Arnold's Walking Horses
6622 Hunt St NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Arnold's Walking Horses is a boarding facility located in Gig Harbor, Washington that welcomes all horse breeds. The operation offers full care board with da...
Gig Harbor is a waterfront city in Pierce County, across the Narrows from Tacoma on Puget Sound. The community has a nautical identity, but the surrounding Gig Harbor Peninsula — stretching south toward Key Peninsula — is genuine horse country. The maritime climate here is mild and wet: winters rarely freeze, summers are cool, and rain is the year-round reality. That consistent moisture shapes everything about horse keeping on the peninsula.
Full care boarding and lesson programs are available in and around Gig Harbor, focused on western pleasure, trail, and gaited horses. The facility profiles below are intended to help you get a sense of the boarding market in the Gig Harbor area — each one is a summary, so click through to the full detail page for photos, pricing, and to reach out directly.
About horse boarding in Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor is a waterfront city in Pierce County, across the Narrows from Tacoma on Puget Sound. The community has a nautical identity, but the surrounding Gig Harbor Peninsula — stretching south toward Key Peninsula — is genuine horse country. The maritime climate here is mild and wet: winters rarely freeze, summers are cool, and rain is the year-round reality. That consistent moisture shapes everything about horse keeping on the peninsula.
Full care boarding and lesson programs are available in and around Gig Harbor, focused on western pleasure, trail, and gaited horses. The facility profiles below are intended to help you get a sense of the boarding market in the Gig Harbor area — each one is a summary, so click through to the full detail page for photos, pricing, and to reach out directly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Boarding in the Gig Harbor Area
What should I look for when visiting a boarding facility near Gig Harbor?
The Puget Sound maritime climate means mud is the year-round enemy. Ask specifically about mud management — all-weather paddock surfaces, gravel pads, covered sacrifice areas. A facility without investment in footing will have horses standing in mud from October through May. Covered arena access is important for consistent riding in a climate where it rains most days.
What should I ask before boarding near Gig Harbor?
Ask about blanketing protocols — the wet Pacific Northwest requires more active blanket management than dry climates, with horses going on and off blankets as temperatures shift through the day. Ask about hoof care schedules; wet conditions in this climate mean more frequent attention to hoof health and more vigilance about thrush.
What are the lesson options near Gig Harbor?
Lessons are available focused on western pleasure, trail, and gaited horses — reflecting the peninsula's more informal, pleasure-riding culture compared to show-focused programs in parts of the greater Seattle area. Ask about the instructor's background and approach. If you're looking for competitive show training in English disciplines, you may need to look toward Pierce County's broader market.
How far in advance should I book boarding near Gig Harbor?
The Gig Harbor Peninsula is a small-to-mid market. Good facilities with covered arenas and solid mud management don't sit empty — those amenities are in real demand in this climate. Give yourself 45–60 days and ask about the waitlist situation directly.
Is trail riding accessible near Gig Harbor?
The Key Peninsula and surrounding Pierce County has trail options, and the wet climate supports lush, green riding when trails are passable. Ask what the facility uses for trail riding — on-property, county roads, or access to parks. The Foothills Trail and surrounding Pierce County parks have equestrian sections; ask how accessible they are from the Gig Harbor area.