Small horse agistment property

Recreational riders, families with pony club kids, and owners who live in town or have no land of their own.

Weekly agistment fees per horse, with higher rates for stables, feeding and care services. Extras like hay supply, rugging and arena use add income.

• Confident handling horses
• Pasture and fencing upkeep
• Dealing well with horse owners
• Reliable daily routine

• Council planning approval for keeping or agisting horses, check zoning with your local council
• Public liability insurance and a written agistment agreement for every owner
• Biosecurity and horse health rules, including Hendra virus risk management, check with your state's agriculture department
• Paddock condition and drought: you may need to buy in feed and water
• Daily care is a seven-days-a-week commitment, plan cover for holidays

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $20,000, depending on the condition of your paddocks and fencing and the facilities you add, such as a yard or arena. These are estimates, so assess your property first.

Check council planning approval for keeping or agisting horses, including zoning. Also check public liability insurance with a written agreement for every owner, and biosecurity and horse health rules, including Hendra virus risk management, with your state's agriculture department.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many horses you board and whether you offer self-care or fuller care. Daily care is a seven-days-a-week commitment. Plan for at least about 10 hours a week.