How to Open a Horseback Riding Academy

A horseback riding academy is a business that provides horseback riding lessons to children and adults. It is usually run by a riding instructor or a barn manager, and could have as many as several hundred students. If this sounds like a career you would enjoy, you will need plenty of start-up capital as well as equestrian knowledge.

Things You'll Need

  • Start-up funding
  • Ten or more acres of land
  • Stable or barn
  • Paddocks or pastures
  • Riding arena
  • Tack
  • School horses
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Instructions

  1. Acquiring the Land and Equipment

    • 1

      Determine where you would like to open a horseback riding academy. For maximum potential, it should be located near a populous city or town.

    • 2

      Purchase sufficient land to contain a riding school. In most cases, 10 acres or more are required for this type of operation, though some riding schools have upwards of 100 acres.

    • 3

      Obtain the necessary licenses and inspections required to start an agricultural business. These requirements vary depending on where you live, so visit your local courthouse for more information.

    • 4

      Review building codes and ordinances for your city or county. These codes will determine where you can build certain structures, and how you must organize your horseback riding academy.

    • 5

      Hire a contractor to build the necessary structures for your riding school. A barn or stable, a riding arena, several paddocks, and a storage area are all important to this type of business, so plan wisely.

    • 6

      Acquire the necessary equipment for a horseback riding academy. You'll need saddles and stirrups for all ages of students, school horses for your students to ride, bridles and halters for each of the horses, and a host of other equipment.

    Attracting Clients

    • 7

      Ensure that your horseback riding academy is operating legally by having each new student sign a liability waiver. You'll also need to purchase liability insurance to cover yourself and your property.

    • 8

      Advertise horseback riding lessons, summer camps and other services in high-profile areas. Your local tack shop is a great place to start, but also consider advertising on the internet.

    • 9

      Offer a special to bring in new clients, such as free lessons for referrals or a free first lesson for new students. This demonstrates that you are committed to your career and that your stable cares about its clients.

    • 10

      Provide safe, knowledgeable riding instruction to all ages and levels of students. Take time out of your day to learn as much as you can about the sport you teach, and continually revise your policies and procedures to ensure the safety of both students and horses.

    • 11

      Purchase new school horses and equipment as your horseback riding academy continues to grow. Riding is a popular sport, and you may find that your clientèle quickly outgrows your facilities.