POTENTIAL BOARDERS
Communication is huge, but it really starts with the people. Having a good group of people, and horses, and finding the balance between them is the key. All horses, and horse owners, are different with different needs, a complexity that must be considered when making a decision that is in the best interest of everyone, as well as the management of the farm.
Owning a horse does not necessarily make you a horse person. I tend to ask a lot of questions, mostly because I want to get to know you, but also because I need to know what your level of horse care and knowledge is. If this offends you then you’re probably not a good fit for our facility. On the other hand, if you appreciate someone being cautious about who they bring in, and the types of people you will be boarding with, and the disposition of the horses your horse will herd with, then I look forward to talking with you.
I have attached a document which outlines some of the things I consider or look at when talking with new, potential boarders.
If you are a new horse owner or looking to purchase a horse, I encourage you to strongly think before taking that step. It's all fun and exciting in the beginning, but it can quicky become overwhelming, labor intensive, and expensive, and even dangerous at times.
Boarding at a self care facility is MUCH different than boarding at a full care facility. Ferguson Farm is a self care facility. YOU are responsible for your horses care and grain feeding. Only winter hay is fed by the barn manager for the entire herd.
Also, consider if you have followed the right guidelines when purchasing your horse. Below is a link for one of Rick Gore's videos. He can be a little obnoxious at times, but he's direct and tells it like it is.
Have you considered the monthly cost incurred with owning horses, board, hay, feed, fly spray, deworming, farrier care, routine health care.
Do you have a couple of thousand dollars set back for emergency vet care, because emergencies do and will happen. Your horse doesn't care if it's after 5:00, the weekend, a holiday, or if you have plans to be out of town.