Muliple skinny horses, poor-quality forage, and overcrowded paddocks might be cause for concern when considering a boarding facility. | Photo: iStock

Choosing a horse boarding barn is serious business. You work hard to support your beloved horse, so you want to find a facility that can help keep him healthy and safe, even when you’re not there.

“Choosing a boarding barn for your horse is like choosing a nursing home for your mother,” says Clarissa Cupolo, who looks after the dozen horses that board at Gemini Performance Horses, in Parrish, Florida. “You want them both to be clean and safe. You don’t want to find out that they are not being fed every day when you’re paying for a premium meal plan.”

So, its important owners pay close attention to and never ignore possible red flag indicators that arise when considering or visiting a boarding facility. Here are some of the issues potential boarders might encounter