How to make money in the equine world!!!!HELP

[hrhmika]

I have decided that i want to go into the equine business as a form of making my living, i want to produce horses, potentially compete other peoples, and eventually when more stables are built have liveries, ANY advice on how to get an equine buisness going or any personal experiences of how to make money or at very least break even soon would be much appreciated?thanks.x

 

[E_Lister]

I cant really help as I have no experience in the field however this is what I have to offer.

I think it is vital to have a good name for yourself and constantly be out and about and get noticed so your profile is as good as possible.
Make sure that people can't find any bad faults in ANYTHING that you do.

Good luck

 

[TallyHo123]

Get out of it! lol

 

[kittykatcat]

Well some people earn a living, so it can't be impossible, but I think the money would be unreliable, but the work (hopefully) rewarding. I think it's all about contacts, building a reputation, and not letting your heart rule your head.

 

[Paddydou]

It is a known fact that horses=£o in the bank...

Agree with the advice above, make sure that you have cash flow all the time, be honest and aim for nice horses being sold to good homes. Make sure that you ensure your standards for everything are always high.

Personally I feel that the only way to make money out of horses is to make, sell products useful to the inductry such as rugs, feed, bedding etc - even then I have my doubts!

If I were you I would keep this as a side line and get another job so you know your bills will be paid. That way you can enjoy it more and not have to worry so much about pennies in the bank.

Sounds harsh but at some point you will have to feed yourself!

 

[nativetyponies]

buy all the dregs from the markets, and rehome them as "rescues" for £600 a shot.

easy

 

[martlin]

only £600?
I knew I was going wrong somewhere

 

[nativetyponies]

only £600?
I knew I was going wrong somewhere

...TBH youi could name your price really

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

To buy, produce & sell horses on to make a profit you really need to have your own land & facilities. If you are having to rent stables etc then that really eats into & erodes any profit there may be in any sale. At the present time many producers are having to down size their businesses as their purse strings tighten.

You need to have an impecable reputation for reliability & honesty when dealing with people & have a very good knowledge of all things horsey.This can take years to build up.

Many new businesses fail in the first 12 months. A friend of mine ran a livery yard for 12 months. I renovated it for her at cost of materials only to give her a chance. She had a vast knowledge of horses having being involved for decades however she gave up after 12 months or so. She was renting the yard & working incredibly long hours. She had to keep the standards high & her prices competative but just couldn't make enough money to make it viable. There was not enough to pay anyone to help so she never had a day off unless I went over to stand in for her. I saw her health deteriorate & waste away to a shadow of her former self. She didn't come out even at the end, she was several thousand pounds out of pocket. To be honest I think the rent she paid for the yard was far too high.

There are many people that would love to do what you are considering but I ask you to do your sums very well because it is a difficult business to start & make pay. Remember you will be self employed & it is up to you to earn money to pay for everything & that isn't easy at any time & particularly difficult at this time.

I wish you luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

[TopTotty]

The quickest way to a million pounds in the horse industry is to start with two million!!

Honestly though I have a livery yard and we are not breaking even at the moment. I have just been out advertising etc in the hope of attracting some new clients. It is very hard at the moment so be careful! However....even when the weather is awful and I want to give up I ask myself what else would I rather do?? It is very hard but also very rewarding.

 

[BBH]

I think the only way to make money is to be a 'name' charging inflated prices for horses, lessons etc. Everyone else seems to scratch by and as someone else said if you have to rent or pay a mortgage on a property you are half failed already.

My advice to anyone is to have a proper job that pays the bills and then horses are an ' extra' or sideline.

I know this sounds really negative but I wouldn't be looking to start any horse business in the recession as ' luxury' items they are the first to be cut back on, reduced or sold. How easy is it to stop having as many lessons, freelances to ride / school your horses when money it tight. Very.

 

[Enfys]

I have Boarders and they just about pay their costs and pay for mine to have their feet seen to.

I breed, stand a stallion to a few mares, and sell the odd foal or two, covering fees and foal sales pay for my hay to be baled and a bit of new fencing.

Dealing, as said, you need your own facilities, a reputation, and contacts help too.

Breaking/schooling, you have to be competent and deliver the goods. The first time you send a horse back that isn't improved to the standard you claimed it would be, word will spread faster than wildfire and your reputation will be shot.

Horses, to me, are a sideline. The moment I get up one morning and think "Oh bleurgh" is the time I sell up. I break even. I actually make a far better living right now with the cattle side of the dealing.

 

[Happy Hunter]

I'm sure if you find out - You could sell the solution/answer for millions!