Questions for a Potential Boarding Barn

     Throughout my time blogging I've read of several other bloggers who have had to find new barns--either for moving, changing priorities, or they just don't like where they were.  There are a lot of reasons people change, and it's not usually a fun process.  You may forget to ask important questions, only to realize later that you're going to have to compromise or move (again).  I've tried to come up with a list of important questions. 

• What is included in board and what is the cost? 
• Blanketing/Fans
• Holding for vet/farrier
• Getting dressed for turnout (bell boots/fly masks/etc.)
• Extras (clipping, bathing, grooming, etc.)
• Feeding
• Schedule/How many times per day
• Grain type/amount
• Hay type/amount/storage
• Turnout 
• Schedule
• Fencing
• Number of horses in group
• Mares/geldings
• Plan for horses who don't fit the mold
• Need a different amount of turnout time
• Don't get along with others
• Only go outside when it's 72 and sunny with a slight breeze--they need to have an idea of what to do with the oddballs 
• Run-in sheds/bad weather options
• Water heaters in winter 
• Stalls
• Size
• Flooring
• Bedding type
• Amount
• Extra costs for extra bedding
• Number of stalls
• How many are boarders
• Personal horses
• How many empty
• Ventilation 
• Open fronts/windows/etc. 
• Amenities 
• Space for tack/equipment
• Security
• Heat/AC
• Bathroom
• Wash rack
• Hot and cold water
• Arena
• Indoor/outdoor
• Size
• Footing
• Maintenance (frequency of dragging/watering/etc.)
• Lights
• Trails/hacking areas
• Farrier
• Idea of cost
• Who (if you're moving locally)
• Hot or cold shoeing 
• Specialty shoeing if applicable 
• Can you bring in an outside person?
• Vet Services
• Regular vet 
• How far from barn
• Imaging offered?
• Specialties?
• Chiro/Acupuncture/Massage/etc.
• Emergency vet
• Distance
• Surgery practice 
• Dental
• Required vaccinations and frequency
• De-worming schedule/type
• Barn Rules
• Riding during lessons
• Dog friendly
• Barn hours/closed any days
• Allow outside instructors
• Discipline-specific barn
• Staff
• Does someone live on site
• Experienced staff or teenagers
• Who handles the horses
• What is your experience?
• Do you offer lessons? Cost?
• Do you offer full or partial training? Cost?

     I think I've got most things covered that are important to me, but I'm sure there are a few other questions out there that others would find necessary.  Remember that if you're moving to a new area not to fall in love with the first barn you try.  The horse world is all about building connections and relationships, and you may find a perfect fit six months after you move.  Network with local tack shops/feed stores; get to know the local farriers and vets.  

     Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself and your horse.  Just because something may be the norm in your new area doesn't mean you have to accept it if you don't want to.  As a dressage rider I want a good base and a couple inches of fluffy footing in my arena but a western rider may prefer something a good bit deeper.  Neither is necessarily wrong, but it will become an issue if I board at a reining barn.  In all honesty, no barn may be 100% perfect, and some compromise is expected, but there is a barn out there where you and your horse can be happy.  Happy searching!