the animals. You may not think anything about arriving in the evening to go for a ride, but the facility might very well be closed so the owners can rest and relax. If you need to arrange special hours for visiting your animal, you should take it up with management.
Boarding horses in the vicinity of other horses can be a problem unless strict health guidelines are enforced. Most facilities require proof of a negative Coggins test before they will allow an animal to stay on their premises. You should be ready to produce proof of all your animal's vaccinations 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.
Most owners prefer their horses to have plenty of outdoor time, and you need to talk to the handlers about their policy when it comes to pasture time for the animals. Horses who get exercise are less likely to kick their stalls, bite, pace, and weave. Facilities that leave the barn doors open for animals to come and go may not be a good choice.
One good indication of what a facility considers important is the pastureland they turn horses out into. If the grass is abundant and fresh and kept free of manure and mud, you probably are talking to an owner who values the health and well being of the animals boarded. Sheds and water sources are another indication of a commitment to excellence.
In addition to being valued companions, horses can be big investments for their owners. It is costly to board them at any facility. Most owners are anxious to know their animals have the best possible care regardless of the expense involved.
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You can get valuable tips for choosing horse boarding facilities Dallas TX area and more information about a great facility at http://www.nelsonhixson.com/boarding right now.
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