Horse boarding needs are different from any other animals or livestock. Horses need safe, durable fencing and shelter, good quality feed, water and a place to exercise plus a place to store tack and equipment. That’s a tall order.
Horses can be kept at home, but only where they are permitted and where the yard is set-up for horse keeping. However, many horse owners can’t keep their horses at home. Thankfully, horse boarding facilities enable horse ownership for those who are unable to keep horses at home. No matter which side of the horse boarding fence you are on – home or a facility – there are certainly issues to consider.
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Horse Boarding Facility Options in SLO County
Since many horse owners need a place to keep their horses, the question is frequently raised, “Where can I board my horse?” Brie Nicholson of RE/MAX Success realty has put together a list of horse boarding facilities in SLO County. You can get this list through this link: SLO County Boarding Facilities List
There’s a Wide-Range of Horse Boarding Facilities
Since she has compiled this list, Brie talks about the various horse boarding options available in SLO County. “We’re lucky here in SLO County to have something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for retirement boarding or a full-training program, self-care options or all-inclusive facilities with all the extras, there’s a wide-range to choose from. Each facility is truly unique, which is why it’s so important to do your homework and find the one that best fits your horse, your goals, and your vision for their care.”
What Are the Most Important Features to Consider?
Every facility is different regarding what is offered. Brie suggests owners think through what their individual needs are. Some features to put at the top of the list are: “The top priorities for any horse facility should be safety and health. Horses have a knack for finding trouble, so things like secure fencing, solid tie rails, safe footing, and plenty of space are a must. You’ll also want to see clean water, quality feed on a regular schedule, and systems in place to support both physical and mental well-being. A designated quarantine area is another smart feature that’s often overlooked. Beyond that, the rest comes down to your personal goals and what extras matter most to you.”
Brie Nicholson’s Journey with Horse Boarding
As a horse owner herself, and a former barn manager and now rancher Brie Nicholson dove into the SLO County horse boarding options to help horse owners with horse boarding options.
Brie explains her own horse keeping journey. “Growing up, I had a foot in both worlds, keeping a few horses at home and boarding one through a training program. At home, I was hands-on from an early age, learning how to care for our horses properly: feeding, cleaning, creating a safe environment, and paying close attention to their well-being. At the boarding facility, I quickly noticed gaps in the care. More than once, I found myself re-cleaning stalls or checking on things that were supposedly handled.”
Three Important Things for Content Happy Horses
Her journey continued, “In high school, I became a camp counselor at a well-run riding camp in Northern California that housed around 25 horses. That’s where I first saw what it looked like when a facility was dialed in: Quality feed, plus clean and natural conditions, results in horses that were truly content.”
Keeping a Horse Boarding Facility Running Well
Brie gained valuable experience helping manage a large boarding facility. “Later, while at Cal Poly, I helped manage a large boarding facility in San Luis Obispo. That was a crash course in everything: medical situations, unique horse personalities, all kinds of owners, and all the little and not-so-little things that go into keeping a place like that running well. I gained a deep respect for what it takes to manage horses at scale. It’s constant, and the horses don’t care if it’s late, raining, or your day off. Emergencies will happen, and having someone in charge who’s experienced, observant, and committed can make all the difference.”
Boarding Horses at Home verses a Boarding Facility
What are the benefits of boarding your horse(s) at a facility?
As someone who has experience on both sides of boarding horses – the management side and the boarder side – Brie talks about the benefits: “Boarding comes with a lot of benefits, especially when you find the right place for you and your horse. One of the biggest advantages, and something I think about often since we keep ours at home, is how much easier it is to travel. Unless you are at a self-care facility, you do not need to line up a house or ranch sitter. Your horse can stay on its routine, and you can head out of town with peace of mind.”
Horse Boarding at a facility takes some big management tasks off your plate
Brie knows the hassle of managing everything from hay deliveries to vet visit plus twice a day feedings and stall cleaning along with facility maintenance. She appreciates not having to manage these things as a boarder. Brie remarks, “Many barns handle hay deliveries, feeding, stall cleaning, and even coordinate vet and farrier visits, which takes a few more things off your plate as a boarder.”
The social side of horse boarding
Brie has favorite memories of hanging at the barn with her horse pals. She relates, “There is also the social side of boarding, which I think is especially valuable for young riders. Some of my best memories and closest friends came from long summer days spent at the barn. Even now, I sometimes struggle to find motivation to ride alone. And it is not just the humans who are social; horses benefit from being part of a herd too. If you only have one horse at home without a companion, it can affect their mental well-being. Horses are naturally social and do best with company.”
How can we be favorable boarders?
We all know that being barn mates with fellow horse owners can be challenging. We can be a favorable barn mate or a difficult one. Again, Brie has experienced this aspect both from the management side and the boarder side.
She has these suggestions to pass along, “Since every facility has its own set of rules, the best thing you can do as a boarder is respect and follow them. If something is not working for you, open and honest communication with the barn owner or manager is key. Where there is an arena to work in, it is a good idea to brush up on shared arena etiquette – like passing left shoulder to left shoulder, passing slower horses on the inside, and using your voice to signal your intentions. Since the grooming and bathing areas are shared, a solid rule of thumb is: Always leave your grooming or tying area cleaner than you found it.”
What are the benefits of keeping your horses at home?
Lucky you who can keep horses at home. Yet, taking on this responsibility does take some thought and planning. Brie shares her joys of boarding her horses at home, “Keeping horses at home comes with a lot of reward. For me, the biggest benefit is having complete control over their routine, feed, and overall care. I also believe it creates a deeper bond. I know every little detail about them, and they know me just as well.”
Involving the family in the horse care
We all know that horse ownership teaches responsibility. What a great tool to have at home for raising responsible kids. Brie shares her own experience with her kids, “Raising my kids with the horses just steps away has been another big plus. They are hands-on with the care and it has taught them about responsibility, work ethic, and what it really takes to care for animals that give so much back to us.”
Appreciate keeping horses at home
An unexpected benefit of keeping horses at home involves having the freedom to enjoy them throughout the day. Brie shares her thoughts, “There is a sense of freedom that comes with having them right outside the door. If I find an unexpected free hour in my day, I can saddle up and ride without needing to factor in a commute.”
You Choose Where to Keep Your Horse
Choosing a horse boarding situation can be a daunting task. However, thinking about your horse(s)’ needs and your needs, plus the most important factors, the task can be made simpler.
Brie is here to help you. She has compiled a list of SLO County Horse Boarding Facilities based on County location. To get this list click here > SLO County Boarding Facilities List
Brie is Here to Help You Find Housing for Both You and Your Horse
Brie Nicholson now focuses full time on real estate here in SLO County. Prior to that she was the lead buyer for Riding Warehouse and also managed, her now retired business: Tack-up Consignment. She remarks, “After more than 20 years of working with our amazing horse community, I’m truly grateful to continue serving horse people by helping them reach their real estate goals.”
“Whether you’re dreaming of bringing your horses home, looking for a place closer to your boarding barn, or searching for a property where you can offer boarding yourself, I’m here to help. We have an incredible horse community here in SLO County, and I feel lucky to stay connected to the people and animals that mean so much to me.”
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