This acclaimed guide examines every aspect of initiating a horse business venture, and is widely used in equine departments at major universities across the nation. In this extensively revised and expanded edition, Janet E. English, CPA, presents advice on how to structure a business plan,attract investors,manage records and funds, and handle accounts. Agreement forms and contracts are conveniently included in ready-to-use formats, and will lay the groundwork for solid business affairs. Every horse owner can benefit from this book, but it should be especially helpful for those who wish to succeed in the horse business!

This book will open your eyes to the world of horse boarding and all that it encompasses. One of the most often asked questions I get from people who want to start a boarding business is, "Where do I start?" Great question! Most people, including myself, usually start with a couple of horses and then progress into boarding. This book is a step by step guide on what you need to do to get your barn or stable up and going and how to maintain a strong and healthy boarding business. Whether you want to run a large facility or a small stable this book will cover everything you need to know to help you start off with a strong foundation for your business. I have included a current business plan (designed especially for the horse boarding industry), boarding contract and barn rules which is only the beginning. This book will walk you through every step and give you tasks lists and suggestions for every part of your business from designing your barn to seeking a loan. This book includes designing a barn or stable, your tack room, horse stalls and riding arenas. It covers extensive pages on herd management, turnout and paddocks and how to design them and what to think about before you put the first post in the ground. It will include business insurance, accounting and lawyers and what they mean to your business. I discuss the financial part of business ownership throughout the book and how to streamline your chores and hire employees. I discuss conflict resolution, the barn manager's role and client relations and the intention of this book is to help you avoid some of the common pitfalls of barn management and business ownership and that is only the beginning. The topics that are covered in this book are extensive and you won't find a more current book on running a boarding business. This book will benefit any size boarding operation. A large boarding barn equates to a large scale effort and risk. A small boarding stable carries lower financial risk but requires the same planning to be successful and can have many of the same issues as a large facility. Every area of the horse industry is impacted by the boarding stable and no matter the size; each plays an integral part in the success and stability of the equine industry.

Can a boarding farm owner sell a boarder's horse to satisfy a delinquent bill? Are corporations or partnerships more suitable to certain kinds of equine businesses? Will the posting of signs that indicate potential hazards reduce a farm owner's liability in the event of an injury? Does the IRS view horse ownership as a hobby or business? These questions and more are answered in The Complete Equine Legal and Business Handbook. Attorney Milton C. Toby looks at contract and liability issues that horse owners and horse business owners face as well as depreciation and deduction considerations, proper record-keeping, employer-employee relations, and public and private purchase of horses. This guide is essential for anyone involved in the horse business.

Since the first edition was published in 1984 Horse and Stable Management has become the recognised source of reliable information on all aspects of the practical management of horses and ponies. It is now the established textbook for everyone who owns a horse or works with horses. This fourth edition has been radically revised and reorganised to include the most up-to-date and accurate procedures and advice. With many new photographs, Horse and Stable Management includes chapters covering evolution and behaviour, conformation and action, routine preventive measures, nursing the sick horse, first aid, lameness and the management of breeding stock. Horse and Stable Management is essential reading for those taking British Horse Society and Association of British Riding Schools examinations as well as those taking college equine courses or National Vocational Qualifications in horse care and management. The Authors Jeremy Houghton Brown was manager of the British National Equestrian Centre and the British Racing School, then for many years principal lecturer in equine studies at Warwickshire College, where he started and pioneered British equine education. Above all, he is an experienced, practical horseman. Sarah Pilliner is an equine consultant specialising in horse care. She is also an experienced lecturer, competition rider, senior examiner, and the author of several books. Zoe Davies is a former lecturer in equine science, a consultant equine nutritionist, author and external examiner for higher education courses. She has substantial experience in equine management and training. From previous reviews: ‘A new classic... a clearly written and easily understood handbook.’ Riding ‘It is extremely comprehensive. It is also accurate. In fact, a most valuable book for anyone who owns a horse.’ Horse and Hound ‘The approach and contents are refreshingly different... very informative and a valuable source of reference.’ Horse and Rider

If you are thinking of building a new horse bar, remodeling a building into a stable, or need ideas on improving the barn you have, Horse Housing is for you. From finding the best building site to choosing stall latches, this book is chock full of practical information and how to tips. It will demystify contracts and regulations, help you find a qualified builder in your area, and explain in detail which materials are good to use around horses and which are not.

Maybe you compete in versatility ranch-horse events or plan to meet that challenge and want to take advantage of every opportunity to polish your performance. Perhaps cattle work can put a fresh perspective on your riding program, or you simply want a handy, responsive horse, no matter what your day’s ride might bring. Whatever your interest in Ranch-Horse Versatility, Colorado horseman Mike Major is uniquely qualified to provide the information to take your horse program to the next level. A rancher by profession and a competitor by choice, Major has developed the horsemanship expertise to be successful in both venues, in large part because he draws no real distinction between his show horses and ranch horses. A Major Cattle Company horse might well work on the ranch today and compete in the arena tomorrow, a dual-purpose approach that has proven successful. Major and his stallion, Smart Whiskey Doc, have claimed multiple national titles—American Quarter Horse Association 2006 Bayer Select Working Cow Horse World Champion, World’s Greatest Versatility Horse at the National Versatility Ranch Horse Association 2008 and 2009 National Finals, and AQHA 2009 and 2010 Versatility Ranch Horse Open World Champion. Plus, in 2010 Major rode Black Hope Stik, a daughter of Smart Whiskey Doc, to become the inaugural Battle in the Saddle Ranch Remuda Champion and the first Project Cowboy Champion. American stock-horse associations were founded on the backs of such talented horses, and versatility competition has brought a renewed appreciation for these all-around athletes. In his book, Major shares how he develops such responsive, maneuverable horses. His understanding, how-to tips and thoughtful insights in Ranch-Horse Versatility can help you sharpen your skills to ride effectively, compete successfully and show your horse to advantage.

This completely revised color edition provides even more information to help horse lovers bring their dream of a horse barn to reality. Two leading barn design experts present outstanding examples of 22 different barns, from the elaborate to a simple run in shed. Determine the best type of barn to suit different numbers of horses, climate, function and zoning requirements. Receive sound guidance on site selection and prep, planning, materials, and construction. Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or hiring an architect, one of these well designed, soundly constructed, attractive and economical barns could be more affordable than you think. Also includes a restoration guide for revitalizing the barn that already exists.