Ask the prices of the lessons, prices involved in showing, price of board, if there are school horses available, what board includes, and the turn-out schedule. Also remember to ask if there is a ferrier which the barn uses, what his rates are, as well as the vet. In the ideal situation there will be a set number of lessons included in board, as well as at least three turn-outs a week. Investigate to see if there are hidden charges such as medication application, or turn-out cleanup. Check to see when the barn is open, whether jumping is allowed out of the lessons, and how often the stalls and water buckets are cleaned.
Dirty horses is a bad reflection on the barn, as well as bug infestations.
Look to see if any of the horses have empty water buckets, or if there are flies swarming around them. If the barn you are looking at is in your budget, arrange to take a test lesson on one of their school horses, these are almost always free. This lesson will let you get to know the trainer s style and demeanor. If the trainer has you jump too high, be too harsh on the horse, or do things which you consider dangerous, proceed with caution. Another tell tale sign of a barn is the training capacity of their school horses.