A Step by Step Guide to Starting and Running a Successful Horse Boarding Business

Book excerpt: This book will open your eyes to the world of horse boarding and all that it encompasses. One of the most often asked questions I get from people who want to start a boarding business is, "Where do I start?" Great question! Most people, including myself, usually start with a couple of horses and then progress into boarding. This book is a step by step guide on what you need to do to get your barn or stable up and going and how to maintain a strong and healthy boarding business. Whether you want to run a large facility or a small stable this book will cover everything you need to know to help you start off with a strong foundation for your business. I have included a current business plan (designed especially for the horse boarding industry), boarding contract and barn rules which is only the beginning. This book will walk you through every step and give you tasks lists and suggestions for every part of your business from designing your barn to seeking a loan. This book includes designing a barn or stable, your tack room, horse stalls and riding arenas. It covers extensive pages on herd management, turnout and paddocks and how to design them and what to think about before you put the first post in the ground. It will include business insurance, accounting and lawyers and what they mean to your business. I discuss the financial part of business ownership throughout the book and how to streamline your chores and hire employees. I discuss conflict resolution, the barn manager's role and client relations and the intention of this book is to help you avoid some of the common pitfalls of barn management and business ownership and that is only the beginning. The topics that are covered in this book are extensive and you won't find a more current book on running a boarding business. This book will benefit any size boarding operation. A large boarding barn equates to a large scale effort and risk. A small boarding stable carries lower financial risk but requires the same planning to be successful and can have many of the same issues as a large facility. Every area of the horse industry is impacted by the boarding stable and no matter the size; each plays an integral part in the success and stability of the equine industry.