Ok, so I want to build a boarding stable

I am happiest with 12x12 when using a stall. However I prefer turnout 24/7. I would most definitely want turn out in the winter and wouldn't board at a facility if they didn't offer. I want my horse to be out being able to move and run and do whatever for 8+ hours a day, especially if they are going to be brought into a stall at night.

Just my personal preferance :)

So snow and ice is not a factor in turning out? We get plenty of both here, and snow packs to ice, I can't imagine what a pasture would have in it, be scared the horse would slip and break something, but that's just me, maybe they are more sure footed than what I think.
Maura, you are correct about the doable stuff, competing with commercial barns, well, there are none. None within probably 100 miles of me or farther. I have thought along those line of going small and moving up, but I come back to the same conclussion, build it right the first time. The indoor arena is mostly for me, it would be the only ridable place in the winter, that's 5-6 months a year here.

Where abouts are you from in Michigan?

Midland/Saginaw/Baycity area

Would not be a factor for me. They're just as likely to sprain something when it's muddy as when it's snowy/icy.

Okay, not a bad area at all for starting a boarding stable, quite a few bigger cities around there. There are so many rural parts of Michigan that I would never start a boarding stable at just because 95% of the people in the area have land that they can put horses on. But, I would honestly not plan on making much money just running a boarding stable. The way that Boarding stables make money are by giving lessons, hosting shows, training horses, etc. That is the only way to do it.

True painthorsemares, I forgot when I was younger, the horses had a lean to and didnt have a barn at all, they seldom were in the leanto, therefore were out all winter, and never got hurt. Kinda stinks getting old and forgetting simple stuff! Lol

Mliponoga, I plan on leasing also, as well as hiring a trainer, there is only one stable in Freeland and it is full, and has a waiting list that is very long, this is the stable my friend used to own, at the time she had 9 stalls and a 40x120 arena stalls inside of arena, I don't really like that, its so dusty for the horses in their stalls. They seem to have alot of activity at their stable, so I am thinking some may spill over.

This is true around here, and with the economy still in the dumps, lessons and coaching are the only money makers right now.

Have you considered having some self/co-op boarding? It's popular around here, keeps you out of the long hours of full board, and comes out ahead if you take into account what your time is worth (you still have a hard time recouping any capital investment you want to make, though).

Don't forget to look into your insurance costs, above and beyond your builing and maintenence fees. In Ontario, that's what's the killer. Having people riding horses on your land requires major insurance. Good luck!