Horse Boarding
Information & Requirements
Horse boarding at Rockin M Ranch is offered on a very limited basis. I am particular about the horses and owners I bring onto the property because it is extremely important to me that all horses here are handled safely, consistently, and with the same basic standards of horsemanship.
My goal is to provide a relaxed, horse-centered environment where horses can live as naturally as possible while receiving appropriate nutrition, veterinary care, farrier care, and daily oversight.
What board includes
- 24/7 pasture turnout with access to run-in shelter
- Free-choice hay
- Stall available when medically necessary
- Horses can be separated individually for grain/feedings as needed
- Up to 6 lbs of pelleted feed per day
- Kalmbach mineral tubs and salt blocks available in turnouts
- Daily general observation and care
If a horse requires more than 6 lbs of pelleted feed per day to maintain an appropriate body condition, the additional feed is the owner’s financial responsibility. I am happy to purchase and feed it as needed.
The horse’s health comes first.
Horses are expected to be maintained at approximately a Body Condition Score of 5.
If there is a medical reason that a horse should be maintained at a lower body condition, I will need documentation/recommendation from the horse’s veterinarian.
If I feel a horse is losing condition or needs additional nutrition, I will discuss changes with the owner. The horse’s health and welfare will always come first.
Routine care. An established relationship.
Veterinary and farrier care are required and are the owner’s financial responsibility.
Owners must maintain their horse on an appropriate routine farrier schedule and provide routine veterinary care as needed.
Owners must also have an established working relationship with a veterinarian who is willing and able to provide care for their horse, including emergencies.
I do not want a situation where a horse needs urgent medical attention and we are trying to find a veterinarian who has never seen the horse and does not have an established relationship with the owner.
Start on the same page.
Because horses here live primarily in a pasture/turnout environment with other horses, everyone handling horses on the property needs to understand basic horse and livestock safety.
New boarders are required to temporarily enroll in lessons and complete approximately a 6-week basic horsemanship session.
This isn’t meant to require you to stay in lessons forever. It simply gives me an opportunity to make sure we are on the same page regarding:
- Safely catching, haltering, and leading horses
- Horse body language
- Appropriate personal space and boundaries
- Safely entering and exiting gates
- Handling horses around other horses in a turnout
- Basic herd dynamics
- Safe tying and everyday handling
- What to do when horses become excited, pushy, or distracted
- General barn, pasture, and livestock safety
Once I know you are comfortable, capable, and handling the horses in a way that is consistent with how we do things here, continued lessons are optional.
Lesson rates for boarders
- With your own horse
- $40/lesson
- Using one of my horses while boarding
- $50/lesson
For experienced horse owners, the initial lesson period is generally just an opportunity for us to get to know each other and make sure our handling expectations are compatible.
Explore the horsemanship lesson program →The right horses.
The right people.
I intentionally keep boarding small and selective.
Having horses on the property means I am ultimately responsible for their day-to-day welfare and safety. I need to be comfortable with not only the horse, but also the people who will be interacting with the herd and using the property.
I want owners who value good horsemanship, appropriate veterinary and farrier care, safe handling, and doing what is best for the horse.
The goal isn’t to have a large boarding barn. It’s to have the right horses and people here.
Let’s talk about your horse.
Text Jessica to discuss your horse, your goals, and whether our boarding program is a good fit.
517-937-4293Text Jessica about horse boarding ↗Grass Lake, Michigan · Visits by appointment