Mobile tack and saddle fitting service

Horse owners, boarding barns, riding school students, and competitors at local shows.

Margin on new and used tack and equipment sold, plus fees for saddle fitting visits and small repairs or adjustments.

• Knowledge of horses and riding disciplines
• Saddle fitting know-how
• Customer service and sales
• Managing stock and a travel schedule

• Commercial general liability insurance, plus cover for stock and your vehicle (check with your broker)
• Whether you need to charge GST/HST or provincial sales tax, and when you must register with the CRA
• Saddle fitting is a skill, so consider training or a qualified fitter to avoid injuring horses or facing complaints
• Winter slows riding and shows in many areas, so plan cash flow for the quiet months
• Check municipal rules if you sell from a stall at events or store stock at home

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $30,000 CAD, depending on your stock, vehicle and insurance. Your own costs may differ, so decide how much stock you need before you buy.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your stock, prices and how many barns and shows you visit. The estimate assumes from about 15 hours a week, with winter possibly slower.

Check commercial general liability insurance with cover for stock and your vehicle, and whether you must charge GST/HST or provincial sales tax. Also consider fitting training to avoid injuring horses, and check municipal rules for event stalls or home storage.