Re-Opening a Riding Establishment.

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Roisin_M

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19 November 2011
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Hello,

Im after some advice, i've been offered to opportunity to re-open a riding school that was closed due to the ill health of the owner. I've run several yards, including riding schools/trekking centres and feel I have enough experience. The yards all ready to go, horses and tack, and the sandschool plus jumps. Its a small yard will approximately 12 riding school suitable horses. I need any advice you can throw at me really!

Thanks!
 
Could you get a look at the previous owners' bookings diary for the last year. You need to be sure there is demand for a school in the area. Otherwise ask around as much as you can to try & find this out.
 
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ABRS approval alongside the BHS approval.
Insurance
Staff, which need CRB checks and insurance
You may also have to register with Companies House
 
They're recommended though, and I'm sure instructors need them as they fall under teaching guidelines? That is what I was taught at uni last year anyway.
 
If CRB checks are not a legal requirement, then I think they are still needed, as surely most parents would want them?
OP I think you need to decide what market you are going to cater for, children at the weekend, stay at home mum's during the week (coffee and cakes and riding :D) Evening classes for working folk. Will you affiliate with the PC? Lots of different things to think about before you leap in :)
 
You'll need a council license, which means a H&S check, Risk Assessments, vet inspection as it will be in your name, unless the previous owner is employing you.
Insurance .
Check the accounts, winter is usually a dead zone for riders except the exceptionally committed horse lovers!
 
Do I need BHS and ABRS approval? My insurance company offers discounts for approved yards but doesnt seem to stipulate it as a requirement? The owner previously ran it with the council license and insurance but as far as I know it was never approved by either the BHS or the ABRS?

Im quite lucky as its only been shut a short amount of time and the previous clients are chomping at the bit to get back on and start their lessons again, so hopefully once it is reopened I will have a core clientele to begin earning some morney and work it up from there.
 
Remember there is a big difference between running a yard and running a business. Look at it as a business first, can you make a living from it? Be honest with yourself and get the figures right, don't guess! Running a business with horses can also mean hard decisions, especially if it goes wrong. If you go for it, good luck and enjoy it! I run a riding school with 14 horses and this year we are opening another! Glutton for punishment I am :D
 
BHS/ABRS aren't required, but definitely recommended, as you will get listed on their websites, not to mention being accredited by them.
 
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