Horse Boarding Rates? Types, Cost, and Other Considerations

For horse owners who don’t have the luxury of keeping their equine companions on their property, horse boarding facilities provide an essential service.

These businesses provide a variety of choices to accommodate various demands and price ranges, ranging from basic pasture boarding to full-service stables with first-rate facilities.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various types of horse boarding available in the United States, examine the costs associated with each, and discuss important factors to consider when choosing the right boarding option for your horse.

Whether you’re a first-time horse owner or changing your current boarding, understanding horse boarding rates and options is crucial for making the best decision for your horse’s well-being.

This article will provide you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about your horse’s care and living arrangements.

Average Horse Boarding Cost ( Quick Answer )

The average cost of horse boarding lies somewhere between $400 to $600, but varies significantly based on the type of service provided. For full-care board, you can expect to pay between $600 and $800 per month. Partial-care board typically ranges from $450 to $550 per month, while self-care board costs around $200 to $250 per month. Pasture board is slightly more affordable, averaging $250 to $300 per month. Training board is the most expensive, with average rates between $1,000 and $1,500 per month.

What is Horse Boarding?

Horse boarding is a service provided by equestrian facilities where horse owners can keep their animals when they don’t have suitable accommodation themselves.

It involves housing, feeding, and caring for horses in exchange for a fee.

Boarding stables typically offer different levels of service, from basic self-care options to full-care arrangements.

These may include providing shelter, food, water, exercise, grooming, and sometimes training or riding lessons.

Boarding allows horse owners who lack land or proper facilities to keep their horses in a safe, supervised environment.

It’s particularly useful for urban horse enthusiasts or those who travel frequently.

Horse boarding facilities often have amenities like riding arenas, trails, and pastures for the horses’ exercise and enjoyment.

Benefits of Boarding Your Horse

1. Professional Care and Supervision:

Horse boarding facilities typically employ knowledgeable staff who are experienced in horse care.

They can provide regular feeding schedules, monitor your horse’s health, and respond to any emergencies promptly.

2. Socialization Opportunities:

Horses are naturally social animals and thrive when they have companionship.

Boarding stables often offer an environment where horses can interact with each other, reducing boredom and loneliness.

3. Access to Facilities:

Most boarding facilities come equipped with amenities that the average horse owner might not have, such as riding arenas, round pens, or trails for exercise.

4. Convenience:

Boarding your horse eliminates the need to worry about everyday tasks like feeding, cleaning stalls, or maintaining pastures.

This frees up time for you to focus on other responsibilities or enjoy leisure activities.

5. Peace of Mind:

Knowing that your horse is being cared for by professionals can give you peace of mind, especially if you’re away for an extended period.

Types of Horse Boarding

1. Pasture Board

Pasture boarding is typically the most affordable option for horse owners. In this arrangement, horses live outdoors in a shared pasture with other horses.

They have access to grass for grazing and are usually provided with supplemental hay during winter months or when pasture grass is insufficient.

Water is available through natural sources like ponds or streams, or via man-made waterers.

Pros:

• Lower cost compared to other boarding options
• Allows horses to live in a more natural environment
• Promotes exercise and socialization with other horses

Cons:

• Limited individual attention and care
• Horses may be more susceptible to weather extremes
• Potential for injuries due to herd dynamics

2. Partial Board

Also known as a self-care board, this option provides a middle ground between pasture board and full-care stabling. Horses typically have access to both a stall and turnout time in a pasture or paddock.

The facility provides the basics such as shelter, water, and sometimes hay, but the owner is responsible for daily care tasks like feeding, stall cleaning, and exercise.

Pros:

• More affordable than full-care board
• Allows owners to maintain control over their horse’s care
• Provides shelter from extreme weather

Cons:

• Requires significant time commitment from the owner
• May not be suitable for owners with busy schedules
• Less convenient for those who live far from the boarding facility

3. Full-Care Board

Full-care boarding is the most comprehensive and typically the most expensive option.

In this arrangement, the stable staff takes care of all aspects of the horse’s daily needs, including feeding, stall cleaning, turnout, and basic grooming.

Horses are usually kept in individual stalls with scheduled turnout times.

