Paddock agistment for horse owners

Recreational riders, families with pony club kids, and owners without land close to town.

Weekly or monthly fee per horse, with optional extras like hay feeding, rugging or paddock rotation. Most income comes from steady, long-term boarders.

• Comfortable around horses
• Basic fencing and land care
• Clear communication with owners

• Council planning or home-based business approval for commercial horse keeping
• Public liability insurance and cover for other people's horses in your care, check what your insurer offers
• A written agreement covering fees, who pays vet bills, and what happens if an owner stops paying
• Biosecurity and disease risks such as Hendra virus and strangles, check your state's agriculture or primary industries guidance
• Overgrazing and manure management, which can hurt your land and may have local environmental rules

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the fencing, water and shelter you already have. Revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000 a month, depending on how many horses you agist and your fees.

Check council planning or home-based business approval for commercial horse keeping, and public liability cover for other people's horses. Use a written agreement, check state guidance on Hendra virus and strangles, and check manure management and local environmental rules.

Estimates suggest at least around 8 hours a week, depending on paddock numbers and land care. Useful skills include being comfortable around horses, basic fencing and land care, and clear communication with owners.