Small horse boarding barn with lessons

Local horse owners who lack their own land, plus riders and families paying for lessons.

Monthly board fees per horse (pasture, stall or full care at different prices), plus extras like lessons, arena use fees and feed or blanket services.

• Daily horse care and handling
• Basic fencing and barn upkeep
• Customer service with horse owners
• Budgeting for feed, hay and farrier costs

• Zoning, permits and the number of animals allowed per acre; check with your city or county
• Manure and runoff rules, which can vary by state and county
• Equine liability: many states have equine activity laws with waiver or signage requirements, so check yours
• Farm or equine liability insurance, plus care, custody and control cover for boarded horses, and workers' compensation once you hire
• Early mornings, seven days a week, with feed and hay costs that rise over time

Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $100,000, depending on your land, barn and fencing setup. These are estimates. Feed and hay costs can rise over time, so budget for ongoing expenses too.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many horses you board and whether you add lessons and training. Expect early mornings and seven-day-a-week care.

Check zoning, permits and the number of animals allowed per acre with your city or county, plus manure and runoff rules. Also check your state's equine activity laws on waivers and signage, and farm or equine liability insurance.