Horse Boarding in Chattanooga, TN: Finding the Perfect Fit

by | Mar 18, 2025 | Horse Photography | 0 comments

 

Horse Boarding in Chattanooga: Finding the Perfect Home for Your Horse

 

So, you’re on the hunt for horse boarding in Chattanooga. Maybe you’re new to the area, or maybe your current boarding situation isn’t working out (been there, done that). Either way, finding the right fit for both you and your horse is a big deal. After all, this isn’t just about a place to park your four-legged friend—it’s about finding a barn where they’ll be happy, healthy, and well-cared for.

The Chattanooga area offers a variety of boarding options, from full-service facilities to self-care setups. Whether you need a stall with all the bells and whistles, a peaceful pasture board option, or something in between, there’s a barn out there for you.

But before you toss your saddle in the trailer and head off to tour every stable in a 50-mile radius, let’s talk about what to look for, what to ask, and how to make the best decision for you and your horse.

 

How to Find the Right Horse Boarding Barn in Chattanooga

 

Before you start making phone calls and scheduling barn tours, get clear on what you (and your horse) actually need. Do you want a full-care facility where someone else handles feedings, stall cleaning, and turnout?

Or are you looking for pasture board with shelter and basic care? Maybe you’re the hands-on type and need a self-care option where you do everything yourself.

 

Consider the Barn’s Riding Discipline Focus

 

Not all barns are the same, and some cater to specific riding disciplines. If you ride dressage, you probably don’t want to end up at a barn full of barrel racers and cutting horses. Likewise, if you’re a Western rider, you might feel a little out of place at a barn dominated by hunter-jumpers.

Some barns welcome all riding styles, while others are built specifically for one type of riding. It’s always a good idea to ask upfront what the barn specializes in (if anything) to make sure it aligns with your goals.

Once you know what you’re looking for, start your research. Here’s how to find the best horse boarding in Chattanooga:

  • Ask fellow horse owners. Word of mouth is gold in the Chattanooga area horse community. If you have local friends who board their horses, get their recommendations (and their honest opinions).
  • Check online reviews. Google and Facebook reviews can tell you a lot. Just remember to read between the lines—one bad review doesn’t necessarily mean a bad barn, but a pattern of complaints? That’s a red flag.
  • Join local horse groups. Facebook groups for Chattanooga and North Georgia horse owners can be a great place to ask for barn recommendations.
  • Visit in person. No matter how great a barn looks online, you have to see it for yourself. Schedule a tour, meet the barn manager, and get a feel for the place before making any decisions.

 

Doing Your Due Diligence: Questions to Ask a Barn Manager

 

Finding the right barn is about more than just pretty pastures and clean stalls. It’s about making sure the facility is safe, well-managed, and a good fit for your needs. Here are some important questions to ask when visiting a potential boarding barn:

  • What type of boarding do you offer? (Full care, partial care, pasture board, or self-care?)
  • What is included in the board cost? (Feed, hay, stall cleaning, turnout, blanketing, holding for vet/farrier, etc.)
  • What are the feeding routines? (Type of feed, how often, can you provide your own?)
  • What’s the turnout situation? (Pasture size, herd sizes, access to shelter, rotation schedules.)
  • Does the barn manager or property owner live on-site? (Having someone there 24/7 can be a huge plus for emergencies.)
  • How does the barn handle emergencies? (Colic, injuries, severe weather—what’s the plan?)
  • What are the barn rules? (Riding hours, guest policies, trainer access, vaccination requirements.)
  • Who provides vet and farrier services? (And can you bring in your own if needed?)

If you’re getting vague answers or the barn manager seems annoyed by your questions, that could be a red flag and a sign to move on. A good boarding barn will be upfront about their policies and happy to answer your concerns.

Cowgirl and her Horse in silhouette at a horse boarding barn in Chattanooga, TN

 

Horse Boarding in Chattanooga: Barns to Check Out

 

Now that you know what to look for, let’s get to the fun part—checking out some actual barns. Chattanooga and the surrounding areas have a variety of boarding options, whether you’re looking for a high-end show barn, a quiet retirement facility, or something in between.

This is by no means a complete list of barns but this should get you started. Please note: Inclusion on the list does not imply endorsement, It is up to you to do your due diligence to find the right fit for you, your horse, and your particular situation. 

 

Chattanooga, Signal Mountain & Lookout Mountain

 

 

Ooltewah, Georgetown & Harrison

 

 

Ringgold & North Georgia

 

 

Soddy-Daisy & South Pittsburg

 

 

Cleveland & Etowah

 

 

Quarantine Boarding

 

 

Keep in mind that barn availability, pricing, and services change over time, so always reach out and tour before making a final decision.

 

Making the Right Choice for You and Your Horse

 

At the end of the day, the right boarding barn is one where your horse is safe, happy, and well-cared for—and where you feel comfortable, too. Every barn has its own atmosphere, routines, and rules, so take the time to find one that fits your needs.

Also, don’t forget to be a good boarder! Follow the barn rules, respect the staff, and—please—don’t be the person who leaves the tack room looking like a tornado blew through.

 

Looking for More Chattanooga Horse Resources?

Want even more information on boarding, hay suppliers, farriers, and riding lesson programs in the Chattanooga area? Check out the full Chattanooga Horse Resource List—it’s packed with local info to help you find everything you need for your horse.

Take Me to The Resources!

Do you have a horse boarding ban in the Chattanooga area not on this list? Send a message here to be included. 

Betsy Bird, Cr. Photog., CPP,  of Ride the Sky Equine Photography spends her days doing insane things to make animals look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. Outside of acting like a total goofball, she invests in growing her business, mentoring photographers, dealing with her teenagers' angst, and hanging with Nitro, the best dog ever.  

Betsy has earned her Photographic Craftsman degree from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) which honors photographers who contribute to the photographic industry through speaking, mentoring, and publishing. Betsy is also a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) with PPA. The CPP designation is held by fewer than 2,500 photographers nationwide and is a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry, and professionalism.

Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) and the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA). She is also a professional member of the Equine Photographers Network (EPN). 

Betsy's award-winning work has been featured in a variety of publications and is found throughout homes and stables in the United States. She is also the co-author of the book, Equine & Equestrian Photography Poses that Sell: The Ultimate Guide to Posing Horses & Humans. She has also been featured on Scenic Trend, the Profitable Photographer Podcast, The Business Animal Podcast, Chatter Magazine, Cowgirls with Cameras Podcast, the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the Chattanoogan, and the Focal Points Podcast to name a few.

Ride the Sky Equine Photography specializes in on-location photography for horses and their equestrians. Ride the Sky Equine Photography is based in Chattanooga, TN and works in Tennessee, North Georgia, and beyond.

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