| Before signing that horse boarding contract, have | | | | good idea to provide an emergency phone |
| you ever stopped to wonder what all that fine | | | | number at the very least. A release to provide |
| print actually means? Reading over the entire | | | | veterinary care when the barn owner cannot |
| contract positions you as an informed consumer | | | | reach you can help ensure your horse gets any |
| with a more complete understanding of your | | | | needed veterinary care, especially in an |
| responsibilities. Below we will be discussing why | | | | emergency. |
| you need to sign a contract, the important | | | | If you have an insurance policy on your horse for |
| sections on a typical contract, and how you can | | | | mortality, major medical or surgical coverage, you |
| best protect yourself as a potential boarder. | | | | should always provide that information along with |
| Why Do You Need to Sign A Contract? | | | | the emergency phone number for the insurance |
| A horse boarding contract is a binding document | | | | company should your horse become ill or injured. |
| that spells out the agreement you have with the | | | | Most insurance policies require immediate |
| barn owner. Usually including your payment | | | | notification of the illness or injury to honor the |
| obligations each month and the rights of the | | | | claim on the policy. |
| boarding facility should you fail to comply with the | | | | If your horse boarding contract does not have |
| contract. | | | | any information on equine insurance policies, |
| It is also most likely a requirement of the owner | | | | provide the barn owner with an emergency |
| for you to sign a horse boarding contract with | | | | phone number, a copy of the insurance policy, and |
| them, and not your choice. The barn owner | | | | the insurance emergency phone number. It may |
| usually needs each boarder to fill out a contract | | | | also be a good idea to keep a card in your wallet |
| for legal and insurance reasons. It is a means for | | | | with the emergency insurance phone number and |
| barn owners to protect themselves from liability | | | | your horse's policy number. |
| and hold you accountable for all fees and charges | | | | A liability release may also be included in the |
| you incur while your horse is on their property. | | | | contract or drafted as a separate document for |
| What Are The Important Parts Of A Contract? | | | | you to sign. Basically it releases the boarding |
| Fees and services are spelled out clearly in most | | | | facility from any liability resulting in your willing |
| contracts. General board includes basic services | | | | participation in equine activities on their property. |
| for the daily care of your horse. The price will | | | | Some facilities will require a signed release from |
| reflect the amount of daily services you expect | | | | any additional party you may bring on to their |
| to receive. For example, you will pay more per | | | | property, even if it is your horse they intend to |
| month if your horse has a stall compared to | | | | interact with. |
| someone who has their horse on full pasture | | | | How Can I Protect Myself? |
| board. | | | | Your best protection as a boarder is to keep |
| Other added services may include administering | | | | yourself informed by thoroughly reading and |
| wormer or daily supplements, regular exercise, | | | | understanding the horse boarding contract before |
| horse training, and riding lessons. Also included in | | | | you sign. By doing this you have the complete |
| this section is information regarding the day of | | | | understanding of all your obligations as a tenant to |
| each month board is due with late fees and | | | | the boarding facility. |
| charges. | | | | You also understand the rights of the boarding |
| Most boarding facilities enforce health regulations | | | | facility should you fail to pay. After a certain |
| on new horses coming into the barn. Usually you | | | | number of missed payments, a boarding stable |
| will have to provide proof of current negative | | | | may have the rights to take ownership of your |
| coggins and in some cases prove that your horse | | | | horse if outlined as such in the boarding contract. |
| is up to date on all shots and deworming. Some | | | | Your best bet is to stay informed and continue to |
| facilities may enforce a routine care schedule for | | | | make your payments on time. Establish a good |
| veterinary care and deworming. If the boarding | | | | relationship with the barn owner and anyone |
| facility has specific requirements, they should be | | | | largely in charge of the care of your horse. Make |
| outlined specifically in the horse boarding contract. | | | | sure the facility has updated insurance and health |
| Keeping your horse current in all veterinary care | | | | information along with an easy way to contact |
| will help stop the spread of equine illness. | | | | you in case of emergency. Not all of the above |
| Some contracts outline a procedure for | | | | discussed sections will appear on a contract so if |
| emergency situations. As a horse owner you | | | | you have any concerns make sure you inquire |
| must be prepared for the unexpected. From small | | | | with the facility owner and keep copies of |
| injuries to potential life or death situations, it is a | | | | everything you sign for future reference. |