(Untitled)

[kira125]

So I've had this idea since I was a little peanut, and I'm thinking about starting up a Boarding Facility in Michigan. I'm not sure if that's the best idea considering the condition of the economy or how well it'll work for me financially, but it's something I feel strongly about and I've never felt so positive about something I want to do before

Comments

[chiquita522]

One of my favorite features in my favorite boarding barn were tack lockers for each horse. You could put whatever you wanted in your locker, but had to provide your own lock. It was the best! Never had to bitch at people for keeping the tack room clean.

[xtheridgex]

There really isn't any money in the boarding business. Its almost impossible to make a profit without a training business going on too. I guess the best advice I can give you is file for that special taxing system where they don't review your for profit status until the seventh year of your business. Chances are you won't be able to say you are for profit the first few years you are in business and being audited is a pain.

Also, figure out your insurance and property taxes with an accountant before you even think about leasing/buying property because I guarantee you are going to be shocked at the kind of money you have to pay for such things.

[12to15steps]

Yep. Plan on making no money, having horrible hours, always having staff problems, always having at least one ridiculous border making trouble, and being pretty miserable. It's an awful, awful job - I don't envy the bording barn owners of the world one bit!

How is it possible to make it work? Small is your best bet - lower overhead, fewer cats to herd. Of course, if you're having to build from scratch, that means not a lot of clients to support the building of an indoor arena (you have to have one in Michigan), plus all the other things you'll need.

If you're looking for a way to break into the business, consider instead working under an experienced professional, either as a working student or even a barn manager. That will give you a first-hand look at what it's like to be in the field without the monumental financial risk.

[arglikeapirate]

there was a post a few weeks ago where someone was asking a similar question; if you can pull it up it might be a good thing to look at!

Other than that, I agree with what the above said. You'll need contacts so people are willing to move their horses or bring their new horses to you. I would definitely try and find an instructor (or do it yourself whatever) or if you can't do that, host clinics whenever you can.

[glitteredhorse]

I had to do a mock barn-building thing for an equine facilities management class, that just covered the costs to get started. We were supposed to build from ground-up rather than just turning around a facility, but I could send you the project if you wanted.

My barn cost around $800,000 to build and that was without labor costs (my uncle is a contracter and I would somehow convince him to build it for me), and doing everything except plumbing and electrics myself. Most people's projects ended up costing them around $1.5 million, just to get started.

[songofsixxpence]

if you are asking the internet for basic information, you shouldn't have any sort of facility.

just sayin...

if you're really serious, start writing up a business plan. www.sba.gov