Choosing horse agistment in Robertson and the Southern Highlands
A practical guide to comparing daily care, paddocks, riding facilities and costs, with the questions to ask before choosing a home for your horse.
Choosing where to keep your horse is a decision about everyday care as much as location. A property needs to suit your horse’s routine, your riding plans and the level of support you want.
When comparing horse agistment in Robertson and the Southern Highlands, ask each provider to explain exactly what is included. Agistment is also known as horse boarding. Terms such as “full care”, “partial care” and “DIY” can describe different arrangements from one property to another.
Start with your horse’s needs
Before arranging a visit, make a short list of your horse’s usual routine and any requirements you want to discuss.
Consider feeding, supplements, rugging, paddock companionship and how often you plan to ride. Explain any handling requirements so the team can assess whether the arrangement is suitable.
Be equally clear about your own expectations. How often will you visit? Which riding facilities do you need? What would you like the team to manage, and what will remain your responsibility?
Understand the daily care
Ask who carries out the daily checks and what happens if they notice a concern. Discuss feeding, water, rugging and how changes to your horse’s routine are agreed.
At Ridgeview, horses are fed and checked twice daily. Care includes feed, fresh water, rugging and unrugging, paddock shelters and owner-supplied supplements as arranged.
The team will discuss your horse’s routine and confirm the arrangements before you decide.
Look at paddocks and shelter
During an arranged visit, look at fencing, gates, water access, shelter and the condition of the ground. Ask how paddocks are managed during wet weather and how horses are allocated to them.
At Ridgeview, horses are generally kept in individual paddocks, with shared arrangements considered where suitable. Regular paddock rotation gives the pasture time to rest.
Ask about the current options for your horse rather than assuming every paddock arrangement is available.
Check the riding facilities and access
Think about the riding you actually do. Ask which facilities are included in your agistment arrangement, when you can use them and whether bookings or additional charges apply.
Ridgeview’s Facilities page describes the riding spaces and supporting amenities on the property. Lessons with Sandy Lucas can be arranged directly with Sandy.
Confirm visitor and arrival arrangements with the Ridgeview team, including anything that applies when bringing a coach, farrier or other visitor.
Agree on communication and emergency arrangements
Before your horse arrives, establish:
- Who to contact with routine questions.
- How you will be told about concerns or changes.
- Who may authorise veterinary attention if you cannot be reached.
- How veterinary, farrier and other outside services are arranged.
- Which costs remain the owner’s responsibility.
These are useful points to discuss explicitly, even when everyone expects the arrangement to be straightforward.
Confirm the fees and written arrangements
Request a clear explanation of the current fee and inclusions. Ask about additional services, payment timing, notice periods and how changes to fees or care arrangements are communicated.
At Ridgeview, contact the team for current agistment pricing and availability. Confirm the agreed care and facility access before committing.
Your agistment visit checklist
- Does the daily care suit your horse’s routine?
- Are feed, supplements and rugging responsibilities clear?
- Is the proposed paddock arrangement suitable?
- Have you seen the fencing, water and shelter?
- Do you understand wet-weather arrangements?
- Are the riding facilities and access suitable for you?
- Do you know who to contact and how updates are handled?
- Are emergency arrangements agreed?
- Are fees, extras and notice periods clear?
- Have you discussed any individual requirements before deciding?
Arrange a visit to Ridgeview
Email enquiry@ridgeviewfarm.com.au with a little information about your horse and what you’re looking for. Visits are by prior arrangement.
