Horse boarding arrangements may cause tension for both equine owners and barn operators. Owners want peace of mind that their horses are properly cared for, while barn owners need to assure board is paid and facilities are treated with respect. To help keep things running smoothly, it’s wise to keep the following in mind.

In an industry as diverse and mobile as Canada’s equine sector, accurate identification and traceability are more important than ever. The Canadian Horse Identification Program (CHIP) was created to meet that need, offering a voluntary, national equine identification and traceability system designed specifically for Canada’s horses — and the people who care for them.

Parenting is a difficult job. Parenting while working is even tougher. But parenting while working as an equine professional has unique challenges. “Horses are as demanding as kids,” says Carmie Flaherty, an upper-level dressage rider and high-performance coach based in Langley, British Columbia. “So, it’s a lot to juggle. You’re at the beck and call of both, all the time.”