What are the In's and Out's of running a boarding stable?

Here is a good website if you're thinking of getting into the stable business:

Stable Management

There are real estate sites that have set up ranches/barns, etc for lease/sale. Check these out for how they are set-up & what they handle. Some have their own shows or have guests in the summer months, or summer camps for kids or teen-agers. As others have stated- rep is everything. And $$ is important too!

I also would love to own/run a boarding stable and have drawn up the plans for my hypothetical barn, pastures, etc.

I'm convinced that with simple boarding and average facilities, no matter how well you care for the horses, you would doing well to break even. To actually have a successful business, you need to think about the extras that you can offer. Having a well qualified trainer associated with your barn will help fill some of your stalls. Instructors bring in additional income from riding your schooling horses (or boarding their own) as well as haul-in fees. Holding clinics with respected clinicians throughout the year draws more attention to your barn and gives an added reason to board there. Summer camps, organized trail rides, birthday parties, participation in shows, etc. are all things that you can offer on top of simple boarding. Maybe add some amenities that aren't common in the area, like a trail obstacle course or on-site trails/access to public trails.

I am getting ready to graduate college and have been looking into options of starting my own boarding facility. My boyfriend, who has run his own businesses since he was 14, has been helping me think about what things would cost and what I would need to be making just to cover the bills. There is a lot to think about. I would definitely start off small. Find some land to lease that already has a barn and such on it and start from there. Make sure you are in an area where people can afford to board their horses at the prices you need to charge to cover expenses. Many farms that just offer boarding either loose money or break even. To make money you need to have a trainer/offer training or something along those lines. There is so much more than just having your dream facility laid out in your head (trust me, I do too, and I would need around 2 million to make it happen haha).

Another thing to think about:

You work 365 days/year. If you hire someone to work a day for you that is more $$ YOU have to pay someone else

If you want to go out to dinner with friends tonight: "well I can't make it till after 8 so I can get all the stalls cleaned, horses fed, and well it's getting cold have to bring some in so won't make it"

Christmas with your parents or in-laws....well better hope they live close becuase once again a farm is 365


Just a few more things to consider, I know people with a boarding kennel for dogs that really screws up their "social" life