Pasture boarding has many advantages. Horses are naturally active, social animals. Confining them to a small space (like a stall or small paddock) for long periods of time is stressful. By allowing our horses to live in the most natural environment possible, we reduce nervous behaviors (cribbing, weaving), alleviate excess energy, and improve their mental, physical and emotional heath.

While we believe in natural horse care, we are not "extremists." We seldom feed grain as our pastures and hay provide excellent nutritional value that maintains most horses in top shape. However, you are welcome to feed grain or arrange to have it fed. We keep our horses barefoot most of the time, but if we are going to ride in areas where their hooves could be damaged (read: Old Rag Mountain's abundance of rocks) we will shoe them. You are welcome to keep your horse shod or barefoot as you see fit. We have a farrier and trainer on the premises.

 

Please join our Westwood Farms Rider's Club to keep up to date on the goings on at the farm and communicate with other riders and volunteers.

 
We follow standard vaccination and deworming practices.

 

2019 BOARDING CONTRACT



We believe that horses kept in their natural state are happier and healthier!

Boarding Packages

  • Field board is set at $350 per month (draft and draft crosses are $150 extra per month). This includes a normal ration of hay, free choice salt and minerals use of the field and access to grass and fresh water. Deworming every other month on our rotational schedule is included.*No grain is provided for field board.

  • Full Stall/Paddock board is set at $650 per month. This includes a normal ration of hay, grain, and use of the paddocks for turnout time. It also includes holding for the vet and farrier, turnout and blanketing services. Supplements may be provided by Owner.  NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

  • Farrier and veterinary fees and similar items are not included, however if you use our veterinarian and farrier, we will set up appointments and arrange to meet them for you to handle your horse at the same time as ours as long as you arrange payment with them directly.  Horses on Full Stall board have handling included in their board.

  • Training is available for an additional fee

  • Lessons are available at $50/session.

  • Ring/Trail Rental for outside riders is available for $20/person. Current negative coggins and signed liability release required.

Amenities

  • Fresh water supplied by an artisan wells or automatic waterers to all fields.

  • All fields contain mixture of open pasture and hardwood forest.

  • Boarders are permitted to use of the riding trails throughout the property.

  • Boarders are allowed use of the 100 x 150' outdoor lighted riding ring with desensitizing obstacles (mail box, bell, umbrella, etc.)

  • Boarders are allowed use of the 40' round pen with sand footing

  • For your convenience there is a restroom in the horse barn.

  • If trail riding is more your style, you may want to join us for weekend rides. We ride at the farm often and enjoy trailering to offsite locations as well.

  • Boarders can communicate to schedule rides and group activities though the Westwood Farms Riders' Club group.

Requirements

  • Only mares and geldings are permitted.

  • Current negative coggins and health certificate must be provided.

  • Current on vaccinations - Minimum requirements are Rabies,  EEV (Equine Encephalomyelitis - Eastern, Western & Venezuelan), EIV (Equine Influenza Virus - A2), EHV (Rhinopneumonitis - 1 & 4) TET (Tetanus Toxoid), WNV (West Nile Virus) --- these can all be taken care of in a single dose of Equiject 7 , Prestige 5 + WNV  or Fluvac Innovator 6 and a seperate Rabies. If you vaccinate your own horse, please provide a copy of your purchase of the vaccine and the date given. If your vet provided the vaccination, please provide a report from your vet. We also RECOMMEND, but do not require Botulism and Potomac Horse Fever vaccines.

  • Current de-worming record.

  • For the safety of our staff, boarders and horses, all horses MUST have good ground and field manners. Horses who are dangerous to humans or other horses will not be permitted.

  • No horses who crib or weave will be accepted.

Who do I contact for more information?
For more information e-mail Stephanie or call 540-825-1300. BOARD CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

 
Westwood Farms t-shirts like the one above available for purchase here.



Westwood Farms - Locust Dale, Virginia 22948 - stephanie@westwoodfarms.net - 540-825-1300