Things to look for when choosing a barn

Choosing a barn can be a daunting task for both experienced and novice riders alike. Finding the perfect barn is important so you can focus more on riding and less on barn upkeep. Here are a few things to look at when choosing a barn.

1.  What is your research telling you? When looking online or calling around to friends, what are the reviews? If everyone is saying the barn is bad, then stay away. Even the nicest of photos and websites can be misleading. 
2. Are they safe? This seems obvious, but sometimes safety can be forgotten. Be sure that the barn hasn’t had any major issues when discussing with friends or reading reviews. Visit the barn you are looking at and take note of things such as cleanliness, condition of the stalls, and storage areas.
3.  If needed, are there certified instructors? Having a certified instructor onsite is a plus, especially if you are a new rider. Make sure that your instructor has certifications from credible institutions, such as the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA). Also, the more experience they have, especially with beginners, the better.

These are just a few things to look for when choosing a barn. When you’ve settled that, be sure to make sure you have all of the proper equipment. English Habit has a wide selection of products including horse care, English riding belts, English riding apparel, and much more!