Horse boarding question?

Question

i have a 30yr old mare, that I would like to retire. She has a navicular problem in her front right hoof, so I can no longer ride her. She is very sweet and not aggressive at all.

Which boarding facility sounds like a better place to bring her to:

Frankfort: Private residence, horse gets its own stall and own t/o. Can access the t/o all day long. Homeowner is not there during the day (she works full time). No arena, no place to walk my horse around if I want to take her out. Board: 240.00 per month 45mins away from my house

Homer Glen: Horse gets a stall, with gate and window. Homeowner does not live on property, but less than 10mins away. Horse gets t/o all day, with 14 other horses (together). Horses are fed hay outside, and come indoors for grain. Two arena's, and 12 boarders (2 other horses are homeowners horses). Stable is leased for the next 3yrs. Board 280.00 15mins from my house.

Which one sounds like a better environment for a older horse?

Answer 1

I vote the first one. We had a horse with navicular and she always got caught in the middle of fights because she couldnt move out of the way very fast. The first place seems better for an older horse. She will also be able to check on things in the night (when most things go wrong with horses IMO). As for taking her out and walking, can you walk her down the driveway or on the side of a quiet road? Thats what I would do.

Answer 2

The second option sounds better - horses are social creatures so need interaction of other horses - she'll be happier with other horses.  Also, a horse should always have the opportunity to come and go inside or out whenever it pleases for optimum health.  Feeding hay outside allows dust to blow away in the air rather than the horse breathing it in in a closed stall with impeded airflow.

I don't like the idea that there is no one living on the property - if they were next door or something, that would be ones thing, but less than 10 mins could be 10 miles away.

The arenas would be good for you to take her out and work with her (which is probably why it costs more) and it's closer to your home, considering cost of gas, the $40 difference may be eaten up in driving an additional 20 minutes - so it would be easier for you to check on her more often if closer.

Answer 3

I would go with the first one--you don't really need a ring and it doesn't need to be really close if your not going out as much. We have a nice, older gelding with navicular at my barn whose owners come out to visit fairly regularly. They  live farther and have other horses at a more expensive facility.

Answer 4

It doesn't really sound like either place is ideal? Why are these your only two options?

**EDIT

In that case, I think the second place is your best option. But at your horse's age, and with her hoof condition, would they have a separate pasture in which to put her, near the other horses, so they could get to know one another? You'd hate for her to be thrown in there, and get beat up because the horses already there have their pecking order already established. Know what I mean? Just looking out for your horse's health-

Answer 5

I vote for the second option..you can always change your mind later if it doesn't work out.  It's close enough for you to see her every day which is vital to her feeling safe and bonded.  Any risks posed by the herd-fighting that could occur are outweighed by the fact that she is a herd animal and belongs with other horses.  there will be people and horses around to keep her mind off of her old age ailments, and at 30, I bet she'd say "either keep me with the others or just kill me now".  It's no fun to be old and lonely.