Extra Stalls, Extra Cash
(Page 2 of 4)
If you have an arena, clean it up and rework the surface if
needed. Clear riding trails. We mowed tracks around our
field and along a nearby river bank.
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Plan to store boarders' feed in a separate bin.
Thirty-gallon plastic garbage cans are ideal. They hold 150
pounds of rolled oats, and the snap-lock lids guard against
rodent contamination. Add a saddle rack for each client in
your tack room. I built tack lockers mounted on a wall.
Each 30-inch square locker has a saddle rack, hooks for
gear and room for grooming tools. The doors can be
padlocked.
Assess ways to dispose of soiled bedding. Dumping on your
property is one choice. Some forest products or garden
supply companies haul away horse manure and bedding, which
they compost and resell. Remember to figure their fee into
your cost analysis.
If you plan to offer pasture, fence off individual areas
for each horse. Barbed wire is not acceptable around
horses. An electrified top wire will discourage
over-the-fence biting. Position gates so there's individual
access to each pasture. We use tubular gates with
welded-wire panels, which prevent horses from putting a
head or foot through the gate.
You need a continuous source of water to outside troughs.
We installed float valves and shut-off valves so I can
clean the troughs or drain the system in winter if
necessary.
PROTECTION
Most states have an Equine Activity Statute. This law
recognizes the inherent risks associated with horses and
protects horse businesses from unwarranted legal action.
Some statutes require the boarder to sign a release.
Alaska, California, Maryland, Montana, Nevada, New York and
Pennsylvania have no such law. If your state is covered,
post a copy of the official notice in your barn. Most horse
supply outlets sell these signs. Farm insurance policies
offer more coverage than typical homeowners' policies.
Consult your agent for clarification of your coverage.
Before allowing any new horse on your grounds, require a
certificate of veterinary inspection to confirm the health
of the horse.
