Find Out How To Run A Successful Equestrian Center

By Rena Hudson


Should you own a great piece of land in the country you may be wondering what to do with it. A great idea is to start your own equestrian center. You would need a couple of school ponies and do some alterations but before you know it you would have a great business on your hands, given that you actually like horses and have the skills to work with these amazing animals.

One would need to put up stables and decide if you would take in other people's horses as boarders. You would need to make sure that the animals have adequate accommodation, as well as a sick bay for when they get ill and are in need of special attention. Remember that the horses will also have to be fed in their stables, so you would want to make them big enough to accommodate a feeding trough and a place for a water bucket as well.

Many centers allow their clients to leave their riding equipment at the yard. To offer such a service you would have to have a tack room big enough to accommodate everyone. Usually each client has a box or crate in which they keep smaller items, so you will have to ensure that there is a secure location for these items to be locked away in.

People have different needs and requirements for their horses, and this is one of the challenging parts of running such a facility. Some owners and riders may want the full service, where the center provides everything for the horse, whereas others may just want the basics. Some people will even allow you to use their horses in your riding school in exchange for their livery fees.

When running a professional yard you will need to get in a few grooms. They will be responsible for the general maintenance of the place. The upkeep of the horses will also be laid out in their job description.

When you run an operation such as this it is important that you get in a good hoof care specialist, as anyone will tell you, no feet no horse. Finding a reputable farrier is essential to the good reputation of your yard. A horse will need his feet seen to every 4 to 6 weeks and you as the owner of the yard will have to make sure this is arranged for all the horses in your care.

When it comes to running an equestrian facility, it is important to remember that horse owners tend to be a little fussy. Most people will have their own private vet which they call out in an emergency. It is up to you to make sure that owners provide you with all the necessary information and telephone numbers for their chosen veterinarian.

Generally, running an equestrian center is a busy job and it does not know office hours. You will have to be prepared to put in extra time in the beginning, but as you progress the running of your yard will become greatly satisfying. As long as your passion for horses never dies nor will your business.




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