equestrian business start up loan/mortgage

chickmug

All the animal based businesses with which I have sold have been hugely sought after with so many folks wanting to view. BUT all have one thing in common - they never make much money.

This includes catteries, kennels, equestrion, and where there is the freehold component whic is the killer. Many folks are passionate about working in this type of business and who are great animal lovers. The businesses profits are such very little can be borrowed against them unless there is other income taken into account. A spouse working type of situation.

WhereIsMyTV

Thats a familiar story chickmug. I have known a lot of people in the industry who work 15 hour days, 7 days a week and are not rich! I understand that it's hard to make a profit but I do have a good reputation and a helping hand who is a well known equestrian author and so I am lucky that I am covered on the ' it's who you know, not what you know' front. So I am trying to do as much planning as possible in advance of starting up so that I have a realistic chance of not just breaking even but at least making some profit. I am not qualified but that's because I don't like the bhs style of riding and so I am offering experience over qualifications ( people in the horse world tend to be happy with this)
I want to work mainly producing young horses but I have been told that a livery business is a stable income and so I should take a few on board to keep the finances consistent, apparently I would need a minimum of 6 to make a worthy amount of profit. I am knowledgeable on the equestrian side of things- it's the business side I'm lacking! I suppose I'll pick it up as I go along .......?!
I am beginning to think that renting a yard first is a bit of a must.
Does anybody know what type of costs I'm looking at for insurance, electric, water etc? Presumably on an agricultural basis for some things?
Where are the best places to go for loans etc to help buy equipment?
I may need all of the following; some small agricultural machinery, field shelters, lockers, security cameras, wheelbarrows and forks etc, hooks for saddles, bridles and rugs.. and more - too much to think of off the top of my head.
It absolutely must be possible to make a decent profit if things are done correctly? Some people do make good profits in this industry!

chickmug

You are determined and I wish you well. I also hope you can get the detailed advice you seek.

cally6008

Try asking on Freeshare or Freecycle for some small agricultural machinery, field shelters, lockers, security cameras, wheelbarrows and forks etc, hooks for saddles, bridles and rugs.. and more.

It's amazing what things I've seen offered along these lines.

Redcedar

I would try the NFU for a businees based loan, they might not be able to help you as a start up but they will know who to talk to and how to get things moving. The NFU in our area ( lincolnshire) is fab and a great place to start.

If you can get funding then fame sales are the best place to get large equipment like tractors, look up your local auction houses in the area to find some.

Wish you loads of luck, I have worked in the equestrian sector for many years and it is a tough place to become rich!

shelovestobuystuff

The property is for the business so try for a commercial mortgage perhaps?