Part-Boarding Part 2: Taking the Plunge

So you’ve finally decided to elevate your riding from a weekly lesson to part-boarding a horse. This is a big step so you want to make sure you know exactly what you want and what to look for before taking the plunge.

Here are a few things to look for and avoid before getting into a part-boarding agreement.

Find an appropriate level of mount. Make sure the horse you are going to board is well suited to your skill level. I think it is okay to challenge yourself at this point by riding a little more horse then what you have been riding in lessons but be honest with yourself and the person whose horse you will be riding. If you are not an expert rider don’t claim to be. Have the owner ride the horse first then you ride it, this is a good way to see if the horse is what the owner claims it to be and it allows you and the owner the chance to see if everyone is well suited and happy with the match up.

Make sure the horse is sound for riding, there is nothing more frustrating then paying for a horse that is too sore to ride or is only sound for “light riding” when what you want is a horse that can giddy up. A vet check will do this or have a knowledgeable friend help you out.

Try to find a location that will allow you to do the riding you want to do. If you are interested in trail riding then look for an appropriate barn that has easy access to trails. There is no sense part boarding at a hunter jumper barn when you want to work on trails. Be sure to check that the barn hours and accessibility to arenas, sand rings and round pens are going to work with your schedule. You don’t want to part- board at a facility if you plan on riding at night and the barn closes at 8PM or you have a lot of lessons to work around.

Make sure the barn is located close enough that you can get out and ride as often as has been arranged. Be realistic are you willing to travel an hour each way to ride three days a week?

So you think you have found the appropriate horse and location now it is time to talk finances and expectations with the owner. Negotiating terms with owner is often the toughest part for some people. In my business dealings I always want both parties walking out of the agreement happy with what they got. You don’t want to feel you have been taken advantage of and you don’t want the owner to feel like you are trying to short change them. This is particularly true for a part boarding agreement, ticking off the owner is a sure fire way of ending the arrangement.

The things you will need to discuss are the available dates; can you take the horse off the property or to shows? Talk about access to tack and having friends coming out to watch. Have a clear understanding what will happen if the horse becomes lame, usually the owner takes care of vet bills. I would caution anyone who is asked to cover vet bills, medications or supplements you never know where these expenses could lead. I strongly suggest liability insurance for the part –boarder, you want to be covered if the horse you are riding accidentally kicks someone’s car or rips a gate off. Here in Ontario Canada I use the OEF (Ontario Equestrian Federation) for some of my coverage.

Finally respect the horse the owner and the facilities you are riding at. The horse community is a tight one you do not want a reputation for being a difficult or uncooperative part-boarder. Treat people and horses the way you would want to be treated and you’ll be fine.

Good luck and have fun

Steve Wawryk