Guided trail rides and horse hire

Tourists, local families, school holiday groups, beginners wanting a taster and occasional experienced riders without their own horse.

Price per rider for a 1 or 2 hour ride, plus group and school holiday bookings. Extras like private rides or birthday groups can lift income per booking.

• Confident, experienced horse handling
• Reading riders' ability and keeping them safe
• Customer service and bookings

• Insurance cover for rider injury; check the policy carefully and use signed participant waivers
• Council approval for the land use, and permits if riding on public land or in parks (check with the land manager)
• Horse welfare, rest days and the cost of feed, farrier and vet care all year, even in quiet seasons
• Hendra virus and other biosecurity requirements in your state; check with your state agriculture department and vet
• Working with Children checks if you will supervise under-18s or employ staff (check your state rules)

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on how many horses you buy, your land lease or agistment, and your tack and insurance. Treat this as a guide and get your own quotes.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $18,000, depending on your location, number of horses and the season. Remember feed, farrier and vet costs continue all year, even in quiet seasons.

Check insurance cover for rider injury and use signed waivers. Also check council approval and permits for land use, Hendra virus and biosecurity requirements with your state agriculture department, horse welfare duties, and Working with Children checks.