Not every Equestrian is able to keep their horses on their own property, and sometimes we have to place them in agistment even when we’ve been able to have them living with us in the past. Regardless of the circumstances, finding a good fit for agistment, requires careful consideration. Here are 5 points to look for to guide smart agistment decisions.
Quality Fencing
Living Equine has had a whole blog before about the importance of fencing, and that it be of a quality that not only keeps horses contained, but also the construction and materials, if an accident was to occur, reduce the risk of the injury that is sustained during accidents. Fencing can cost a lot of money, and particularly during tough times it can be difficult for agistment properties to keep their fences maintained, however a good inspection of the fences prior to any horse movement can make all the difference between a safe horse, and a lost and injured one.
Safe Stable Environment
Much like fences, stables can have petruding obstructions that present as hazards for horses that can sometimes be free spirited and unpredictable. Stables should be constructed with no sharp edges where horse or human injury can occur, and slip free flooring both in and out of the actual stalls. Quality rubber matting can be a good bonus to look for on stall floors, because it provides not only a non slip surface, but makes for easy to clean, and hygienic living environments for equines.
Cleanliness
Speaking of hygiene, the general cleanliness of the entire property can be a big clue as to the attention to detail, and the amount of care given to the horses staying there. Cleaning can be an extra chore on top of the already very labour intensive days for grooms, however if the stables and surrounds are kept waste free, swept from debris, and disinfected from time to time when there are sick horses, it can make a massive difference to the feel of the place, and the risk of illness to the horses staying there. Tack and equipment placed neatly away in allocated places is also a nice bonus to look for.
Genuine and Empathetic Staff
The people at an agistment establishment truly do make the difference between a quality agistment property, and a poor one. The staff are the ones who day in and day out are responsible for meeting your expections for your horse, and keeping your horse happy and healthy. They are the ones that will be the first to notice if your horse is unwell or injured, or to be there to comfort them when they are unsettled. They are the ones who must meet any special requirements despite their busy day, and empathise with you when you or or you horse are having triumphs or hardships.
Calm and Happy Fellow Agistees
Last but nearly the most telling, is whether the others horses residing at the prospective agistment place, are calm and happy in their paddocks/stables. If the current residents are both these things, then your horse is most likely going to be too. Observing calm and happy horses on a few occasions prior to settling your horse in to a new environment, can be a smart choice.
These are just a few points to look for and check off prior to agisting horses anywhere. I am sure there are more, or some of these you may not completely agree with, but please at least consider these in your decision making. Our horses are so precious to us, and being able to be content where they are, regardless of what facilities the place may have, is what is the most important thing.
Feature Image courtesy of Aldebaran Park. ©
– Skye Pickering Dip. Horse Business Management.