Extra Stalls, Extra Cash

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Story and photos by Deanna Mather Larson

A little surplus space in your barn can give you some extra cash each month.

As with empty stalls in many barns, ours were filled with junk. With a bit of work and a small cash investment, my husband and I turned these unoccupied spaces into moneymakers. After a few improvements, we advertised "Horse boarding." Two months later both stalls were rented and we had an extra $400 each month. You can do it, too. Here's how.

GETTING STARTED

To decide if horse boarding is for you, check out facilities in your area. Ask what they charge and what they offer. Barns have different levels of boarding, from full service, where feed and care is provided—to basic stall rental—where the client does everything. Visit a few barns. If you see clients, ask them what they like and dislike about their barn. Look at the size and condition of the stalls. How are feed and tack stored? What's used for bedding and how is soiled bedding handled?

While it's important to have some knowledge of horses, you don't need to be an expert. Most veterinarians and horse i trainers are willing to share information.

Determine a price for your stalls by considering the nature of your facility, ongoing expenses and startup cost. We spent $1,000 making our two stalls and pastures ready for boarding. We decided to offer full-service care, so I estimated the additional monthly cost of feed, hay and utilities. Because we didn't have an indoor arena, we charged less than top price. Still, six months later our rental stalls had paid the debt and begun turning a profit.

Plan for backup help to take over chores when you're gone. It's important to let your boarders know when you'll be away and who will care for their horses.

SETTING UP

Empty your stalls, clean and disinfect the area. We rented a power washer and used a diluted bleach solution. Inspect your stalls for loose boards or other problems. Some horses crib (chew on wood), so we strapped a length of rigid electrical conduit to the top edges. Horses may dig, so stall mats are a necessity. Each horse needs a daily supply of fresh water. For safety and convenience, stalls need a light directly overhead.