RiverSideG
Alright here it goes. I've been around horses ever since I was a baby. Someone left me property which I've decided maybe I should start a boarding barn. I've boarded my horses in the past. The place already has huge stalls, huge cleaning stall, tack room, indoor area, outdoor area, 95 acres, fenced in areas, etc. I was the only one who didn't know the land was mine until she died. My sister told me that my cousin wanted me to take this as owner after she was gone. She left in her will that the land, money, everything is mine. She left me money and everything. I don't know why she picked me but I'm excited. I've always wanted to do this but I can tell you this is very stressful at the same time.
My cousin is known for puzzles but she left me with nothing to base it on. I can now thank Trish for that but anyway what would you think board should cost? I don't want to be too pricey but no one will tell me anything, My sister said figure it out. Is there anything else I should know before starting. I do plan to take this a bit too slow but time to get ready to face it.
Board how much do you think I should say?
Any tips?
Anything would be greatful
Yes, I know about insurance too. Already looking into that.
Answer
The first thing I would do is ring round your local yards and say you are looking to board your horse in the area. Ask how much it would cost and what's included.
Then I would make my own service a few dollars cheaper- even one or two makes a difference for most people.
Look into how much water, electricity, etc is going to cost you and if any repairs need doing before you start. It's also probably a good idea to give the place a good tidy and clean and a lick of paint. Go out and check all your fencing and gates and if the yard has a front garden/lawn make sure it is neat to make a good impression.
Make sure you have all the required safety stuff for fire etc. and that the switches for lights and plug sockets are all working along with the taps. Make sure that none of your clients have to come to your home to get things. There's nothing worse than someone coming up when you've just started your dinner!
If you can, sort out an agreement where clients can only come on the yard between certain times except for emergencies, then you won't be disturbed at 10 at night by someone "just checking again". Try also to get an alarm for your tack room, which only you will open at a certain time, and lock again at a certain time.
Obviously get insurance sorted out and get a boarding contract drawn up for each client to sign. It should include that their horse needs to be kept up to date on jabs, worming and insurance (both for injury and illness, as well as liability in case one client's horse injures another!) and how much is to be paid each week by what method (cash, bank transfer etc) and what is included by you for the money.
Speak to your local farriers and see who would be prepared to book a regular visit to see all your clients' horses in one go and reduce the fees. You could also do this with the vet/ physio etc.
I'm not sure who regulates yards in the US, but in the UK we have the BHS and their website has all sorts on setting up a yard of your own. Obviously some of the legislation will be different (and we call it a livery yard over here :-) ) but the basic stuff is up there [www.bhs.org.uk].
Get yourself some good photos on a sunny day and put some adverts up in your local papers and in local show catalogues etc. you could hand out leaflets or sponsor a small class.
Hope this helps!
The first thing I would do is ring round your local yards and say you are looking to board your horse in the area. Ask how much it would cost and what's included.
Then I would make my own service a few dollars cheaper- even one or two makes a difference for most people.
Look into how much water, electricity, etc is going to cost you and if any repairs need doing before you start. It's also probably a good idea to give the place a good tidy and clean and a lick of paint. Go out and check all your fencing and gates and if the yard has a front garden/lawn make sure it is neat to make a good impression.
Make sure you have all the required safety stuff for fire etc. and that the switches for lights and plug sockets are all working along with the taps. Make sure that none of your clients have to come to your home to get things. There's nothing worse than someone coming up when you've just started your dinner!
If you can, sort out an agreement where clients can only come on the yard between certain times except for emergencies, then you won't be disturbed at 10 at night by someone "just checking again". Try also to get an alarm for your tack room, which only you will open at a certain time, and lock again at a certain time.
Obviously get insurance sorted out and get a boarding contract drawn up for each client to sign. It should include that their horse needs to be kept up to date on jabs, worming and insurance (both for injury and illness, as well as liability in case one client's horse injures another!) and how much is to be paid each week by what method (cash, bank transfer etc) and what is included by you for the money.
Speak to your local farriers and see who would be prepared to book a regular visit to see all your clients' horses in one go and reduce the fees. You could also do this with the vet/ physio etc.
I'm not sure who regulates yards in the US, but in the UK we have the BHS and their website has all sorts on setting up a yard of your own. Obviously some of the legislation will be different (and we call it a livery yard over here :-) ) but the basic stuff is up there [www.bhs.org.uk].
Get yourself some good photos on a sunny day and put some adverts up in your local papers and in local show catalogues etc. you could hand out leaflets or sponsor a small class.
Hope this helps!
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