Horses are both expensive and time consuming to look after, which is why a great many owners will hire other people or companies to care for theirs. If you love horses, but don’t have the means to own one yourself, then making a business out of equestrian care could well be for you. It’s not as easy as it might first appear, but it certainly is rewarding.
Do Your Research
First things first; how much do you know about horses? If you’re a seasoned veteran, then fine, but otherwise it’s probably a good idea to get some education and experience under your belt. Volunteer for a bit beforehand, and find some courses if you can. You’ll be more likely to find work if potential employers know you know what you’re doing.There are accredited courses and such available, so you should work out if the cost of taking one is worth it in the long run.
Gather the Equipment
Next, you’ll need some care equipment. A great many horse owners will indeed have most of their own stuff, but not everyone will have everything, so it’s essential that you do – it will be expected. It’s always great to show that you know what you’re doing if you have special cleaning and care products. Owners will appreciate that you’re looking to give their horses the best. Depending on what you’re going to be offering, then you might also need larger things like horse boxes.
Insurance is going to be important too, because any mistakes that you make, as highly unlikely as they may be, could be financially severe. Liability insurance is going to be a must, along with making sure that things like horse boxes are insured for use on the road.
Find Some Clients
Once you’ve got everything together, it’s a matter of finding work. Having a website, and sending out business cards and the like is probably the best way to find new clients. You can also attend shows and networking events. It’s certainly not easy, but generally once you’ve found a few clients, you’ll have regular income which will make things much easier – it’s not a case of having to find new work each and every month. If you’re great at your job, you could well have work for the whole lives of the horses you’re caring for – and what could be better than that?
