Online tack shop with show stalls

Horse owners, riders, riding school parents and yard owners in your area and further afield.

You buy stock at trade prices and sell at retail, earning the margin on each item. Show days bring in cash sales and new online customers.

• Knowing horses and riding kit
• Choosing stock people actually need
• Packing and posting orders
• Basic online selling and social media

• Public liability insurance and product liability cover, especially for safety items like riding hats and body protectors
• Check the rules on selling safety-standard equipment and keep to the standards labelled on products
• Stock tied up in rugs and seasonal items, so start small
• Check distance selling and returns rules for online sales
• Check pitch fees, insurance and any permissions needed for show stalls
• Check whether you need landlord, mortgage or council permission to store stock at home

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your website and what you need for a show stall. These are estimates, so starting small can limit money tied up in seasonal items.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on your range, pricing and how often you attend shows or promote online. This is an estimate of sales, not profit, and starts from about 8 hours a week.

Check the rules on selling safety-standard equipment such as riding hats and body protectors, and keep to the standards labelled on products. Also check public and product liability insurance, distance selling and returns rules, pitch fees and permission to store stock at home.