Pasture and self-care horse boarding

Recreational riders and horse owners nearby who can't afford or don't want a full-service barn, or who want their horse kept at pasture.

A monthly board fee per horse, with optional extras such as hay, feeding, blanketing or turnout. A few boarders can cover the costs of the land.

• Confident handling horses
• Basic pasture and fence upkeep
• Clear communication with boarders
• Reliable daily routines

• Zoning, agricultural land-use rules and any bylaws on animal numbers, so check with your municipality
• Insurance that covers boarding horses in your care, since regular farm or home policies may not
• A written contract covering fees, vet and farrier access, late payment and what happens if a horse is injured
• Winter costs and work: hay, unfrozen water and snow clearing
• Manure management and nearby water sources, so check your provincial rules
• Rules on hiring help differ by province, so check WCB/WSIB requirements before you take on staff

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000 CAD, depending on your existing land, fencing, shelters, water supply and insurance. Costs will vary with the number of horses you plan to board.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $3,000, depending on how many horses you board, what you charge and the services you include. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week.

Check zoning, agricultural land-use rules and bylaws on animal numbers with your municipality. Also check that your insurance covers boarded horses, provincial manure and water rules, WCB/WSIB requirements if you hire staff, and use a written boarding contract.