Horse Boarding - Checklist!

As horse owners who aren’t able to keep horses on their own property, we’ve all had to find a place for a new horse or move a horse from their current barn to another. Here’s a checklist of things to keep in mind when finding a new barn for your horse.

Horse Boarding Locator

We launched a new service in our Horse Boarding section! You can easily find any horse boarding location on a clickable map with links to all the information you need. Find your barn then check it out!

Does this list look important to you? You can print it out to take it with you when you visit a potential barn. Or, just download it to view it for your phone whether you're connected to the internet or not.
Download this Checklist HERE.

HEALTH RELATED

1. Veterinarian – Who do they use as a vet? Does your vet service this new barn?
2. Feet – Who do they use as a farrier? Does your farrier service this new barn? How are the feet of the other horses in the barn?
3. Horse Weight – Do the horses look well fed or are they skinny?
4. Water – Do they have an automatic watering system? If so, are the dispensers clean? If not, is there ample water and are the buckets clean?
5. Feed – Do they carry your brand of feed? Is the feed and hay high quality? If not, will they order it for you or do they have something comparable. Is it stored in a clean and dry place?
6. Medication – Does your horse require special medication or supplements? Is there an additional charge?
7. Turnout – How are the paddocks? Are they well maintained? Will they without broken boards or nails? Will have a paddock buddy or turned out alone – or with many horses? Is there a run-in shed? Are the paddocks cleaned? How long will they be turned out every day? Are they turned out at night or during the day? Does your horse have issues with being turned out next to mares or geldings? What type of fencing do they use and is it secure? Is turnout grassy or muddy?

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Winter Blues? How Horses can Help Us

Short days combined with cold weather can trigger seasonal depression, even for the happiest of people. You are not alone! Horse can help fight the winter blues through a combination of physical activity, emotional connection, and engaging, focused activities that provide purpose and social interaction.

Physical and Mental Health Benefits

• Physical Activity Horse care and riding are excellent forms of exercise, which trigger the release of endorphins (natural mood boosters) and help regulate serotonin levels, improving mood and overall well-being.
• Time Outdoors Spending time outdoors, even on cold days, exposes you to natural light, which is crucial for regulating your internal clock and increasing Vitamin D absorption, a key factor in combating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
• Mindfulness and Focus Working with horses demands your full attention, forcing you to focus on the present moment and breaking cycles of negative rumination common in depression and anxiety.
• Emotional Connection and Support Horses are highly intuitive and can sense human emotions, providing immediate, non-judgmental feedback that helps you develop self-awareness and emotional regulation skills. The bond you form offers comfort, companionship, and a sense of belonging.
• Confidence and Self-Esteem Successfully learning new skills, like grooming, leading, or riding a large, powerful animal, builds a sense of accomplishment and competence, boosting self-esteem.
• Responsibility and Purpose Caring for a horse provides a clear sense of purpose and accountability, which can be a strong motivator to stay engaged and active even when motivation is low.

Engaging Winter Activities

Even if outdoor riding is limited, there are many activities you can do:

• Groundwork and Liberty Work Work on communication and trust from the ground through exercises like side-passing, moving the horse's haunches and shoulders, or leading them through obstacle courses.
• Grooming and Horsemanship Skills The tactile experience of grooming a horse is calming and can be a meditative, bonding experience. Use this time to observe your horse's body language and strengthen your connection.
• Trick or Cognitive Training Teach your horse fun new skills like recognizing shapes or colors, which provides mental stimulation for both of you and strengthens your bond.
• Indoor Arena Exercises Utilize an indoor arena to focus on flatwork, pole exercises, or specific dressage movements to keep you and your horse physically and mentally engaged.
• Socialize with Other Equestrians Plan get-togethers at the stable for coffee or a group clearout, which can provide valuable social support and camaraderie with like-minded people.

If you find that the winter blues persist and significantly impact your daily life, it's important to seek professional help. Equine-assisted therapy, facilitated by a mental health professional and an equine specialist, can be a valuable complementary treatment for symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or depression.

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One Woman's Quest: The Beautiful Gypsy Vanner (5:32)

The Gypsy Vanner, famed for their beauty and adored for their personalities. In this episode travel to America's Gypsy Vanner Foundation Farm as we learn the story of how the breed came to be, meet one of the most viewed Gypsy Vanner Stallions in the world and go for a ride on the incredible black stallion, BB King!

Read more: One Woman's Quest: The Beautiful Gypsy Vanner (5:32)

A Guide for Livestock and Equine Grooming

Clipping livestock or equine before a show does not have to be overwhelming. With so many clippers, blades, and styles to choose from, it is easy to get confused. Roxanne Zenner from Andis, breaks down what is needed to choose the right blades, maintain equipment, and clip effectively.

How to Choose the Right Blade?

Clipper blades can be found in detachable blades or adjustable blades.

All detachable blades are interchangeable with industry-standard clippers, including brands like Andis, Wahl, Oster, and Heiniger. Blades from different brands can also be used together, allowing flexibility for grooming needs. When changing out blades, turning the clipper on while installing ensures proper alignment. Detachable blades are made from stainless steel or ceramic. With ceramic, blades stay sharper longer, heat up slower, and leave fewer track lines, helping prevent going over the same spot multiple times. Blades are also available in wide or fine-tooth versions.

Adjustable blades, usually found on trimmers, allow manual changes to the cutting length and work best for cleanup rather than full-body clipping.

The numbers on the blades indicate hair length. Lower numbers leave hair longer, while higher numbers cut it shorter.

New to clipping? Start with guards on the blades. Guards provide a forgiving cut, reducing the risk of taking too much hair at once, and help develop a feel for the clippers and blades. Once confident, remove the guards for more precise, controlled strokes.

Corded or Cordless Clippers?

The choice between corded and cordless clippers often comes down to convenience, budget and preference. Cordless clippers match corded units in power and are ideal for barns or areas without easy access to electricity. Corded clippers provide uninterrupted power, which can be reassuring for longer clipping sessions.

Clippers are available in a range of speeds, from 2,500 - 6,500 strokes per minute, and can feature one-speed, two-speed, or five-speed options depending on the model.

How to Properly Maintain Clippers and Blades?

Proper blade maintenance prolongs the life of both the blade and the clipper. Oiling blades after each use is essential to prevent rust and preserve performance. For extended clipping sessions and disinfection, Cool Care Plus can be applied to blades to keep them cool and reduce the risk of spreading viruses.

Blade Care Plus can be sprayed directly on the blade or used to gently immerse and run the blade, rinsing away excess hair and buildup. Store blades properly, protected from the elements, to prevent rust and damage.

Blades should be replaced or sharpened if they leave track lines, snag or fail to cut smoothly. Slow performance or unusual noises may indicate that the Blade Drive or Hinge Assembly, located under the Drive Cap, need replacement.

How to Make Clipping Less Stressful for the Animal?

Before clipping, bathe and brush the animal thoroughly. This reduces stress for the animal, the clipper, and the handler. Introduce the clipper gradually, letting the animal feel the vibrations and hear the noise. Placing the running clipper gently against the animal helps them adjust before full clipping begins.

Understanding clippers, blades, and proper technique ensures a smooth grooming experience and helps animals look their best for any show.

The chart below provides a quick guide to the best blade choices for different areas of the animal. Chart provided by Andis.

Whether for horse, livestock or pet, Valley Vet Supply is your one-stop shop for trusted care. Explore more of our show / grooming supplies category at ValleyVet.com.

All photos courtesy of Valley Vet.

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