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As inflation has driven up the cost of goods and services recently, many horse boarding barn owners have had to raise their boarding rates. Navigating rate increases is tricky, and too many or too large increases can cause you to lose boarders. A better solution? Adding value to your horse boarding barn business.
When you add value to your business, it is easier for boarders to see the improvements that their board payments are being invested towards. The additional investment and value to your business can help to attract new boarders. There are several investments and upgrades to your barn and property that can quickly add value and set your business apart as a luxury equestrian facility.
As equestrians, we understand just how important the right footing is to our horse's performance and joint health. The arena footing directly impacts horse safety and health. Poor quality footing can lead to injuries like tendon and ligament strains and tears. Additionally, dusty footing can cause respiratory issues. Poor quality footing is also unpleasant to ride in. As is the case at horse show venues, boarders will absolutely notice when your footing wears thin or needs to be replaced.
Depending on the type and state of your footing, you may be able to buy an additive to immediately improve its quality. Alternatively, you might need to replace or add to your footing. There are other efforts, such as regularly dragging and watering footing, can also ensure your arena is in top shape. Contact our team for our recommendation on footing partners who can add long lasting value to your arena and riding experience.
Your horse fencing is another excellent upgrade to consider for your facility's appeal and function. Old, worn fencing can be dangerous for horses. It might result in horses escaping or being injured. Aside from safety and function, fencing also plays a key role in your equestrian facility’s aesthetics. Buying new horse fencing can immediately make a positive impression on visitors to your farm as they drive by the farm into the paddocks and barn area. This includes potential boarders.
Our HDPE fencing is an upgrade option we always recommend to clients as it is safe, durable, and beautiful. Our horse fencing is available in two, three, four, and five-rail configurations. You can choose from eight colors to complement your facility’s aesthetics – choosing from a classic, traditional white finish or a more contemporary black or weathered wood finish. Additionally, our HDPE horse fencing won’t crack or become brittle – unlike PVC fencing – in extremely cold or warm climates .
To dive deeper, larger turnout size or creating new turnouts and paddocks for horses can also increase your boarding barn’s value. While we love our horse stall systems, our clients and team always recommend clients to provide their horses access to the fresh outdoors as much as possible. Stall runs can be easily accessed by installing Dutch doors in your barn can make your horse stalls much more versatile. This combination gives each horse access to their own individual run. If your larger paddocks and turnouts are limited, then creating individual runs can help to keep horses moving while appealing to horse owners who want their horses to have more freedom than a stall provides.
While we touched on arena footing, the flooring in your horse stalls contributes to the comfort and safety of your boarders’ horses. Old, worn-out flooring makes stalls look messy and undesirable. It also costs you time in stall cleaning labor, as well as extra bedding. Why? You will often see old rubber mats sink into the stall and have area which catch a pitch fork during cleaning.
New interlocking rubber stall mats can revitalize your horse stalls. They create a smooth, flat surface that is slip-resistant and easy to maintain. These mats are versatile and can also be used in your grooming stalls and barn aisles. Putting down new stall mats in these areas will make your barn look refreshed and well-maintained. The mats can also help keep horses and humans safe by preventing falls, plus they will make your barn aisle and grooming stall easier to clean.
Bonus tip: We actually love interlocking rubber mats as our preferred rubber flooring surface in wash stalls and grooming areas. This is because they can be easily picked up, disinfected, and cleaned for a clean environment.
If you want to elevate your horse stalls even more, consider upgrading to the StableComfort Horse Stall Mattress System. The mattress is filled with rubber crumbs and provides comfort and shock absorbency. The top cover is a flat, non-slip surface. Installing the StableComfort system in your horse stalls demonstrates to boarders that you’re committed to their horses’ safety and comfort. As a bonus, it saves you time on stall cleaning, plus you can use less bedding.
A quality tack room is a must-have when you’re boarding horses, and it’s easy for a tack room to become outdated. Plus, as your boarding business grows and you bring in more horses, you might outgrow your tack room.
Consider adding a new tack room or renovating your existing space. Adding new overhead lighting can help to make your tack room appear larger, while also making it easier for boarders to use. There are several other ways to make your tack room more unique, such as integrating a lounge area, installing a deep sink for cleaning track, and adding decorative touches for luxurious style.
Investing in premium hardware, like brass bridle hooks, can also enhance your tack room. Premium stable hardware is a durable choice that’s not only functional, but that adds distinctive style. Attention to smaller details like your bridle hooks can elevate your tack room – and your boarding barn – as a quality, luxury facility.
Wash stalls are essential elements of busy boarding and training programs, and they offer a great upgrade opportunity.
Start with the flooring. Upgrading your wash bay flooring with rubber aisle pavers will immediately create a stylish enhancement while also being safer for horses and handlers. Rubber aisle pavers are UV stabilized, so you can use them for indoor and outdoor wash bays.
If you don’t yet have a water heater, then boarders will love having the ability to use the wash stall even in colder weather. For an even bigger upgrade, infrared heaters for wash stalls can help chase the chill during winters, so horses dry faster.
Simple upgrades, like new waterproof wash bay wall panels, can help protect your barn walls while enhancing the look of the space.
Investing in these barn upgrades can help maximize the value of and optimize your boarding barn business, so you can increase your boarding rates and attract new clients. At American Stalls, we’re happy to help you plan your barn upgrades or renovations. Contact us today at (855) 957-8255 or email us at sales@americanstalls.com to schedule a sales and design consultation or to ask any questions.
Nestled in Montana’s rugged beauty, this private barn at Seeley Lake combines craftsmanship with thoughtful design, offering a haven of comfort and safety for horses and caretakers alike.
