Choosing the Right Place for Your Horse: It’s Not Just About Proximity

Whether you’re new to the world of horses or you’ve been in it for years, you know that where your horse lives is just as important as what you feed it or how you train it.
If you live in Madrid or the surrounding area and are looking for a boarding facility, this article is your complete guide. We’ll explain what to look for, what questions to ask, what services you can expect, and what price ranges are reasonable in the Madrid region.

First Question: What Does Your Horse Need?
Before starting your search, you should clearly define what kind of life you want your horse to have. A dressage horse that trains daily doesn’t have the same needs as a retired horse enjoying its golden years.
Ask yourself:

  • Do I ride every day, or just on weekends?
  • Is my horse active in competitions?
  • Does my horse need rest and rehab, or is it in full work?
  • Do I want turnout? Individual or group?
  • Do I want it close to Madrid, or do I prioritize natural space?

The clearer you are on what you need, the easier it will be to eliminate options that don’t fit.

Types of Boarding Facilities Near Madrid
In the Madrid area, you’ll mainly find these types of boarding options:
1. Full-Service Boarding (Box with Daily Training & Care)
Ideal for competition horses or owners who can’t visit daily.
Includes:

  • Daily stall cleaning
  • Turnout (if available)
  • Feeding (2–3 meals)
  • Daily work or lunging
  • Vet/farrier coordination
  • Optional grooming and tacking

💶 Price in Madrid: €500–€850/month

2. Basic Boarding (Box with Limited Services)
Perfect for riders who want more control over their horse’s routine and can visit frequently.
Includes:

  • Stall
  • Basic feeding and cleaning
  • You manage training and turnout

💶 Price in Madrid: €300–€500/month

3. Retirement/Rest Boarding with Pasture Access
Ideal for horses recovering from injury or retired from competition. More natural lifestyle, with turnout as a priority.
Includes:

  • Individual or group turnout
  • Minimal or no riding
  • Optional feed supplements, blankets, etc.

💶 Price in Madrid (Finca Valhalla range): €250–€450/month

Checklist: What to Ask When Visiting a Facility
When you visit a potential stable, go prepared with questions. Here’s a professional checklist:
🐴 For the Horse’s Welfare:

  • How many hours of turnout do horses get per day?
  • Is turnout individual or in groups?
  • Are paddocks rotated to avoid overuse?
  • What type of bedding is used in stalls?
  • Is hay included and what’s the quality?
  • Is water available 24/7 (automatic or manual)?
  • Are there fans, windows, or good ventilation?

🏇 For Training:

  • What type of arena is available (indoor/outdoor)?
  • What surface do the arenas have?
  • Are there lights for night riding?
  • Is there a round pen or lunging area?

🧑‍🌾 For You as an Owner:

  • Is there a tack room or locker available?
  • Are there bathrooms or changing areas?
  • Is there a common area or café?
  • Can you bring in your own trainer?
  • Are there visiting hours or restrictions?

👨‍⚕️ Health & Professional Services:

  • Do they have a vet/farrier on call?
  • Is there video surveillance?
  • How often is worming/deworming done?
  • Do they handle vet visits or emergencies?

🌍 Location and Access:

  • How far is it from your home?
  • Is there public transport nearby?
  • Is the road accessible in bad weather?

Red Flags to Watch Out For
🚩 Horses always in their stalls with no turnout
🚩 Overcrowded or muddy paddocks
🚩 Poor-quality hay or water buckets that are dirty
🚩 No contract or unclear conditions
🚩 Refusal to let you see all areas of the facility
🚩 High staff turnover (indicates poor management)

Is Proximity Always Best?

If you live in Madrid, it’s tempting to look only at boarding options within 20–30 minutes of the city. But proximity often means:

  • Less space
  • Little to no turnout
  • Higher prices

Sometimes, choosing a place 40 minutes away gives your horse a much better quality of life.
A real case: many of our clients at Finca Valhalla come from central Madrid because they prefer their horse to be happy, relaxed, and outdoors—even if it means visiting less frequently.

Extra Services You Might Not Think Of (But Should Ask About)

  • Do they offer blanketing in winter and fly masks in summer?
  • Can you leave supplements or special feed?
  • Are they experienced in rehab care (injuries, ulcers, etc.)?
  • Do they do daily updates or photos for owners?

Our Specialty at Finca Valhalla: Natural Rest Boarding

At Finca Valhalla, we specialize in natural rest and recovery for horses:

  • Horses spend most of their time outdoors
  • Carefully monitored herds for social balance
  • Mature trees for shade
  • Tailored care for each horse
  • Communication with your vet or trainer if needed

We’re located just 30 minutes from Madrid, in a peaceful area surrounded by vineyards, olive trees, and beautiful hills.

Final Tips for Choosing a Boarding Facility

✔ Visit in person—don’t rely only on Instagram photos
✔ Observe the horses’ behavior: relaxed or anxious?
✔ Talk to other owners at the facility
✔ Read reviews on Google or equestrian forums
✔ Ask for a trial month if possible

Conclusion: The Best Choice is the One That Fits Your Horse’s Needs

There’s no single “perfect” boarding facility. The best one is the one that matches your horse’s personality, your schedule, and your goals.
If your priority is rest, well-being, and a natural lifestyle—especially for competition or retired horses—we invite you to discover our pastures at Finca Valhalla.
Because horses give us everything and they deserve the best in return.