I have done it both ways....I boarded all my horses for the first 20 years of horse-owning. It has its conveniences, for sure.

Three years ago, my husband and I purchased our own property and built our own barn. I love it, and will probably never go back to boarding unless I have to.

I like taking care of m horses - I feel like I get to know my horses much better...on a level that I was unable to when I boarded. I have several horse friends, and we help eachother out for vacations.

Next summer, my husband and I will be gone to Europe for three weeks, and I will probably board them for the month - because I have to. I know they will be in good hands, and I won't have to worry while being gone for such an extended amount of time.

"Keep your face to the sun, and you'll never see the shadows."  Helen Keller