Location and Accessibility

• Proximity to your home or work: Providing easy access for regular visits without long commutes, however, this is one area where if you find the perfect place, the commute might be worth it.
• Road and traffic conditions: Located near major highways, ensures a smooth drive, even during peak traffic times.
• Ease of access: Is the facility designed with wide entrances and clear signage, making it easy for both horse owners and trainers to navigate. Remember at some point you will have to trailer your horse.

• Facilities and Amenities

• Stalls: Are the stalls spacious, well-ventilated, and cleaned daily to ensure your horse's comfort?
• Turnout areas: Are there large, secure turnout spaces allow horses to roam safely and enjoy time outdoors. Are there shelters where your horse can take refuge from the sun and rain? Are they well built?
• Riding arenas: Are there well-maintained arenas (dressage in our case) equipped with mirrors and quality footing, ideal for training and practice. If you live in warmer weather, is there a covered arena?
• Wash racks: Does the facility include clean, accessible wash racks with hot water for after-ride care.
• Tack rooms: Is each client is provided a secure and organized tack room to store their gear?
• Trails or arenas for riding: Are there different areas for riding? Some facility have access to nearby riding trails, enhancing your horse’s exercise routine beyond the arena. Ensure that the riding trails are indeed accessible to the public or that they are within the property of the boarding facility.

Care and Staff

• Feeding protocol: Horse should be on a standard feeding schedules and each horse should be allowed to be on specialty feed and supplements (if required) for horse’s dietary needs and preferences.
• Health management: Does the facility partners with top veterinarians to ensure all horses receive timely health checks, vaccinations, and prompt care when needed?
• Emergency protocols: Is there 24/7 access to emergency contacts, with staff trained to handle medical situations.
• Staff expertise: Is there enough experienced staff includes certified professionals who specialize in horse care, from grooming to handling and training? Is there big turnover in the help?

Trainer Presence and Expertise

• Availability of qualified trainers: Does the barn works with top-tier trainers, (in our case dressage) offering lessons and personalized training programs tailored to each horse and rider?
• Trainer disciplines: We focus on dressage and other classical riding disciplines, with trainers who can help you and your horse reach your full potential. Is the boarding facility offering this?
• Trainer’s reputation: Our head trainer, Jennifer Foss and the assistant trainers have a proven track record of success in dressage competitions and is widely respected in the equestrian community.

Community and Culture

• Community atmosphere: We pride ourselves on fostering a welcoming, supportive environment for all horse owners, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider. Does the boarding facility have this vibe? Do you feel welcomed? Are the people relaxed and generally happy to be there?
• Management transparency: The management team, should be available to discuss concerns, and should have a regular methodology for updating boarders on any facility changes or upcoming events. Remember to be respectful and if not an emergency, send an email :)
• Rules and regulations: Does the facility have clear, fair policies designed to ensure a positive and respectful experience for all horses and their owners?

Costs

• Boarding fees: Is there a transparent pricing structure that ensures you know exactly what you're paying for?
• Payment schedule: Is it easy to make payments? Are invoices are sent on a regular schedule to keep things hassle-free?
• Additional charges: Any extra services, like training or grooming, are clearly communicated ahead of time and back to transparency are they clearly listed on their website or welcome package?

Safety and Security

• Fencing and gates: White Fences uses top-quality fencing and secure gates to keep your horse safe and prevent escapes. Does the facility you are visiting have the same? You could have a lot of heart ache and vet expenses with good fences.
• Lighting: Is the facility well lit? This is of utmost importance for evening rides and emergency access.
• Security measures: What are the boarding facilities security measures? For example, we have security cameras in place and a staff member on-site during the evenings to ensure a safe environment.

****The content on this blog is for informational purposes only and reflects personal opinions. It is not professional advice. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, I make no guarantees about the completeness or reliability of the information. Any action you take based on this content is at your own risk. White Fences Equestrian Center and I are not responsible for any losses related to the use of this blog. Always consult a professional for specific advice. Links to third-party websites are not endorsements.