How to Start a Horse Retirement Home

Horses can live well into their 20s, and often into their 30s. Not all horse owners are prepared to provide the care that elderly equine partners require; this is where the horse retirement home comes in. These facilities are designed to provide a safe and comfortable place for the retired horse to live out the rest of his days in peace and the company of others.

Things You'll Need

  • Land
  • 501c3 form
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Instructions

    • 1

      Research the facts about Horse Retirement homes. Make calls to people who are already in the business, as well as your local Better Business Bureau (for information on starting a nonprofit business). It is absolutely vital to understand what you are getting into; consider volunteering with a successful horse retirement facility to get hands-on experience.

    • 2

      Call your state's Department of Agriculture to determine if there are guidelines you need to adhere to.

    • 3

      Find a veterinarian willing to be affiliated with your facility. With elderly horses or horses forced into retirement, you need a trained and licensed veterinarian who is actively involved and committed to your cause.

    • 4

      Locate a suitable piece of land for the retirement home. Land is the most important part of keeping livestock, and its location will help determine the costs of running a horse retirement operation.

    • 5

      Determine all the costs involved in operating a horse retirement home. Even with the best weather and a natural water supply (pond, creek, etc.) you will have to calculate the costs of supplemental feed as well as clean, managed water sources.

    • 6

      Fill out a 501c3 form, which provides tax-exempt status for your horse retirement home. Some websites offer the services of pro bono lawyers willing to help fill out the forms with little or no charge to you.

    • 7

      Build a reputation by letting veterinarians know about your facilities and the services you can provide. A website can also be a vital tool in spreading word-of-mouth and getting clients.

    • 8

      Write a contract protecting your rights and outlining the expectations you must meet in the interest of the horses' proper retirement care. A lawyer would be an advisable ally in drafting proper legal documents in order to protect you under your state's laws.