Mobile horse starting and schooling trainer

Recreational and pony club riders, hobby breeders and owners of young or unruly horses who lack the time or skills to train them.

Per session or per week of training, with set packages for starting a young horse. Travel fees can be added for longer trips.

• Solid experience handling and riding many types of horses
• Calm, patient and reads horse behaviour well
• Clear communication with owners
• Good fitness and a sound sense of safety

• Public liability and professional indemnity insurance, check it covers training horses you don't own
• Personal injury risk, check income protection or personal accident cover as workers compensation may not apply to sole traders
• Owners' expectations: agree goals and timeframes in writing before you start
• Check any state or local rules about commercial activity on rural properties
• A suitable vehicle and float arrangement if you need to transport horses

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your tack, training gear, insurance and vehicle needs. Check whether you need a suitable vehicle and float arrangement if you plan to transport horses.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on how many horses you work with and the hours you put in. These are estimates, and agreeing goals and timeframes with owners in writing helps.

Check public liability and professional indemnity insurance covers training horses you don't own, plus personal accident or income protection cover as workers compensation may not apply to sole traders. Also check state or local rules on commercial activity on rural properties.