Pros:

• Convenient for owners with limited time
• Ensures consistent care and feeding schedules
• Often includes access to better facilities and amenities

Cons:

• Higher cost compared to other boarding options
• Less hands-on involvement for owners who prefer to manage their horse’s care
• Potential for reduced exercise if turnout times are limited

4. Training Board

A training board is a specialized type of full-care boarding that includes regular training sessions for the horse.

This option is popular for owners who want to improve their horse’s skills or prepare for competitions.

Pros:

• Professional training included in the boarding package
• Ideal for young horses or those needing consistent work
• Can lead to rapid improvement in the horse’s abilities

Cons:

• Significantly more expensive than standard boarding options
• May not be necessary for all horses or owners
• Requires trust in the trainer’s methods and expertise

5. Retirement Board

Retirement boarding is designed for older horses or those with special needs that require a more laid-back lifestyle.

These facilities often offer large pastures with minimal handling and are focused on providing a comfortable, low-stress environment.

Pros:

• Tailored care for senior or special needs horses
• Often more affordable than full-care board
• Allows horses to live out their golden years in comfort

Cons:

• May not offer extensive riding facilities
• Limited options for active horses or those still in work
• Can be located in more remote areas

Boarding Type	Typical Cost Range (per month)	Average Cost (per month)	Description
Full-Care Board	$400 – $1,500+	$600 – $800	Comprehensive care including feeding, stall cleaning, turnout, and grooming provided by the stable.
Partial-Care Board	$300 – $700	$450 – $550	Stable provides feed and hay, owner responsible for some daily tasks like feeding, watering, or cleaning.
Self-Care Board	$100 – $300	$200 – $250	Owner responsible for all care; stable provides space with optional storage for feed and equipment.
Pasture Board	$150 – $400	$250 – $300	Horses kept in pasture instead of stalls; care level varies from full-care to self-care based on facility.
Training Board	$800 – $2,500+	$1,000 – $1,500	Includes regular training sessions in addition to standard care; ideal for horses in need of consistent training.
Retirement Board	$200 – $600	$300 – $400	Tailored care for retired horses, focusing on comfort, light exercise, and specialized aging horse needs.

Typical Costs for Different Boarding Types

Horse boarding facilities typically offer several levels of service, each with its own price point. Here are the most common types of boarding and their associated costs:

1. Full-Care Board

Full-care board is the most comprehensive and expensive option. In this arrangement, the stable takes care of all aspects of the horse’s daily care, including feeding, watering, stall cleaning, turnout, and basic grooming.

Typical cost range:

$400 – $1,500+ per month Average cost: $600 – $800 per month

2. Partial-Care Board

Partial-care board offers a middle ground between full-care and self-care options. The stable typically provides feed and hay, but the owner is responsible for some daily tasks such as feeding, watering, or cleaning the stall.

Typical cost range:

$300 – $700 per month Average cost: $450 – $550 per month

3. Self-Care Board

In a self-care arrangement, the horse owner is responsible for all aspects of the horse’s care. The stable provides the stall or pasture space, and sometimes storage for feed and equipment.

Typical cost range:

$100 – $300 per month Average cost: $200 – $250 per month

4. Pasture Board

A Pasture board involves keeping horses in a field or pasture rather than in a stall. This option can be either full-care or self-care, depending on the facility.

Typical cost range:

$150 – $400 per month Average cost: $250 – $300 per month

5. Training Board

Some facilities offer training boards, which include regular training sessions for the horse in addition to standard care.

Typical cost range:

$800 – $2,500+ per month Average cost: $1,000 – $1,500 per month

Factors Affecting Boarding Rates

Several factors can influence the cost of horse-boarding:

1. Location: Urban and suburban areas generally have higher boarding rates due to increased property values and operating costs.
2. Facility amenities: Stables with indoor arenas, multiple riding areas, trails, or specialized equipment often charge more.
3. Quality of care: Facilities with experienced staff, individualized feeding programs, and high-quality feed and bedding typically have higher rates.
4. Demand: Popular boarding facilities or those in areas with limited options may charge premium rates.
5. Horse’s needs: Horses requiring special care, such as senior horses or those with health issues, may incur additional costs.
6. Seasonality: Some facilities may adjust their rates seasonally, particularly in areas with harsh winters where horses require more feed and indoor time.

