Overall Organization
Your overall impression of the establishment is a good place to start. A stable will never be clean, but it can be tidy. Stalls should be (reasonably) clean, horses should look well-fed, equipment should have a designated place and the grounds should be relatively free of obstacles. There should be someone on or adjacent to the property for most of the day and access to a public telephone.
Stalls
This is where your animal will spend a large percentage of time, so it is the most important area to inspect. Obviously bigger is better, but expect around 12×12 which is a fairly standard size for most animals. Anything smaller should be avoided unless you own ponies. Look for exposed nails, adequate water supply, chest height feeding trough, level floor, adequate ventilation and cranky neighbors.
Run/Paddock
Outside space will be important to your animal, it should be well-fenced and clear of debris and clutter. Find out if your horse will have an adjoined run or if they will be turned out in a pasture – if so will there be other horses involved? And how often will your animal get outside? Outside paddocks should have a constant water supply, shelter from the elements, some even ground and shouldn’t be overgrazed.
Feeding Schedule
Be sure to check out the feed room, it should be covered and dry, well-lit and things should be labeled. Horses need a consistent daily feeding schedule for proper digestion & health. Ideally they receive several meals during the day. How often will your animal be fed and what? This is an important area to be firm about. Check other animals at the location to ensure they all look round, content and well-fed.
Water Supply
Regardless of your local weather conditions, all horses need a constant supply of fresh, clean water. Water supplies should be in good working order & free of mold and dirt. In cold climates water buckets should have heaters & in warm climates buckets should be located in the shade. Ultimately this is the one factor your horse can’t survive without, so ensuring they are properly watered is of the utmost importance.
Exercise
Horses need to be outside to stretch their legs daily & it is your responsibility to make that happen. Some facilities offer outdoor pens for lone turn-outs & others provide fenced paddocks for outdoor time. Be sure you know how much time you animal will have outside & if they will have company. Often boarders will pay the stable trainer to work with their animal. This should go hand in hand with riding lessons & regular riding.
Emergencies
Learn about the staff situation and who is in charge should there be an emergency on the premises. There should be clear, posted emergency instructions, phone numbers & vet information. What is their policy for calling the vet if they can’t reach you? Is there anyone with medical training on staff? Ask questions about potential accidents & emergencies. Learn if they have evacuation plans & that the staff understands the signs of colic.
Access to Your Animal
Be sure you are clear about stable business hours and how they may affect access to your animal. Can you visit after hours or will there be locked doors/gates in your way. On the flip side, who will have access to your animal when you aren’t there? Who will be in charge of feeding & watering? Discuss with the staff your expected schedule & whether or not you want others to have access to your animal.
Cleaning Up
Cleaning schedules are far more important than you might think. A clean, dry stall is essential to save foot problems and vet bills. Ensure you know what kind of bedding will be used, how often the stall will be cleaned and if you’ll have access to equipment and supplies should you need to supplement by cleaning yourself. Also check stall roofs and walls for areas where rain may leak in, spotting and patching quickly can save backbreaking work, usually in more uncomfortable circumstances.
Other Factors
Lets face it, the list could go on forever. Like picking your own home, choosing a stable is a long & arduous process.
Obviously the stable you choose will depend upon the needs of your animal. However, essential factors vary based on you in many ways too. Your choice should also be based on your riding discipline, availability & level of skill.