• Establish proper rules for your boarding facility.horses image by Earl Robbins from Fotolia.com
  
  If you have a suitable space, boarding horses can be a good way to make some extra money. But before you let that first new horse move in, you need to establish rules that all boarders agree to obey. Without those rules in place, disagreements between boarders can break out, and without the right health rules set out, illness could easily spread from animal to animal.
  
  

Deworming Schedule

• Horses are prone to a number of worms and other intestinal parasites. Following a regular worming schedule is the best way to protect the horses in your boarding facility, but it only works if all boarders follow the same protocol. One of the most effective ways to make sure everyone stays on schedule is to post the recommended worming schedule from the facility vet on a large bulletin board near the barn or riding arena. Post reminders each time a new round of worming is needed. If boarders do not follow the protocol, the barn owner can have the vet worm their horses--and send them the bill. It is critical to write this language into the boarding agreement to avoid legal disputes.
  
  

Vet and Farrier

• The boarding agreement should clearly state that each boarder is responsible for providing veterinary and farrier services for their own animals. Boarding facilities should also dictate that no animal can enter the facility without a good bill of health from a licensed veterinarian. This stipulation is important because many equine diseases are highly communicable. All new boarders should be required to provide a recent Coggins test from their vet, and a copy of that paperwork should be kept on file in the barn office. Boarders are also responsible for obtaining veterinary care when needed, both for routine vaccinations and for accidents and illnesses. If the barn owner notices a problem with a particular animal, the owner should be notified at once and given the opportunity to contact the vet or farrier. If no arrangements are made within a reasonable period of time, the boarding contract should allow the owner of the facility to obtain veterinary services and charge the cost to the boarder.
  
  

Cleanup

• The boarding rules should clearly state that boarders are responsible for cleaning up after their animal. Any manure piles should be cleaned up promptly, especially if they are in common areas like barn aisles. Horse owners should also be required to keep their assigned tack areas neat and tidy, and to never use another person's equipment without first asking permission. In a good boarding facility, boarders are often willing to share tack with one another, but horse owners should never assume that they are free to use anyone else's equipment.