I retired my older Morgan in 2007 and began competing with my other horse, a Standardbred.  The Morgan really dislikes being left home alone, so the boarder would be a "babysitter" for her while we are at shows.  I show from May - October and this year the shows are one-day.

 

I want to find someone who needs a great home for their horse, though they do not want to just give the horse away.  It is risky to advertise your horse as "free to a good home".  If you board here at Moonstone Farm, you are guaranteed your horse will have a wonderful life and you will retain ownership.  If an owner lives further away, that is fine.  I would not expect someone to be here every day, or even every week. 

 

I am only going to take ONE horse as a "retirement boarder."  We are a private farm, not a boarding facility.  Not only do I want to be able to provide very individualized care, I also want to be sure I have plenty of rotational grazing during the warmer months.  In my opinion, there is no sense in taking too many horses just for the sake of boarding horses and have my grazing pastures suffer!  Also, I want to be able to treat your horse as though it was my own and with too many horses I do not think that would be possible. 

 

Your horse will be treated as though he/she were my own....lots of love, carrots, and competent care!  Not only am I home full-time with my son, I am also a self-proclaimed "homebody", so I am always around.  I am in the barn 5-6 times a day in all seasons, and I can see the horses from my house.  Not much can occur without my keen eye noticing! 

I have owned my Morgan since 1993 when she was 11 and I was 13!  Now she is 26 and still looks many years younger.  I love when a judge would come up to us after a class (usually after we have WON the class! ) and asks about her.  Jaws always drop when I tell her age (she has since retired at age 25).  No one believes she is in such good shape.

 

I have experience with many horse ailments and many different supplements and grain.  For example:

 

My Morgan has diagnosed Cushing's disease, Degenerative Joint Disease, and a heart murmur.  I have used various products and supplements with her.  She is currently on "Evitex" by Emerald Valley for her Cushing's and "Corta-Flx" for her DJD, both which seem to be working the best for her.  Also, she is prone to laminitis (occurred twice, though she is totally sound) and colic.  From the sounds of it, she shouldn't look as good as she does!  She is on Nutrena Safe Choice grain and Poulin MVP.

 

My Standardbred has COPD or heaves.  She is on a product called "Wind" by Emerald Valley.  Plus, I soak her hay and monitor her environment.  She is on Poulin MVP and Equine Senior.

 

I have a wonderful veterinarian and farrier.  They are both extremely knowledgeable and provide top-notch care for my horses.  I have every faith in them to help my horses stay healthy.  If your horse has any special needs, such as special trimming or a specific condition that warrants a veterinarian oversee, I am confident that my veterinarian and farrier will each do a tremendous job.

I am flexible and will accommodate a boarder's needs, both horse and person!  One example is riding exercise.  I am willing to ride your horse if needed, such a light ring work or trail riding.  Older horses benefit from light work and if your horse needs to be ridden, we can arrange something.  Of course, some horses are retired because they cannot be ridden, which is fine as well. 

 

Another example is turnout.  I can turn out your horse with my retiree as long as they get along, or your horse can have its own individual turnout.  I can turn your horse out 12-15 hours a day (longer in the summer) weather permitting as mine are, or your horse can go out on its own time schedule. 

 

Overall, the boarding contract can be completely customized to provide the care your retired horses needs and deserves!

As difficult as it is to talk about, we would be willing to provide end-of-life support for a horse.  We have plenty of land to bury your horse and the proper equipment needed to do so.  We are also close to New England Medical and Surgical Center, as well as Whispering Pines Animal Crematorium.

The cost of keeping horses is high and continues to rise.  I feed excellent quality hay and grain, and I do not skimp on bedding.  Your horse is wormed on a regular schedule, groomed and handled daily, and I carry liability insurance.  All of these things add up.

 

Not only are you paying for your horse's physical needs, but also you are paying for piece of mind.  I am committed to caring for your horse as if it were my own.  I know I can do this because I am only taking ONE boarder.  Plus, that is just the kind of person I am.  I care deeply for my horses and I strive to be an educated and thoughtful horse owner. 

 

Don't you want your older equine friend to have the best situation possible?  You'll find that here at Moonstone Farm.

Please send me an email moonstonefarm@msn.com or call 207/625-4616.  We can arrange a farm visit anytime. 

 

I can provide you with personal references, and I encourage you to call both my veterinarian and farrier. 

 

Hope to hear from you soon!