Barn Sweet Home

by Gabriel Denison

Cindy Wells loves to ride the trails. Jan Singlinton looks forward to a season of competition jumping. Danielle Johnson works cattle and dreams of winning in cutting competitions. Pam Bell and her 7 year old daughter, Wendy, just bought their first horse and want lessons. Janie Harring works hard all week and wants to ride quietly on the weekends, the only time she sees her horse. All these horse owners live in Central Oregon, and all of them need the right stable.

Trying to find the right environment for your horse is like shopping for a house: it has to work for you and your lifestyle. You must look for the best quality within your budget, safety, compatibility and convenience. Jaqueline Timmerman, a horsewoman in Sunriver, says, “There are a lot of barns out there. Some are run by horse people, and some by well meaning wannabes. Don't be afraid to drive to several stables, talk to the managers. Ask questions about their backgrounds, and walk through the facilities.”

The overall appearance of any location can be broken down into more specific requirements for the Central Oregon barn shopper.

Light and ventilation in the barn are very important, as your horse will be spending much of his time there, especially in the winter months. Watch out for dark stalls, as a small, ill-lighted stall can become solitary confinement for your horse, not the home he needs. A well-run facility will smell of horses, hay and grain. A musty, or strong ammonia smell is a red flag to any potential renter, as it indicates poor feed and poor hygiene. You have the right to ask to view the feed available for the facility, and ask who their hay supplier is. The best barns have regular feeding schedules, and the feed should be top quality. If you have specific feeding requirements, the management should be flexible and accommodating. Available bedding should be clean and plentiful. Barns that skimp on bedding, or stock cheap feed, are watching their pocketbook, not your animal's welfare.

In winter or summer weather, a shelter should be available for horses to escape rain, wind and cold. A good stable is concerned over your animal's health risks. Some require blankets for winter pasture, as well as diets to strengthen a horse's system in extreme temperatures.

No matter how good a facility appears at first, be sure to meet and talk with the manager and/or trainer. The management of your stable is the backbone of the facility. Your ideal manager should have an extensive background in the equine industry, a good grip on basic health care procedures, equine behavior, and nutrition. Ask questions. Good management will be knowledgeable, responsible and personable. Mary Buckner, owner of Tulsa Bound Quarter Horses in Madras, Oregon, adds, “Never choose a barn where you are made to feel intimidated for what you don't know. A manager or trainer with good interpersonal skills should inspire you to learn, and encourage you with your horse. After all, it's your barn, too!”

The signs of a well-managed facility is an organized management, requiring a regular deworming schedule, proof of vaccinations, Coggins testing, and authorization to call your vet. Always ask to read over a copy of the stable contract, and if the barn doesn't have one, that is a black mark against the barn. Contracts protect everyone involved, and set guidelines for barn behavior.

It is important to keep your horse's requirements in mind. If he is used to living exclusively in a stall, throwing him out to pasture may not be a wise decision. Ask your barn manager about turn-out privileges, and if your horse can be integrated to pasture. An hour or two a day will accustom your horse to green grass, and introducing him to pasture mates through side by side paddocks is a safe idea. Marianne Jackson, owner of Twin Willows Stables in Tumalo, Oregon advises, “Horses accustomed to submissiveness to a lead horse will integrate quickly, but horses unfamiliar to equine groupings won't have a clue on how to behave.”

Marianne also encourages an owner to inspect the fence lines. Pole fencing can be unreliableif too old, and untreated wood encourages chewing. Wire of any type can be dangerous if not properly installed and maintained. A sharp, exposed end can be a razor on your animal's hoof or pastern, causing many complications. Check for sagging boards, or rotten fence posts: Central Oregon weather can rot posts at the base, leaving an unstable fence line that appears safe.

A very important point to investigate is your potential establishment's policy on outside trainers, farriers or vets. Make sure to inquire if members of your equine team are welcome in the stable. Some facilities have strict rules regarding independents working in the barn.

At Twin Willows, Marianne encourages stable shoppers to thoroughly check the barn they are considering for an equine discipline that fits them.

“If you are a cutting enthusiast, you may not be happy in a stable full of show jumpers. If you are interested in improving your equine skills, make sure the barn has lessons available. The multi-discipline stable is a jewel when found, and worth paying for, but if you cannot find one, look for the most comprehensive service available.”