Best Horse Boarding Facilities in Chicago

FAQs

• Introduction

  Choosing a horse boarder is a unique type of business transaction because it can become a long-term partnership. The boarder can become the person your horse relies on for care and attention when you’re busy. Additionally, the boarding facility becomes your horse’s home, so you want it to be safe and comfortable.

  
  

  Things to consider when choosing a boarding facility include the level of care your horse needs and how much you can comfortably spend on boarding. The amount of time you have available to take care of your horse is also a consideration. This detail is due to the types of care packages boarding facilities offer.

• What is horse boarding?

  Horse boarding is when a horse farm provides a place for a horse to stay and manages its daily care in exchange for a fee. Some boarding facilities also provide medical care for horses. Boarding provides a way to be a responsible horse owner for someone who doesn’t have a safe place to keep a horse.

• What are the different types of horse boarding?

  Horse owners can choose from two main types of boarding. The types are pasture boarding and stall boarding.
  

  • Pasture boarding does not include access to a stall.
  • Stall boarding provides horses with a place to sleep indoors.

  
  

  In addition to the two main types of boarding, there are different levels of care offered by some breeders. The levels of boarding care offered include:

  • Full care
  • Partial care
  • Self care

• Why board a horse?

  Boarding a horse is usually chosen to enhance its well-being. Horses need room to run and play as well as a safe place to sleep. Additionally, horses need care, such as grooming and training, that take time. Horse owners who aren’t able to provide those things can choose to board horses at places that offer those things.

• Where to board a horse?

  To find a place to board a horse, check online listings to understand what you can expect from each facility. Additionally, consider checking classified ads online or in print to find boarding facilities. Choose one that’s conveniently located so you can visit your horse frequently.

• What is a horse boarding stable?

  A horse boarding stable is a place that rents out stable space and room for horses to run. It’s a service for people who don’t have room to care for their horses. It can also be used by people who aren’t able to give horses the care needed to be healthy and happy.

• What does boarding a horse include?

  Boarding a horse usually always includes a safe place for a horse to sleep and a pasture area where it can exercise and eat grass. Some boarding facilities offer full-care packages while others offer partial packages that let owners choose the level of service they want.

• How much does it cost to have a horse per month?

  It usually costs between $500 and $1,200 per month. This includes the amount that’s paid for boarding. It also includes the cost of tack and veterinary care. Additionally, farrier costs and other specialty care items for horses are included in the cost.

• How much does it cost to board a horse?

  The average cost to board a horse is between $350 and $400 per month. It can drop as low as $100 per month if you choose a self-care package with pasture boarding. Full-care packages with stable boarding can run up to around $700 per month.

• How much does it cost to board a horse per year?

  It usually costs $4,200 to $4,800 to board a horse for a year. With self-care pasture boarding, it could drop as low as $1,200 per year for horse boarding. The cost can go up around $8,400 per year for stable boarding with full care.

• Is it cheaper to board a horse?

  Boarding a horse can be cheaper than caring for one at home. This is due to the cost of maintaining the property for a horse. Things that add to the cost of keeping a horse at home include the cost of building and maintaining a fence and the cost of stable maintenance.

• How do I start a horse boarding business?

  To start a horse boarding business, assess the property to see if it’s ready to go or needs upgrades. Prepare a detailed business plan. Apply for a business license and sign up for a business bank account. Get business liability insurance and then begin marketing your service.

• How do I run a horse boarding facility?

  To run a horse boarding facility, understand how your costs relate to your profits so you know when you’re making money. Choose a reliable bookkeeping system and carefully manage all documents. Exercise patience with both horses and owners to build a positive reputation among horse owners.

• Is boarding horses profitable?

  Boarding horses can be profitable when approached professionally. Carefully manage records. Buy seasonal items, such as hay, when prices are low to store for off seasons. Offer full-care boarding rather than self care so you stay in control of keeping your stables clean. Offer extra services for an additional fee, such as grooming and braiding.

• How much should I charge for horse boarding?

  The amount you charge for horse boarding should be based on the type of boarding and service packages you offer. On average, you should charge between $350 and $400 per month for each horse. This can be lower for pasture boarding and self-care packages or higher for stable boarding and full-care packages.

• Is horse boarding considered farming?

  Horse boarding is considered farming by the IRS. It’s considered agricultural production when you board or train horses for others. Maintain records related to horse boarding and your farm. Choose an accounting method to follow. Additionally, track all farm business information, such as gas mileage and employment taxes if you hire workers.