-originally published in the August 2025 print edition-

Most horse owners in Maryland board their horses at someone else’s barn. There are many reasons for this—some boarders aren’t in a position to provide day-to-day horse care because of the realities of their personal or professional lives, some boarders don’t have enough (or any) land of their own, some boarders want to take advantage of the economies of scale that boarding barns can offer, etc.

Maryland horse owners are also in it for fun, not money. Which is good because yes, there is money to be made in horses, but the owners aren’t the ones making it. This means that our industry is driven by amateur horse owners who are spending their discretionary funds to have fun with horses. We have an economic incentive to keep things enjoyable for barn staff and fellow boarders alike.

We surveyed Maryland barn managers to find out what matters to them and how boarders can do their part to keep their barn staff happy and their barn life fun.

I. Horses Matter

Put the horse first. Nobody wants to be in a barn with a boarder who doesn’t take proper care of her horse. No barn manager wants to have to fight with an owner about what is best for the horse.

Take advice from experts. No single horse person can possibly know everything there is to know about horses. Seek out expert advice, whether from your barn manager or from your veterinarian or farrier. Be open to improving your general horsemanship skills. There is always something new to learn.

Keep up with the science. We know so much more about horses’ health and biodynamics now than even just 10 years ago. Many things formerly considered best practices are now known to be harmful; a good example is the latest science on leg protection. This means that what is “traditional,” or what you learned in Pony Club or summer camp, may no longer be the standard of care.

II. Respect Matters.

Respect the barn manager’s time. Just because the barn manager may live on the property doesn’t mean she is on call 24-7. Regardless of where she lives, don’t expect the barn manager to respond to non-emergency messages outside of business hours. Moreover, don’t assume familiarity that is not there. Just because your barn manager is friendly and polite doesn’t mean she wants to hear about all your personal problems or spend her non-work time with you. Your relationship is a business arrangement.

Pick your battles. Some battles are worth fighting—horses not fed, meds not given, injuries not reported, and other breaches of contract. But most battles are not. To wit:

a.     Don’t argue about turnout. Barn managers must balance the interests of the whole herd with the resources available on the property. They have the big picture and are in the best position to determine who should get turned out where and with whom. Don’t burden the barn manager with turnout requests unless it is an animal welfare issue such as horses fighting or laminitis prevention.

b.     Similarly, don’t argue about which stall your horse is in. The barn manager’s decision on who goes where should be the final word.

c.     Don’t argue about health programs, quarantines, or other equine health care topics. Biosafety measures should be non-negotiables for any responsible horse owner.

Respect other boarders. People own horses for lots of different reasons and not everyone in the barn may share your goals or objectives. Some boarders come to the barn to socialize; some come to get away from people. Some boarders are working toward specific goals; some prefer a pressure-free environment. It is important to remember that not everyone has the same reason for riding. Adopting a “you do you” attitude is often a winning strategy.

III. Manners Matter

Clean up after yourself. Keep your area, and other common areas that you use, clean. This include wash stalls, crosstie areas, etc. “Clean” in a barn means whatever the barn manager considers “clean,” not what you might tolerate in your own home.

Be considerate. Don’t use other people’s stuff. Don’t hog the wash stall. Don’t park in the way of vet trucks, farriers, or horse trailers.

Follow the barn rules. Use whatever calendar system your barn is using to set up farrier and vet appointments. Adhere to the property owner’s rules and requests re: riding on driveways and other paved areas. Stay in your own space in the tack room/barn aisle, and get permission before placing things like tack trunks in barn aisles.

IV. Money Matters

Don’t nickel and dime the barn manager. Horses are expensive and taking financial short cuts can hurt your horse in the long run. Be prepared to spend what it costs to keep your horse healthy and happy.

Pay your board on time. Basic board covers the fixed costs of caring for a horse and usually not much more. Your barn manager still has to pay for feed, bedding, utilities, etc. If the barn manager can’t pay those bills because the boarders aren’t paying on time, then your horse is the one that suffers. This goes for service providers like veterinarians and farriers, too. Word gets around about who pays on time, who pays late, and who doesn’t pay at all. You don’t want to put yourself or your barn in a position where no one will take you on as a client.

V. Collegiality Matters

Be a team player. Lend a hand, be upbeat and positive (on social media and in the barn), and support barn activities like clinics and in-house shows.

Be kind.

Keep it light, keep it low key, and keep it fun!

We are lucky to have so many wonderful boarding barns in Maryland—but the barn manager grapevine is a powerful thing. Observing some of these tips will help you earn a reputation as a “good boarder,” which will in turn help you if you ever need to change barns.