A:Combining a love for horses with a family-run business venture sounds like an appealing proposition. But before you quit your day jobs and start designing a farm logo, here are a few things to consider.
First, realize that there’s more to the boarding business than just feeding horses and picking up the manure. As you calculate what you need to charge each month to make a reasonable profit, factor in the cost of upkeep, repairs and utilities. Otherwise you’ll end up dipping into your personal bank account for unexpected emergencies like a broken fence or a flooded arena. Liability insurance—an absolute must in today’s litigious society—will also add to your overhead. You also have to include some wiggle room in your boarding rates to allow for fluctuations in feed prices. These day-to-day budget challenges are why my friend Susan, who has run a successful stable for several decades, warns that the boarding business can become “the slow road to bankruptcy” without careful planning.
Second, you mentioned a desire to add a breeding farm to your boarding operation. Truly, that can be even more risky than merely boarding. Not only will you have to acquire, promote and manage high-quality stock, but you’ll also face some ethical challenges. For example, what are your plans for foals that don’t quite meet expectations, and therefore prove hard to sell? Also, how do you feel about adding more foals to a market already flooded with affordable horses? Rather than breeding horses, consider alternatives that could also complement your boarding stable. Tuning up sweet but neglected horses, and turning them into dependable, family-safe riding horses, is one idea. Establishing a therapeutic riding program is another. Or you could search for a talented, aspiring professional, hire them as your resident instructor, and start a riding school, with a seasonal pony camp for local kids.
Finally, get legal advice on composing a proper boarding agreement and dealing with non-paying clients. Then be prepared to deal with the public. While the majority of horse people are honest, trustworthy and kind, you’re bound to encounter some of the troublemakers who move from stable to stable, creating drama and havoc wherever they go. If you can look past the humans who cause the headaches, focus on the lifelong friendships you’re sure to forge, and embrace the pleasures of a horsekeeping lifestyle, then your dream of a successful stable might well become a reality.
I LIKE THE IDEA MENTIONED TO REHABILITATE UNWANTED HORSES AND MAKE THEM WANTED AND HAPPY AGAIN! PLUS, A THERAPEUTIC RIDING PROGRAM OR STARTING A RIDING SCHOOL OR HAVING RIDING CAMPS SOUNDS REALLY NICE AS WELL. I VOTE FOR ALL OF THESE IDEAS!!
Thank you for pointing out that no more casual breeding of horses is necessary. I like the alternatives you’ve thought of.
Thanks a ton for this article! My dream is to own a riding and boarding stable and this article was really interesting
I felt this was a concise, high level view of the business and also particularly love the author steering well-meaning newbies away from breeding into an already over populated horse market. Noble suggestions with food for thought. They didn’t much mention all the non holidays, non days off, non weekends though which is the part that mentally burns you out.
Sounds like a lot of work!
In the equine business, about the last thing it needs is more babies. I think what it realy could use are some trainers, that do a great job, and not charge 1000 dollars for 2 months.
AMEN PKL!
We have boarded horses for over ten years now. We have been very fortunate to presently have collected several “word of mouth” boarders who are excellent people to deal with. However, several years ago, we managed to collect several crazy people all at once. One lady was going to build a straw wall – just by piling it up. lol. Apparently her horses knew not to eat it or rub against it. Another time, I came home to a feed bucket hooked onto my front door with a note saying that she couldn’t catch one of her horses, so I was to wait in hiding along the fenceline and feed it when the others weren’t looking!!! One boarder also accused me of stealing her stuff. Lucky day for me – as she was loading up her truck to leave, her previous boarding stable owner showed up with a barrel full of her junk that she had left behind at his place. I had a nice poke thru it and found all the items she said I had taken! Not one word of apology from her! Oh, the list goes on…..
I took care of a gals 4 horses, from the goodness of my heart. She brought the hay, but her horses cribbed right through my medal gates, and she figured she should not have to pay for them. Paid for two, and still has not paid for the other 8.
I would never do it again!!
My question is about the insurance. What kind of insurance do people that run a small boarding facility get?
Good question. Thanks
A horse is assigned a stall and you’re given access to trails, a pasture, or an arena. The cost of boarding averages $400 to $500 per month but can go as high as $1,200 to $2,500 in metropolitan areas. Services such as mucking out stalls, feeding, and turning out your horse to pasture may not be included in the price.
Absolutely! By the time costs are considered for hay, grain, bedding, labor for feeding, cleaning stalls, doing turnout, etc. the board fees typically do not leave a lot left over.
I agree. A riding stable business can be a fairly profitable venture if it is properly planned and managed.
Absolutely! strong demand for training facilities where riders can receive proper instruction and board their horses.
Absolutely! Every point was salient and well expressed. Thank you for keeping it professional I use videos many time as homeschool material and this I can thank you! What are your thoughts about vetting the boarders?
Super well written article. Thank you
Absolutely! By the time costs are considered for hay, grain, bedding, labor for feeding, cleaning stalls, doing turnout, etc. the board fees typically do not leave a lot left over.