Equestrian sports are one of the fastest growing activities in the country. Each year many people learn to ride and take care of these majestic animals. For some people owning their first horse or pony is a dream come true. Not only is this a huge privilege, but also a considerable responsibility. Most people just do not have the space or resources to take care of a big animal at home and need to find a suitable local facility where they can board their animals.
The needs of the rider will really determine which barn to choose. When people are looking for horse boarding available in their locality they should first consider their own needs. Are they serious competition riders or do they just want to head out for a gentle trail ride on weekends. There really is no point in paying top rates when the owners only have very basic needs.
There are a wide range of facilities available, ranging from the most basic to some very fancy barns that have all the top of the line extras. This will include an indoor riding arena for winter or wet weather, wash stalls and heated areas to dry the animals in cold weather. Most show barns have to provide these features as the horses are going to be worked whatever the weather.
Horses must aways have access to clean, fresh water. Most bigger barns use automatic water systems to each stall. However a smaller barn may still rely on filling buckets several times each day. Both of these systems work as long as the barn staff stay vigilant and always keep a close eye on each and every horse to ensure that they are drinking enough.
Barn staff should also be trained to spot signs of colic. Colic is one of the most common and dangerous conditions to affect horses. It typically occurs if the animal is experiencing stress, has changed their feed or not drunk enough water. Spotting the classic symptoms of colic early are essential. The vet can be called and treatment can begin right away.
Equine first aid is another important factor to ask about. On the whole most horses are surprisingly self sufficient and do not come to any harm. However, even with all the best precautions it is still possible for an animal to be involved in an unavoidable accident. Having staff that know how to react quickly and what to do really can be the difference between life and death. Horses should be kept under close observation at all times by well trained and knowledgeable staff.
There are also tack rooms to keep all the saddles, bridles and other equipment that the animals need. Most competition horses also need a range of summer and winter blankets for in the stall, turnout and travelling.
No matter what they owners think the single most important factor is the horses. Owners will know right away if their horses are happy. Horses have their own distinct personalities, just like people. An animal who is not happy will typically loose weight and experience behavior problems. Any signs of these issues should be addressed quickly.
The needs of the rider will really determine which barn to choose. When people are looking for horse boarding available in their locality they should first consider their own needs. Are they serious competition riders or do they just want to head out for a gentle trail ride on weekends. There really is no point in paying top rates when the owners only have very basic needs.
There are a wide range of facilities available, ranging from the most basic to some very fancy barns that have all the top of the line extras. This will include an indoor riding arena for winter or wet weather, wash stalls and heated areas to dry the animals in cold weather. Most show barns have to provide these features as the horses are going to be worked whatever the weather.
Horses must aways have access to clean, fresh water. Most bigger barns use automatic water systems to each stall. However a smaller barn may still rely on filling buckets several times each day. Both of these systems work as long as the barn staff stay vigilant and always keep a close eye on each and every horse to ensure that they are drinking enough.
Barn staff should also be trained to spot signs of colic. Colic is one of the most common and dangerous conditions to affect horses. It typically occurs if the animal is experiencing stress, has changed their feed or not drunk enough water. Spotting the classic symptoms of colic early are essential. The vet can be called and treatment can begin right away.
Equine first aid is another important factor to ask about. On the whole most horses are surprisingly self sufficient and do not come to any harm. However, even with all the best precautions it is still possible for an animal to be involved in an unavoidable accident. Having staff that know how to react quickly and what to do really can be the difference between life and death. Horses should be kept under close observation at all times by well trained and knowledgeable staff.
There are also tack rooms to keep all the saddles, bridles and other equipment that the animals need. Most competition horses also need a range of summer and winter blankets for in the stall, turnout and travelling.
No matter what they owners think the single most important factor is the horses. Owners will know right away if their horses are happy. Horses have their own distinct personalities, just like people. An animal who is not happy will typically loose weight and experience behavior problems. Any signs of these issues should be addressed quickly.
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