This message is from: Cynthia_Madden/OAA/UNO/[EMAIL PROTECTED] Jon and Mary, Since Steve and I have always boarded our horses and carts, etc., I have some very definite ideas on what I want as a boarder and if I ever ran a boarding operation (see CAVEAT at end). Here is how I would do it:
First, I would sit down with some software or SBA handouts and do a business plan. The economics of boarding are very tricky. I believe it can be done, but it is best to know the market as well as the costs before you invest any money and time in upgrading your facilities. If you want any help with this part, let me know. I would do as little stall boarding as possible. It eats up a lot of money and time . Buildings are very expensive and cleaning/maintaining them is time consuming with reliable help hard to find (or you will be putting in 20 hour days). Instead, I would have lots with run-in sheds or better yet larger pastures with good fencing and large adequate shelters (our horses have always been maintained this way and are very healthy and have no mental health issues) . Where I would put my money is a good and lighted outdoor arena, or up where you are consider an indoor arena - after you have proven you can get enough business - with facilities for your boarders to groom and tack their horses, a good dry tack room, a restroom, and carriage storage area (for me!) Make sure your hay storage is not close to any stabling. You need to have a good parking area with room for trailers. Going the outdoor boarding route is particularly effective if you can only handle a limited number of horses because you won't make money on a stall boarding operation unless you can do a lot of horses - the economics are just not there and time invested is considerable. Don't get greedy. Board only the number of horses you can realistically deal with landwise and laborwise. The biggest problem I have seen in places I have been is too many horses and not enough help. Any pasture gets overgrazed and then you have to buy even more hay. In most boarding operations where I have been, the pasture horses are the gravey money. No major labor costs or building costs. However, usually the pasture horses and their pasture are the most neglected and ignored. I have been most satisfied where the pastures are well maintained and the horses are inspected regularly and treated with respect. I would have a good contract that clearly spells out boarder and operator responsibilities. I agree with the no dogs and no unsupervised children. I would also insist on helmets (especially for those under 18) , but I know many people don't. The contract would specify that shots and farrier care would be done by certain times or billed to the boarder. I would have a really good insurance policy. Offer an incentive discount for on-time payment of 2 to 5%. Make up a list of charges for extra care and services so that people know what they have to pay for. If you charge to handle a horse when the farrier or vet comes, then let people know it ahead of time. (And don't hesitate to charge for those services - your time is valuable.) Post rules clearly and make sure everyone understands them (including children). I also like the idea of isolating new horses from the others for a period of time to make sure they have no communicable health problems. Boarders are especially happy when they know their horses are cared for by a knowledgeable and attentive operator who treats each horse as if it were his or her own. It is also nice when an atmosphere of friendliness and helpfulness are present. (which I know would not be a problem for you). Plan the occasional picnic and/or trail ride to promote people getting to know each other and do things together. CAVEAT: If you really enjoy working with your own horses and like to do lots of things with them, then forget about doing a boarding operation. You will find that you rarely have time to enjoy your own horses. Why do you think we board? Cynthia Madden Omaha, Nebraska USA
