Horse Agistment and Related Services
When considering horse agistment the most important thought to keep in mind is the welfare of the horse. Horse agistment varies considerably and can be for just grazing on someone else's land or include a huge range of related services.
Generally the lowest and cheapest level of agistment available is for shared agistment in open paddocks with an open shelter. You would be expected to supply your own food for the horse, manage the welfare of the horse including exercise and any veterinary or dental treatment yourself. You would need to have plenty of spare time to look after your horse correctly, as daily visits would be a necessity. Occasionally, even at this level of horse agistment the tack room is available to you to store your saddle etc. However, this is not always the case and if the tack room is not available to you any saddle or additional equipment will have to be removed after each visit. Your horse will need exercise and this will be your responsibility. There may or may not be an exercise arena available to you.
The next level of horse agistment usually includes a tack room facility. Some properties have a tack room, which is shared by a number of horse owners. Other properties have individual tack lockers with personal keys. A tack room would normally be locked after hours keeping your saddle and other equipment safe and secure. You may also find horse agistment at this level including an exercise arena, which you can use. Some properties will even have a covered menage available. This can be very useful if the horse agistment is in an urban area. More and more horse agistment facilities are now offering a "Rider's Lounge", where tea and coffee can be made and toilets are available. Some offer mini shops where snacks can be purchased.
The additional services cover a huge range and you will need to check out each individual horse agistment facility to find out exactly what is on offer and what the cost is. Extra services vary in price from establishment to establishment. Some horse agistment properties will allow you to pick and chose which services you want whereas others have set packages at a fixed fee. Services cover feeding or even horse washes. Outdoor horse washes normally use cold water and indoor horse washes use hot water. Some horse agistment properties have private paddocks with a permanent supply of fresh water available and paddocks with electric security fencing can protect your horse from theft etc. Even more services can include bringing your horse in for veterinary or farrier attention.
Riding lessons are frequently offered as a related service. Check with your horse agistment provider to find out if lessons are available for beginners, intermediate or advanced riders and what the costs are.
Obviously, the more additional related services you require or request the higher the fee you pay for your agistment but you know your horse is worth it.
About the Author:
Westbury Park provides quality, reliable horse agistment to the racing and breeding industry.
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