A boarding contract isn't about the good days. It exists for the 2 a.m. colic, the missed board payment, the gate someone left open. Before you sign, make sure these twelve clauses exist and say what you think they say.
The money clauses
1. Board rate and what it covers. The contract should itemize what the monthly fee includes: stall, turnout schedule, feed type and quantity, hay, bedding, and labor. "Full board" is not a legal term; the itemization is what counts. Compare against typical rates in our cost guide.
2. Add-on fees. Blanketing, holding for the farrier or vet, administering meds or supplements, trailer parking, extra hay in winter. Barns are entitled to charge for labor; you're entitled to know the price list up front.
3. Late fees and the agister's lien. Most states give a stable a lien on your horse for unpaid board, meaning after a statutory process, the barn can legally sell the horse to recover the debt. This is normal contract language, but read how many days trigger it.
4. Rate-change notice. 30 days is standard, 60 is kind.
The care clauses
5. Feed changes. Who decides, and how much notice you get. A good barn commits to gradual feed transitions.
6. Turnout. Hours per day, individual or group, and the weather policy. If daily turnout matters to you, get it in writing, not in the barn tour conversation.
7. Emergency veterinary authority. The most important clause in the document. If you're unreachable and your horse is colicking, can the barn call the vet? Up to what dollar amount? Name your vet, your backup vet, and your surgery/no-surgery preference in the contract.
8. Care standards on paper. Water, hay frequency, stall cleaning frequency, night checks if promised.
The risk clauses
9. Liability release. Nearly every US state has an Equine Activity Liability Act; the contract will reference it and you'll waive claims for inherent risks. Standard. What you're checking for is that it doesn't try to waive the barn's own negligence, courts often reject that anyway, but you don't want a barn that tries.
10. Insurance. Whether the barn carries care, custody and control coverage, and whether you're required to carry mortality/major medical on the horse.
The leaving clauses
11. Notice period. 30 days is the norm on both sides. Check whether the barn can terminate faster "for cause" and what cause means.
12. Condition on departure. A Coggins and health certificate requirement to move in is normal; check what paperwork you'll need to move out, especially across state lines.
Red flags
- No written contract at all ("we keep it casual here")
- A contract that can't tell you what happens in a vet emergency
- Fees "to be discussed" rather than listed
- No notice period, or wildly asymmetric ones
Touring barns and comparing contracts is easier when you have options. Browse boarding barns near you, bring our barn-tour question list, and if you're planning a move, read how to switch barns smoothly.
This guide is general information, not legal advice; boarding law varies by state.