The Horses, Riding, Boarding
Doug and I went to the barn yesterday. We'll be bringing the horses home early this year. We need to find a way to make our own indoor arena viable. My horses are like my children. I need to be managing them. That's all I'll say about that. For now.
We free lunged over ground poles yesterday. Then I rode. Rogo was great.
We're exploring business ideas that would help sustain an indoor. I do know that I don't want a boarding barn. The profit margin in this region is too slim, it's tons of work, and there's potential for barn drama (a few boarders would be okay, but having a lot of boarders wouldn't be a good fit with trying to keep my own riding time, etc.). What other options are there? We'll partner with an experienced and well trained equestrian, so there are a variety of avenues we could take. Breeding, training, teaching, competition and clinic venue, ...
I don't have any illusions that a horse business is going to be a big money maker, and there's a big risk management piece to be done, but I think with careful planning and a little luck, a fun, satisfying and sustainable business can come together. Does anyone have any thoughts, ideas and / or advice?
I was Director of Community, Culture and Economic Development for Halifax Regional Municipality when I retired early a few years ago. It was a large department with a big budget and I loved the work (events, heritage, recreation, culture, community development, etc., etc.), but hated the politics, so I left. After a break, I started a consulting business with a friend. We do management consulting for municipalities and we have quite a bit of work and have fun together. Life is good. The thing is, I like that work, and I'd like to keep doing a bit of it, but I don't love it. It isn't what I'm passionate about.
I wake up and fall asleep thinking about horses. I need to build more of it into my life instead of doing other work and paying someone to look after my horses in the winter.
Sorry if this is rambling. I'm just thinking out loud... I think change is coming... Thanks for listening.
Comments
Not to mention being stuck with horses when boarders just disappear!
This sounds so exciting. Having your horses with you and caring for them year round is the way to go - only you can give them the best care.
I do worry about you having boarders. Even a few. I went through a very difficult year when I took in boarders - 3 people with 4 horses. The horses were fabulous. The boarders started out to be helpful and kind and ended up generating a lot of stress for me and my family.
Brian and I often philosophize about just went wrong. I think that the bottom line is that in a boarding situation, everyone actually has an even say. You can think that you own the facility and have excellent managing skills and can prevent drama. I thought that. But, I didn't own the horses and no paperwork in the world can make people agree on how to take care of THEIR animals.
You'll not believe this, but our problems arose because one day, I moved our boarders horses to a pasture with shade in a 90 degree heatwave. They were angry because they wanted their horses to "cowboy up" and endure the heat. That sounds nutty and that I must have just had "bad" boarders, but in reality I just had boarders. It was our farm, our pastures, our stalls - and their horses. Conflict comes from differing philosophies about horse care and nothing generates more passion than the proper way to care for a horse.
I still can't believe what transpired when I think back on it. I wouldn't wish that pain on anyone.
I am usually the ultimate optimist, and I am sorry that this comment is so bleak. I hope you wanted honest advice. I adore reading of your sweet horsey life and would hate to see anything upset your balance. I get the sense that you are going through some pain now where you are at - imagine something similar at your own facility. I really took my time and every precaution so it couldn't happen to me - but it did. Please be careful!
Back in the day, I used to manage a training facility. Our biggest money maker was sale horses. Horses in training paid the overhead, sale horses turned a profit. Of course, that was in the late 90s/early 2000s when money was flowing freely, I don't know how well that business plan would work now.
The best piece of wisdom I learned was to have a business plan and stick to it. The businesses I know that have failed were always inconsistent. One day they were breeders, the next they were trainers, then a boarding facility, back to breeders, etc.... then they were closed! Pick a plan, focus on it, do it well, build a reputation. Good luck!
Shannon my business partner is interested in sales horses, so that's good to know. Our economy is a little more better here (seems it never has the highs, but also doesn't crash) so it is worth researching.
Thanks everyone.
Juliette, I meant to say that I just can't believe people would want their horses in 90 degree heat with no shade. That's awful and certainly a cautionary tale.
As for boarding, I couldn't imagine running a boarding facility. If I did it'd be small. I'm currently keeping my horses in a self care facility with only 2 other boarders. This is the best! I give my horses the care they need! No more complaining about feeding times, others leading (mishandling) my horses out to the fields, turnout time, etc. And the other two boarders are adult women (we're all about the same age) who can help me out in a pinch.
It's really a wonderful arrangement. On the flip side, if it was me running the facility I'm not certain I would like having people coming to my place everyday. I guess you'd lose out on some privacy. But then when the monthly check comes in, it may not be so bad. :)
Best of luck to you in taking an adventure in your life. I'm all for doing what makes you happy! Life is too short to be doing drudgery!!
I held her horse (no charge) once for the farrier who arrived hours early - they complained and wished I had made him wait around for them to arrive - he was on a super tight schedule...
They have asked me to relax my rule about no minors riding without supervision - inconvenient to the Mom's schedule to wait around...
They don't feed nearly enough hay but load the horse up with concentrates...
There are so many ways opinions can differ and people will say anything when they are anxious to find a boarding situation.
The event facility idea sounds promising, especially if you're aiming at subsidizing an indoor. And as Barbara said everyone goes home after. My only advice would be write your contracts very carefully - I'm glad I did.
Excited for you Carol - keep us posted!
Story - your boarding situation sounds nightmarish (no pun intended). I sure hope you can find something better and not too far away.
All of you - thanks so much for the ideas and feedback. I'm feeling pretty sure at this point that boarders are a risky bet at best.
Kitanna - you're sweet. Thank you :)