Local equestrian shop with saddle fitting

Local horse owners, pony club families, trail riders and competition riders who want to see and try gear in person.

Retail margins on a wide product range, with repeat sales from feed and consumables, and extra income from services like rug washing or saddle fitting.

• Deep horse and equipment knowledge
• Stock buying and inventory control
• Customer service and relationship building

• Stock is a big upfront cost, so start with fast-selling lines and avoid overbuying
• Check council approval for your premises and signage, and your lease terms
• Public liability, stock and property insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
• Saddle fitting needs real skill, so consider training before offering it as a service
• Competition from online stores, so plan how you will offer advice and service

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Stock is a big upfront cost, so starting with fast-selling lines can help.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, product range and services such as fitting advice. Treat this as revenue before rent, stock and wages.

Check council approval for your premises and signage, and your lease terms. Look at public liability, stock and property insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire. Consider training before offering saddle fitting, and plan how you will compete with online stores.