Open a local tack shop

Horse owners, pony club families, riding schools, trail riders and local competitors.

You buy stock from wholesalers and suppliers and sell at a markup. Extra income can come from rug washing and repairs, consignment sales and bulk feed orders.

• Good horse knowledge
• Stock buying and cash flow management
• Customer service and fitting advice

• Stock is a big upfront cost, so start with fast-selling lines and avoid over-buying seasonal items
• Public liability and stock/contents insurance
• Retail lease terms and council zoning for your site, so check both before signing
• Register for an ABN and check when GST registration applies to your turnover
• Wrongly fitted saddles can harm horses, so be clear about what fitting advice you can give and when to refer to a qualified saddle fitter

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and opening stock. Stock is a big upfront cost, so start with fast-selling lines and avoid over-buying seasonal items.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on your location, range and customer base. The estimate assumes at least about 35 hours a week of work.

Check retail lease terms and council zoning for your site before signing. Also check public liability and stock insurance, ABN and GST registration, and what fitting advice you can give. Refer to a qualified saddle fitter when needed.