The needs, expectations and technological development in recreational equestrianism in Slovenia are constantly changing, which brings new challenges to ensure the quality of boarding services. The aim of the research was to analyse a desires of leisure horse owners and the current provision of boarding services in Slovenia, and to propose a model for optimal housing and care on this basis. Using two parallel anonymous online surveys, we received responses from 268 horse owners and 31 boarding service providers. The results show that the most important factors influencing horse owners' decision on where to board their horse are the quality of care, staff attitude and the possibility of daily turnout. Among the current housing systems, individual boxes without direct access to paddocks predominates. At the same time, there is increasing interest in active stables and outdoor keeping. The analysis revealed lack of covered riding arenas, horse walkers and specialised additional infrastructure (such as solariums, rehabilitation facilities and digital solutions). The optimal offer includes a combination of individual boxes with direct paddock access, active stables for socially oriented horses, a covered riding arenas for year-round use, a rotational pasture system with shelters, and an expanded range of additional services, such as basic veterinary care, digital monitoring, specialised nutrition, transport, training and holiday boarding. Such a model ensures horse welfare as well as economic sustainability for the provider.
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