Additional Services and Their Costs

Numerous boarding houses provide extra services, which raises the total cost of care. These might consist of:

1. Blanketing: $25 – $50 per month
2. Fly spray application: $15 – $30 per month
3. Supplement feeding: $15 – $50 per month
4. Holding for vet/farrier: $10 – $25 per visit
5. Tack cleaning: $20 – $50 per cleaning
6. Exercise/lunging: $15 – $30 per session
7. Trailer parking: $25 – $75 per month
8. Private tack locker: $10 – $50 per month

Regional Variations in Boarding Rates

Boarding rates can vary significantly across different regions of the United States:

Northeast (e.g., New York, Massachusetts):

• Full-care board: $600 – $1,500+ per month
• Self-care board: $200 – $400 per month

Southeast (e.g., Florida, Georgia):

• Full-care board: $500 – $1,000+ per month
• Self-care board: $150 – $300 per month

Midwest (e.g., Illinois, Ohio):

• Full-care board: $400 – $800 per month
• Self-care board: $100 – $250 per month

Southwest (e.g., Texas, Arizona):

• Full-care board: $450 – $900 per month
• Self-care board: $150 – $300 per month

West Coast (e.g., California, Washington):

• Full-care board: $500 – $1,500+ per month
• Self-care board: $200 – $400 per month

These ranges are general estimates, and actual prices can vary based on specific locations and facilities within each region.

Considerations When Choosing a Boarding Facility

When selecting a boarding stable, horse owners should consider several factors beyond just the cost:

1. Quality of care: Observe how the horses are treated and the overall cleanliness of the facility.
2. Staff experience and availability: Ensure that the staff is knowledgeable about horse care and that someone is available in case of emergencies.
3. Facility amenities: Consider what riding areas, trails, or other features are important for you and your horse.
4. Turnout options: Check the size, quality, and availability of turnout areas, as regular exercise is crucial for a horse’s well-being.
5. Feed quality and options: Inquire about the types of feed and hay provided, and whether the facility can accommodate special dietary needs.
6. Security: Look for features like secure fencing, gates, and monitoring systems to ensure your horse’s safety.
7. Barn rules and policies: Understand the facility’s policies on visiting hours, riding times, and bringing in outside professionals (e.g., veterinarians, and farriers).
8. Social environment: Consider whether the barn’s atmosphere and the other borders align with your preferences and goals.
9. Contract terms: Carefully review the boarding contract, including payment terms, notice periods, and any additional fees or requirements.

Tips for Reducing Boarding Costs

For horse owners looking to minimize their boarding expenses, consider these strategies:

1. Opt for self-care or partial-care board: Taking on some or all of the daily care responsibilities can significantly reduce costs.
2. Choose pasture board: If your horse doesn’t require a stall, pasture board is often a more affordable option.
3. Provide your feed and bedding: Some facilities allow owners to supply their materials, which can lead to savings.
4. Offer services in exchange for reduced board: Some stables may offer discounts in exchange for help with barn chores or other tasks.
5. Share costs with a half-lease: Allowing another rider to half-lease your horse can offset boarding expenses.
6. Look for facilities further from urban areas: Rural locations often have lower boarding rates.
7. Join a co-op boarding facility: Some areas have cooperative boarding arrangements where owners share responsibilities and costs.
8. Optimize your horse’s care routine: Regularly reassess your horse’s needs to avoid unnecessary services or supplements.
9. Compare rates and negotiate: Don’t be afraid to shop around and negotiate rates, especially for long-term commitments.
10. Consider seasonal adjustments: Some horses may be able to transition to pasture board during warmer months, reducing overall yearly costs.

Conclusion

Horse boarding is a significant expense for many equestrians, but it provides a valuable service for those unable to keep their horses at home.

By understanding the various types of boarding available, the factors that influence costs, and the additional considerations involved, horse owners can make informed decisions that balance their budget with their horse’s needs. When choosing a boarding facility, it’s crucial to look beyond just the price tag.

Consider the quality of care, available amenities, and the overall environment to ensure your horse’s well-being and your peace of mind.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions, tour multiple facilities, and speak with current boarders before making a decision. Remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best value.

A facility that provides excellent care, even at a higher cost, may save money in the long run by preventing health issues and ensuring your horse stays happy and healthy.