Horses are beautiful, majestic creatures. It should be no surprise that they have quite the following among human fans, leading to many wondering whether it is possible to make the leap into a business venture.

There are a lot of ideas out there related to horses that can be quite possible. Let’s take a look at some of the most profitable horse business ideas that could wind up being a good idea for you and your interests.

Horse Boarding

Whether you currently have your own horse or simply have the space to accommodate horses, boarding can be a great way to make some extra cash without getting full-on into the equine business. Not everyone is willing to make the big financial commitment to starting a business, and doing side jobs like this can be a great way to gain experience and make some more money.

Just keep in mind that in order to be good at boarding, you need to have things on hand. That includes a spare stall (maybe two), lots of hay, and the kind of open, safe environment so that the horses can spend their time outdoors in comfort.

Riding Lessons

Another great way in which you can make some serious dough is by offering riding lessons. Even better, you can set your own schedule, taking on clients where you please. Whether you decide to take it to the next level and do it full-time depends on your success and goals.

Lessons can be great for both instilling confidence and improving the abilities of young riders or those who are new to the entire thing. Just make sure that your stable is ready for visitors. Make sure that you take the necessary steps to ensure that the experience is an enjoyable one as repeat clients will be the base of your business.

Horse Tack Cleaner

It is no secret that horses have a plethora of accessories. Things like girths, martingales, bridles, saddles, and even breastplates are all found in just about any stable that you look to. They also need to be cleaned regularly to prevent them from getting truly rank.

If you have a skill and even a love of cleaning those accessories, then it can make for a very profitable business. Building relationships with horse owners is key, as is making a positive experience each time. Having a knowledge of each of the tack items and how to correctly clean them is key and a necessary skill.

Pasture Care

Pasture Care can be done roughly once or twice every couple of weeks, which means the potential to start small and work your way up. There are a few caveats to keep in mind. For starters, you will have to transport any of the machinery that will be needed to do the job.

On top of that, there are some pieces of equipment that you will need at the beginning of the process, things like a lawnmower and weed eater, at the very least. Start-up costs can be a bit dissuading, but the pay should be quite high. On average, $20 per hour can be earned, and more if you are good at it.

Horse Transport

Being able to transport horses, several at a time, to or from an event means having access to a large trailer. The trailer needs cleaning and checking on a regular basis to ensure that not only is it safe, but the horses are comfortable during transport.

That said, it can be a lucrative business if you have the equipment. Transportation costs should be manageable, so consider things like extra gas and trailer fees, as well as the effort that it takes to transport the horses, when coming up with your pricing. But it can also be a flexible schedule that works for you.

Are There Grants for Starting a Horse Business?

The good news for those looking to start a horse-related business is that there are a number of grants available, both for groups and individuals. These grants can become available depending on the type of business, its location, and its status as a for- or non-profit company.

SARE

The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Foundation has grants available for businesses that make use of horses in the effort for sustainable agricultural programs. The organization offers different professional development grants in addition to both education and outreach funding.

United States Department of Agriculture

Before you can worry about the most profitable horse business ideas, check with the United States Department of Agriculture first. They have a wide array of grant funding allocated for agriculturally based businesses.

There are also the Rural Business Enterprise Grants that are offered up through the department of Agriculture to provide grant money to those small agriculture businesses that are located in more rural areas. The grant money is a bit limited, but it can definitely be useful depending on the type of business that you plan to form.

ASPCA

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) established its own Equine Fund for the sole purpose of funding and granting money to organizations that protect, rehabilitate, or rescue horses.

Grant money may also potentially be available for certain programs that work toward the prevention of animal abuse.

Conclusion

If you have an interest in doing business within the equine industry, there are a lot of possibilities. And depending on where that business falls, it can even be eligible for a number of different grants related to the equine business.

The fact of the matter is that there are a number of areas through which someone interested in equine business can get their start. Do your homework today and find out which avenue may be the best one for you.