Horse boarding outfit opens in Sisters

If you can't keep your horse at home, the next best thing is a boarding arrangement where your equine partner gets consistent care in intimate, settled surroundings.

Paul and Alison Weston, of Weston Equine Services, LLC, aim to provide just such a setting at their newly opened boarding facility. Located at the corner of Highway 126 and Holmes Road, the Weston's describe their place as "a nice, quaint boarding facility that is conveniently located."

The property has undergone extensive renovations since the Westons purchased it in 2008. The main barn stalls have runs; turn-out on either a drylot or soon-to-be-irrigated pasture is available. There are two outside arenas; a conversion of one into a covered arena is on the project list. All fencing is new no-climb with a wood top rail. There are secure gates at the perimeter, an important consideration with a main road close by.

The proximity to the road has its advantages. Paul is a certified journeyman farrier and provides haul-in services. Clients may wait or do errands, picking up the horse later. Paul offers a broad practice of foot care, from top-level performance horses to retirement trims for pasture pets.

Alison's long experience with horses as a trainer, and her previous career as a vet tech, enable her to confidently offer rehabilitation services to recovering horses. She's now a registered nurse, and Paul is a part-time EMT; emergencies are not likely to be a problem for either of the Westons.

"One of us is always here," said Alison, so the horses' well-being is constantly monitored. An innovation they are exploring is to install monitoring cameras that can be accessed through their Web site, so clients can see their horses even if they aren't able to make a personal visit.

The facility is arranged to prevent contact between permanent and overnight boarders. Travelers passing through Sisters, or locals heading away for vacation, are welcome.

The Westons are happy to show potential clients around. To arrange a time, call Paul at 541-728-7200 or Alison at 541-728-7004. More information and rates are available at http://www.westonequineservices.com.