How to Set Up a Successful Stable Yard
The Essentials of Equestrian Construction and Business
Jul 14, 2009
The idea of owning a stable yard with many horses, and even boarding other people’s horses, is appealing to many horse lovers. People who are truly serious about horses may in time wish to leave their ‘normal’ jobs and try to make money from the hobby that they love. In order to build a stable which will not only keep horses healthy and happy but also sustain itself financially there are several key aspects to consider.
Land and Acreage
When setting up a professional yard the amount of land that can be built upon is possibly more important than anything else. Land is the limiting factor to what can be built, and the more grazing space available the better. 20 acres is a good size for a small stable yard, but many try to keep horses on less. If boarders are to be taken on (that is, if other people will be keeping their horse at the property) then at least 20 acres is needed. With this size property a stable block can be built which can hold about 10 horses starting out, or up to 20 for more professional yards, and there will still be plenty of space to build a riding school/arena and several paddocks and pastures.
Stables and Barns
The stables themselves can come in many different styles depending on the type of stable yard and personal taste. They must always, however, be sturdy, clean, large enough for horses to lie down in, and well ventilated. Depending on the location other aspects, such as warmth, must be considered. There are several other options, such as footing, which need to be dealt with. The more time, money, and planning is put into the construction the longer they will last and people will be willing to pay more to keep their horses in them.
Riding School/Arena
Depending on the type of stable yard the riding school will have to serve different purposes. In any yard size and footing are essential. The larger the riding school the more useful it will be (possibly even being suitable to hold local competitions), but it will also take more time and money to maintain.
A good surface made of sand, fibre and rubber serves many purposes as long as it is not too deep. Companies around the world offer excellent footing that suits almost all disciplines (from racing to dressage), but these come at a price. The initial investment of a supporting and well draining surface will pay in the long run as horses will suffer fewer injuries due to poor footing and it will attract boarders.
Other Features
A well run professional yard is expected to have more than a riding school, decent stables and good pastures. These three are the key essentials that no yard can do without (and small yards would be quite happy with), however larger yards should have a gallop, good trails, a walker (horse exerciser) and living quarters for an on property groom or stable manager.
Depending on the type of yard being built the costs and features will vary greatly. A local contractor specializing in equestrian buildings would be able to give a good estimate of the cost and the longevity of the construction.
Waste Disposal
A muck heap must be placed close enough to the stables to be convenient but far enough away to keep the horses healthy. Arrangements must also be made to have the manure collected; this can often be done through a local farmer who can use the manure as fertilizer.
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