Being a part of a boarding facility is a unique social situation—one that often combines a sense of friendship, family and a close camaraderie while enjoying our irreplaceable companionship with horses. With the right people, a boarding facility can be a wonderful place. With the wrong people, it can be a nightmare.
When I was a teen, I found the wrong place. I boarded my horse at a large commercial facility where my New Zealand rug, which cost my entire summer’s earnings, was stolen. Later, all of my horse’s bathing items were pilfered in the time frame it took me to walk from the wash stall to my horse’s stall! My bridle was used on lesson horses. My bit disappeared. My wash bucket vanished. Brushes and hoof picks found their way to some black hole. My expensive field boots walked off. I took my saddle home every night and wished I could do the same with my horse. The last straw was when the barn owner rode my horse without my permission—my navicular horse who he took for a gallop and then left soaked in sweat and panting in her stall. Since then, wherever I’ve boarded, I’ve locked everything up tight and have been fanatical about the care my horse receives.
But I’ve finally found a place where I can relax and trust that none of what has happened before will happen again. Here, I refer to fellow boarders “barnmates.” In four years, only twice did something of mine disappear—a lead line, and it returned to its usual place both times the following day. We leave our trunks open in case someone needs something. It’s a place where you can lose track of time for hours. It’s also a place where you’re disappointed when you drive in to find that you’re the only one there.
At this particular barn, we’ve had wine and cheese parties in the gazebo, Halloween dress up parties (equally attended by costumed adults, kids and horses), pot lock Christmas parties, brunches and other great excuses to come together for social time. Of course, the best time is just spent riding and chatting. When one person’s horse is hurt or sick, everyone is pulling for him. And when someone has a breakthrough in training or showing after setbacks, we all celebrate the success.
Finally being a part of a great facility, I find these suggestions can help other people become good barnmates:
§ Put your stuff away when done and sweep manure and hoof pickings from the grooming stalls.
§ Be courteous especially to less experienced riders and horse owners while in the arena and in the barn and lend them a hand when needed.
§ Give a once-over look to all the horses if you’re the only one there. Early signs of problems or injuries can be caught when people are observant.
§ Are blankets hanging half off a horse? Are ties undone?
§ Has the horse taken down a part of his paddock?
§ Check water buckets, especially important in the summer.
§ Electricity is expensive. Last one out usually turns off all the lights in the barn and arena.
§ Exchange phone numbers with boarders in case of emergency. This barn keeps a book with all boarders’ phone numbers as well as each horse’s veterinarian and farrier.
§ What goes around, comes around: when you share items that someone else desperately needs, they’ll be there for you when you need them. For example, I’ve left poultice, diapers and ice boots out in the common area for everyone to use if their horses have abscesses or swollen legs. And when I was desperate for poultice, medication and wraps (which I left at home!), more than one person was quick to offer.
I’ve gotten phone calls from boarders and the barn owner when my horse looked lame or when she didn’t finish all of her feed. Likewise, I’ve made phone calls when a horse was sweating for no apparent reason or when a horse wasn’t eating. Being a good barnmate makes for a great environment for you, other boarders and your horses. Plus, it’s always nice to know that someone else is looking out for your horse when you’re not there.
