| When looking for stabling what is important to consider | | | | circulating? |
| is the actual structure and environment of the stable. | | | | Are the stables well lit with natural light and or artificial |
| The best way to choose a stable for your horse is to | | | | light? |
| know some basic facts and then to actually visit stable | | | | Does every stable offer clean fresh water? |
| in your area to get a comparison. | | | | Do the horses have hay in the stable? |
| There are basic items that every stable horse should | | | | What does the floor of the stable look like? |
| have. When visiting a yard keep these items in mind to | | | | Is there rubber matting, straw, dirt or sawdust for the |
| ensure that your horse will be well cared for. A | | | | floor? Does the floor drain well? Are the stable beds |
| neglected stable horse can result in a costly | | | | cleaned out regularly? A good sign if anything else is |
| veterinarian bill. | | | | the smell. A well kept yard does not have a strong |
| From the moment you drive into a yard, your eyes | | | | smell of ammonia (urine). |
| should be on the lookout. | | | | What do the horses in the various stables look like? |
| What does the fencing look like? Is it well maintained | | | | Are they shaggy and unkempt or are they groomed? |
| and safe for a horse? | | | | What are the horses doing - the behavior of the |
| Is the property and fields securely gated? | | | | stabled horses is a clear sign of what type of stable |
| Are the horses content in the fields or are there too | | | | environment you are looking at. An unhappy horse will |
| many horses in one field? | | | | most likely be chewing wood, box walking, kicking, |
| When you enter a yard is your presence noted? Is | | | | wind-sucking amongst other vices. |
| there some one to assist you or some one taking | | | | Vices are however not the only way to tell a bad |
| care of the horses? It is advisable to call before visiting | | | | stable from a good one. Some horses may have |
| a yard especially if you visit during lunch when most of | | | | developed the vice elsewhere, so concern yourself if |
| the staff may not be in the yard. | | | | a number of horses are all showing signs of agitation |
| What do the stables look like? | | | | and boredom. |
| Are they well maintained with no loose nails, broken | | | | When looking for a stable your horses comfort should |
| doors, uneven and badly cracked surfaces? Is the | | | | come first. He does not need a state of the art tack |
| stable a comfortable size for your horse? | | | | room or huge covered outdoor arena. He needs |
| Do the stables have good ventilation and fresh air | | | | basics and it is trusting you to supply them. |