Tennessee Horse Boarding Market Report
August 2026
As of August 2026, Tennessee has 165 active horse boarding listings and 156 trainers. The median boarding cost is $550/month across 39 priced listings, ranging from $265 to $875 (10th–90th percentile).
Active Listings
165
Trainers
156
Median Cost/Mo
$550
Median Lesson Rate
$55
Riding lessons in Tennessee run $35–$75 per lesson (median $55), verified from 27 instructors' published rates. Browse Tennessee lessons
Board Types Available
| Board Type | Facilities Offering |
|---|---|
| Full Board | 96 |
| Pasture Board | 52 |
| Partial Board | 9 |
| Self-Care | 8 |
Count of Tennessee listings offering each board type. Updated August 2026.
Market Insights
Middle TN alfalfa smalls $13-15/bale; regional diesel up 21 cents
USDA's Tennessee Direct Hay Report (July 29, 2026) shows Middle Tennessee supreme alfalfa small squares trading at $15.00 per bale, good-to-premium alfalfa at $13.00, premium orchard grass at $10.00, and mixed grass at $7.00 — with rain-damaged orchard grass discounted to $5.00. On fuel, EIA's July 27 survey puts the Midwest region (PADD 2, which includes Tennessee) at $5.196 per gallon for diesel, up 20.8 cents in a week, and $3.882 for regular gasoline, up 10.2 cents. U.S. diesel now averages $5.313, up $1.51 from a year ago, so expect that surcharge inside fall hay delivery quotes.
Tennessee pastures mostly clear: 77% drought-free in late July
The U.S. Drought Monitor valid July 28, 2026 has 77.2% of Tennessee drought-free, with 22.8% abnormally dry, just 4.5% in moderate drought, and effectively zero severe drought (0.04%). USDA's July 24 hay-market commentary separately notes drought improvements across affected areas of Tennessee after a wet week. For pasture-heavy boarding operations, turnout should keep carrying more of the feed load into August.
Celebration returns Aug 26-Sep 5; Shelbyville's 1,051 stalls fill
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration runs August 26 through September 5, 2026 in Shelbyville, and the venue lists 1,051 stalls across 33 barns on its 78+ acre grounds. Middle Tennessee barns within reach of Bedford County typically see overflow demand for stalls, turnout, and layover boarding as horses ship in early and trainers stage nearby. If you have open stalls in late August, this is the window to advertise them.
Discipline Breakdown
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