With more and more developers buying out horse properties around the Salt Lake vicinity, it’s getting tougher all the time for those who don’t have their own land to find good boarding solutions for their horses.
Fortunately we still have some good and affordable options. To confirm availability and obtain current boarding cost information, please contact the stables directly. Knowing your preferred discipline and the preferences of your horse are essential factors before you decide where to board.
Be aware that the social climate and rules can vary greatly as well. Be honest with yourself about the environment that you will feel most comfortable in.
Consider commuting times and conditions as well. For some horse owners, a 45 minute trek is nothing if they know their horses are in an optimum setting. Others cannot tolerate a drive of more than 20 minutes each way. Are you okay with a lengthy road trip that keeps you on the freeway or will you be much happier if you can take quiet back roads? There are many things to carefully think about before deciding where to board.
Vista Stables at 9363 S. 3400 W. (West Jordan) is a fun and lively barn that combines a show atmosphere with casual equestrian enjoyment. Owner Steve Allred is exceptionally professional, friendly and appreciated by all. Mandy keeps the on-site show schedule going with a terrific variety of classes for riders of all ages and experience levels.
Vista offers an assortment of very talented and accomplished young trainers including Beck, McKinnon, Caitlin Dillman and Mandy Allred. The group works impressively well together in a cooperative and drama-free fashion.
On-site management assures boarders of reliable a.m. and p.m. feedings. Stalls are cleaned regularly (5x per week) and rates are affordable. Along with a spacious outdoor arena, the facility includes an indoor arena and a few turnout paddocks with safe fencing. The property also features good lighting and active clientele, adding to safe riding conditions at all hours. Speaking of safety, you’ll notice too that youngsters ride with helmets and keep a considerate distance from one another when riding. It’s obvious that good habits have been instilled in the kids at the barn. Phone Steve for boarding questions only: 801.633.8981.
Hunter arena and stables is located at 2664 Rose Park Lane, in the heart of Salt Lake City. This barn is adjacent to I-215, so be cautioned that the freeway noise may be unsettling to some riders and their horses.
With its convenient, close-in urban location, Hunter is always full. They do not keep a waiting list so you must be vigilant about checking in regularly and frequently if you want to move in. Openings are rare. Rates are affordable and they offer self-clean options that make the costs even more manageable.
Eventing/jumping trainer Kim Castro is spectacular. Knowledgeable, direct and honest with a playful teaching style, Kim has a terrific talent for encouraging and bringing out the very best in the riders she works with and any horse she trains.
Long-term boarders at the facility have countless positive things to say about the barn. Riding disciplines vary from English (eventing/jumping/hunt seat) to casual western aficionados. Phone 801.359.6437 or (even better) visit in person to inquire about boarding. The manager’s name is Tomas.
D&M Stables are located just south of Hunter, also on Rose Park Lane (2350). As with their neighbor, potential clients need to be aware that the freeway ambience can be a bit distracting to some horses or riders. But if you don’t require a pastoral setting, D&M offers an assortment of positive and attractive features!
The location is obviously exceptionally convenient. Boarding costs are affordable. Stalls are spacious. Quality feed and water are supplied every morning and night. Owner Dick Bowden is an all-around terrific guy and himself an experienced horseman. No trainers work out of this barn, making it an ideal haven for those who just want to relax and enjoy their horses.
Several long-term boarders make up the D&M family, and it is a family environment. Anyone of any age will feel welcome here! Most are casual western riders with an easy-going playful attitude. It’s a truly nice, diva-free and enjoyable group of folks. Occasional summer roping events (that’s Dick’s specialty) get the place hopping. Phone 801.550.5247.
Venture a bit north and you’ll find Universal Equestrian Center in West Bountiful (1450 West, 400 North). Stalls are spacious (particularly out in the mare motel). Rates are on the higher end, but there is plenty of room to ride. There is a large outdoor riding area, big covered arena and a small indoor arena.
Western riders with competitive ambitions can benefit from the expertise of Jim and Tiffany Montgomery. Mounted shooting events are regularly hosted by these champion Reiners and Jim (an IRHA hall-of-fame cowboy) is renowned for his ability to match riders at any level with just the right horse.
Eventers and jumpers will enjoy the instruction of Gemini Farms’ Adrienne and Todd Smyrl, who’ll regularly teach at Universal in 2013. Schooling shows may be offered on-site. For more boarding information contact Jed Christianson at the American Cowboy tack shop (conveniently located on-site); 801.295.7433.
Further north in Davis County you’ll find the newly opened Sunset Equestrian Center at 820 Mare Circle in West Kaysville. This place is gorgeous. Stalls are spacious, the grounds are impeccable, and the owners (Suzie and Jeff Hansen) are hands-on experienced horse people.
Their large, heated (yes, heated) indoor arena has been getting rave reviews. An outdoor arena and well-groomed and fenced riding trail that traverses the adjacent neighborhoods, add to the exceptional, fun and safe riding options.
Respected trainers Kenny Birdsall and Cooper Evans have joined the staff at Sunset, adding to the facilities growing list of attractive features. Stalls are already full, but the Hansen’s do offer a waiting list for interested horse owners.
This is a fun and active premier center that offers something for everyone – from tots to seniors, beginners on up to expert riders! Be sure to see photos of the stables and keep up with their current news on Facebook, too. Give Suzie a call at 801.294.5278
If you don’t mind heading west, Pegasus Event Center offers ample, wide-open space and may well be the place of choice if horse’s had their say.
Pegasus is located on Race Street and is just under 40 miles west of Salt Lake. Boarding rates are very affordable and the facility includes a large covered arena along with two outdoor arenas and plenty of outdoor acreage to trek across. Most of the boarding is out in pasture. A few indoor stalls may be available.
Fun schooling shows and cowboy events make this a terrific place to play! Hunt seat riders can enjoy a Sunday morning lesson with Jaime Topham, Iso Vernon offers on-site riding and ground work sessions and Bob Toomer Horsemanship is also nearby for fun western riding lessons or expert horse training. Phone 435.830.7365.
Visiting a potential facility at various times of the day and evening, as well as talking to other boarders, is always helpful before making your boarding decisions.
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