Small horse boarding barn

Local horse owners who have no land of their own, including hobby riders, families with children and trail riders.

Monthly board fees per horse, with extras such as training rides, blanketing, hay upgrades or arena use. Income grows with each stall you fill.

• Safe horse handling and daily horse care
• Basic fencing, barn and pasture upkeep
• Dealing with owners, with clear rules and fair, steady communication

• Zoning, agricultural use rules and any county permit for boarding, and HOA or lease limits
• Manure, runoff and water rules, which vary by county and state, so check with your local conservation district
• Insurance that covers animals in your care, plus workers' compensation once you hire help
• Check your state's equine liability law, which often requires warning signs and set wording in contracts
• Early mornings, seven days a week, and vet or feed costs that rise without warning

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $75,000, depending on whether you own or lease land and how much fencing, stall and barn work the property needs. Vet and feed costs can also rise without warning.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many horses you board and whether you offer full care or self-care. Feed, vet and upkeep costs come out of that figure.

Check zoning, agricultural use rules and any county permit for boarding, plus HOA or lease limits. Also check manure and runoff rules with your local conservation district, your state's equine liability law, and insurance that covers animals in your care.