If you love being around horses, you may want to turn that love of horses into a business. Fortunately, there are numerous business opportunities in the equestrian world, with occupations ranging from farrier to veterinarian to owner of boarding stables and training facilities. Would-be horse farm owners need to know that getting such a business off the ground can be quite expensive. Facilities for boarding, breeding or training horses are costly.

Things You Will Need

  • Suitable facility

  • Sales flyers

  • Employer identification number

  • Business permit

Review the facility you own to determine if it is adequate for the horse farm business you have in mind. If you plan to board horses, for instance, you must have enough empty stalls available. And fences and pasture have to be in good condition. If you plan to offer training services, you need a suitable area, such as an indoor or outdoor riding ring.

Check the zoning laws in your jurisdiction. Horse businesses may or may not be permitted where you live. If you are surrounded by existing horse farms you will probably be OK, but if you live in the middle of a subdivision you probably have a problem.

Register your business with the IRS by visiting the IRS website and filling out the appropriate paperwork. Also register your new business with the state in which you live.

Buy insurance to protect yourself from legal liability. Horse businesses in particular need high levels of insurance because of the inherent danger of working with large and sometimes unpredictable animals. When seeking insurance contact agents who deal with equine-related businesses. They will understand the special insurance needs of horse farms and similar businesses.

Make up colorful flyers and start posting them in places horse owners frequent. If there is a show stable or horse show facility nearby, ask the management of the show for permission to post an ad near the registration booth. Check with local tack shops and feed stores about posting flyers; many tack shops have a community bulletin board where local horse owners can post everything from horses for sale to training services.

Keep your expectations realistic. Because of the expense of starting this business, don't expect to make your money back right away. Most horse farms build a reputation and clientele by word of mouth, so always strive to provide the best service at the lowest possible prices.