Mobile saddlery and tack service

Horse owners, riding school managers, livery yard clients and riders who find it hard to get to a shop.

Mark-up on the tack and equipment you sell, plus order commissions or extra margin on special orders and small paid services such as basic tack cleaning.

• Good knowledge of horses and tack
• Selling and building trust with regulars
• Stock control and route planning

• Public liability and stock insurance, including cover for goods in your van
• Saddle fitting is a skilled job and poor fit can harm a horse, so consider recognised training or qualifications, and only offer what you are competent in
• Consumer rights rules on returns and refunds, especially for distance orders
• Pitch fees and insurance rules at shows, check with each organiser
• Stock tied up in slow-selling sizes and styles

Startup costs are typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on the van you use and how much tack, riding wear and care product stock you carry. These are estimates, so plan stock carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on your yards, shows and regular customers. The estimate assumes at least about 15 hours a week. Revenue is not profit, so allow for stock, which can get tied up in slow-selling sizes.

Check public liability and stock insurance, including goods in your van. Saddle fitting is skilled and poor fit can harm a horse, so consider recognised training and only offer what you are competent in. Also check consumer rights on returns and each show's pitch fees and insurance rules.