07/09/2026
This is not a typical boarding arrangement. PLEASE READ ALL THE DETAILS I’M POSTING HERE BEFORE ASKING QUESTIONS.
The right horse/person fit will receive discounted track system board & professional handling (ground only, nothing dominance based) for their energetic or reactive horse.
I run an equine assisted mental health program. We primarily teach people how to heal their nervous systems. The way we do this is such that (by default) the horses/animals in the space & non direct clients in the space get the benefit of this work too. All of my horses have become very regulated over the years of doing this work & I’m hoping to find a couple horses that are somewhat more reactive than mine. The horse must be non aggressive- an example would be no kicking out towards people no striking at people kind of stuff- but a little spooky or quick to react is great. We would spend time teaching the horse how to feel safe & build the ability to think thru challenges instead of just reacting to them.
I would typically be charging $750+ for board minimum with training on top. I have extensive experience running high end barns. I have taken that experience & applied what is appropriate from my performance horse background & applied it to a highly species appropriate care model. We integrate the “3 “F’s” of Forage, Friends, & Freedom along with a fourth F- Function. This means we address the horses physical & mental well being to the best of our ability.
We are in the process of building a “Paddock Paradise” style track system. The basic framework for phase 1 should be done by the 15th. We will start with an open pasture on a nice gradual slope then regularly expand & add features. We have 10 acres of gentile hills, open areas, wooded areas, & a seasonal stream as natural enrichment. We will be continually building enrichment spaces into this such as a sand rolling pit, a salt station, a shade cloth area, a bridge over the stream that will short cut one area, flavored water station for the summer, a small mud pit, different footing areas, and simple obstacles like a section with big rocks, small boulders to navigate, and a section of logs to walk over. There are slow feed net stations with lower sugar hay in different spots than the salts, shelter & water areas. . For horses that need to gain weight they will have regular time in a separate area to eat alfalfa & concentrates as needed (owner provided).
In exchange for lowered board, if the horse is a riding horse, the arena hours are typically mornings. We are a nonprofit & our mission comes first. Most people want therapy in the afternoons & evening because of typical work hours. There are places to ride outside. There is a grass arena with lights (lights would only need to be used if there is a dry spell during the winter) and trails nearby- riding distance if your horse is ok on a country road. A 1-2 min haul if they aren’t up for road riding.
Since your horse would technically be a program horse, there MAY be ways for you to write off their board & expenses on your taxes. I can give you more information about this that you could take to your accountant.
I understand this is a unique situation. If you think it’s terrible or whatever please remember you can scroll on by
Pics are current & past program horses & friends.
