
HORSE OWNER RESOURCE LIBRARY
Free guides, checklists, and faith-centered resources to support responsible horse ownership and good stewardship.
At McConathy Farm Rescue Team, we believe caring for horses is a responsibility rooted in knowledge, preparation, and compassion.
These resources are provided to help horse owners make informed decisions, protect their horses’ well-being, and approach ownership as faithful stewards. Many of these tools are the same ones we use in our own daily operations.
With option to purchase zip file of all for a suggested donation to the rescue of $25. If you cannot, a $10 donation is appreciated.
QUESTIONS FOR FARM VISIT
Before choosing a boarding facility, ask these important questions:
✔ Daily Care
-
Who provides daily care and how often are horses checked?
-
What is the feeding and turnout routine?
✔ Feed & Nutrition
-
What type of hay is fed?
-
Can special diets or supplements be accommodated?
✔ Health & Emergencies
-
What is the emergency protocol?
-
How and when are owners notified?
✔ Facilities & Safety
-
What type of fencing is used?
-
How often are stalls cleaned?
✔ Policies
-
Is there a written contract?
-
What fees are included vs. extra?
-
🤍 Faith-Based Reflection
“Plans succeed with good counsel.” — Proverbs 20:18
Asking thoughtful questions is part of good stewardship. Take time to listen, observe, and seek wisdom before entrusting your horse’s care to others.
First 30 Days
🐴 Bringing a Horse Home: First 30 Days Checklist
Recommended by Lisa McConathy, McConathy Farm, LLC — providing quality care since 2009 in Lexington, Kentucky.
The first 30 days are critical for your horse’s adjustment. Use this checklist to create a calm, healthy transition.
✔ Before Arrival
-
Prepare a safe stall or paddock
-
Secure hay, feed, and clean water
-
Schedule vet and farrier visits
✔ First Week
-
Allow quiet time to decompress
-
Monitor eating, drinking, and manure
-
Establish a consistent routine
✔ Health & Nutrition
-
Review medical records
-
Transition feed slowly
-
Watch for stress or illness
✔ Handling
-
Keep sessions calm and brief
-
Focus on trust, not training
✔ End of 30 Days
-
Evaluate health and weight
-
Adjust care as needed
🤍 Faith-Based Reflection
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3
New beginnings require patience and care. Move slowly, observe closely, and trust God’s guidance as you build a relationship rooted in safety and compassion.
Boarding Facility Pre-Checklist
Quick Boarding Facility Checklist
Before choosing a boarding facility, make sure it offers:
✔ Safe & Clean Facility
-
Secure fencing and gates
-
Clean barns and dry footing
✔ Proper Horse Care
-
Daily turnout with clean water
-
Quality hay and consistent feeding
-
Ventilated stalls with clean bedding
✔ Health & Safety
-
Emergency plan in place
-
Prompt communication with owners
-
Sick horse protocols
✔ Knowledgeable Staff
-
Calm, experienced caretakers
-
Consistent daily routines
✔ Clear Policies
-
Written contract
-
Transparent pricing and expectations
🤍 Faith-Based Reflection
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals.” — Proverbs 12:10
Choosing a boarding facility is an act of stewardship. Take time to observe, ask questions, and seek peace in your decision. When a place aligns with care, integrity, and compassion, it often aligns with God’s quiet guidance too.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION TO HAVE
Every horse owner should keep this information current and easily accessible:
✔ Owner & Emergency Contacts
-
Primary owner contact information
-
Secondary emergency contact
✔ Veterinary & Farrier
-
Primary veterinarian and emergency clinic
-
Farrier contact information
✔ Horse Identification
-
Horse description, markings, and photos
-
Registration or microchip info (if applicable)
✔ Medical Information
-
Vaccination records
-
Allergies, conditions, medications
-
Normal TPR values
✔ Emergency Authorization
-
Permission for emergency veterinary care
-
Spending limits or insurance details
✔ Special Care Notes
-
Blanketing preferences
-
Turnout or handling instructions