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Definitely look at ALL the horses/animals kept there. Whether they are expensive show horses or lesson ponies they should all be well taken care of and well groomed and healthy. Talk to other boarders. If the owner doesn't want you doing that, don't board there. Unless they have something to hide or its an extra-snobby stable you should be free to approach another boarder. Inspect the structures and riding areas. The fences should be in good repair and replaced when they need to be. Remember barbed wire is for cattle not horses. Horses can sustain life-long injuries that can render them unusable for riding if they get caught in barbed wire. Is the riding ring nice and level without rocks? Do they have equipment to drag it and is it done regularly? If they have jumps are they in good repair like the fences? Are there an adequate number of pastures/turnouts for the number of horses boarded? Does the stable have "hours of operation" or can you drop by to administer medication if you need to at midnight? Or would the owner do so for you? Definitely read and re-read the lease and make sure its fair to both you and the owner. Do a google search for boarding contracts to get an idea of what they look like and what you might want added. And if you have any questions make sure they are answered before you board, no matter how stupid they may sound. And trust your gut. If something feel wrong, keep looking.
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