You don’t have to be a racehorse owner to work in the horse industry. Whether you want to earn a little extra money or start a full-fledged business, if you want to know how to make money with horses. think beyond the obvious.
Horses are a passion for many people, but they can also be a great source of income.
There are a number of ways to make money with horses, from breeding and selling them, to providing riding lessons or working in the equine industry.
With a little knowledge and hard work, anyone can start making money with horses.
If you are interested in getting into the horse industry or you want to make money with your own horses, read on for lots of ideas some fun ways to get into the equestrian business.
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How To Make Money With Horses
Horses are one of the most popular animals in the world and the sad truth is that they can also be very expensive. If you want to offset the cost of your ponies or you are looking for a side gig in the industry, we have you covered.
From breeding to racing to showing, there are a number of ways to turn your love of horses into a profitable venture. In this article you will see lots of fun ideas.
1. Transport Horses
Horses are a huge part of many people’s lives, especially those who love to compete in horseback riding events. However, getting a horse to these equestrian events can be difficult and expensive. Plus, many riders do not have their own horse trailers.
This is a great way to make money with your pickup truck and trailer.
By transporting horses to events, you can help people out and make a little bit of money for yourself.
To get started, you will need a large trailer that is big enough to transport the horses. You will also need to know how to properly load and unload the horses into the trailer. Once you have everything you need, you can start advertising your services.
You can put up flyers at local boarding stables or advertise online.
Charging for your services is entirely up to you, but it is important to remember that gas and wear and tear on your vehicle should be factored into your price. You’ll also need adequate insurance coverage to cover your precious cargo.
2. Make Money Boarding Horses
One option to make money with horses is to provide boarding. This can be a lucrative business, as long as you have the space and the facilities to care for the animals.
A lot of people would like to own their own horse but they live in the city or in a house that can’t accommodate a pony.
If you have enough space, starting a horse boarding business is a great way to make a lot of money.
To board horses, at the minimum, you will need a barn. This should be large enough to comfortably house the number of horses you plan to board.
You will also need a safe place where the animals can get some outdoor time, and you will need to fence in your property properly.
In addition, you will need to provide hay and grain for the horses, and will need to keep their stalls clean.
When renting out your space, be sure to set clear expectations with the renter in terms of what is included in the rental fee (e.g., access to water, hay, etc.) and what is not included.
You’ll also want to set some ground rules in terms of noise level, hours of operation, and other factors that could impact your daily life.
Make sure to draw up a proper lease agreement when you start offering boarding services on your property.
Charging for boarding can vary depending on your area and the amenities you offer, but typically runs around $350-450 per month per horse. If you have ten horses boarded at your facility, that’s an income of $3500-4500 per month!
3. Rent out your stables or paddock to visiting equine professionals
If you’re looking for a way to make some extra money but you don’t want long term boarders, consider renting out your stables or paddock to other people’s horses who are visiting your area.
If you have the space, this is a great opportunity to make some money without a lot of commitment.
Many people will be in town for a horse show or even and will be happy to have a place to exercise their horse during their stay.
This can be a great way to offset the cost of horse ownership, and it can also be a fun and interesting way to meet new people who share your love of horses.
Promote your rental space on social media or through local horse-related groups and events.
4. Groom Horses
If you’re looking for a way to make some extra money and you love horses, horse grooming might be the perfect option for you. Though it requires some time and effort, grooming horses can be a very rewarding experience – both financially and emotionally.
There are a few things you’ll need to get started, including: a brush, hoof pick, curry comb, and mane comb. You may also want to invest in some shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for horses. Once you have your supplies gathered, you’re ready to start grooming!
Being a horse groomer may entail travelling with a show horse to competitions and also getting involved in other yard work such as mucking out the stables and other odd jobs.
5. Make money selling tack
Selling tack is a great way to make additional income if you love horses but don’t have the time for a full-time job.
Tack can be anything from saddles and bridles to horseshoes and blankets. If you have a horse of your own, you likely already have some tack that you no longer need or use. You can also find tack at garage sales, second-hand stores, or online.
To start selling tack, create a list of the items you have for sale and their prices. Then promote your sale by posting flyers around town or sharing the list online. You can also set up a table at a local horse show or event. When selling tack, it’s important to be friendly and helpful so that potential buyers have a positive experience.
6. Sell Photos Of Your Horse
If you’re an amateur photographer, or even if you just own a smartphone and you have a good eye, you can make money by selling photos of your horse. There are a few different ways to go about this.
One option is to sell stock photos through a reputable agency such as iStockphoto or Shutterstock. In fact, there are lots of different places to sell stock photos for cash.
You’ll earn a commission on each photo that’s sold, and the agencies will handle all the details of setting up your account, uploading your photos, and processing payments.
Another option is to sell prints of your photos directly to horse owners and enthusiasts. This can be done through online galleries or marketplaces such as Etsy, or by setting up a booth at horse shows and events. You’ll need to invest in some quality printing equipment and materials, but you’ll have more control over pricing and profits this way.
7. Sell Manure
Horses are not only beautiful creatures, but they can also be quite useful. Their manure, for instance, can be sold as fertilizer. If you have access to a horse or two, consider collecting and selling their manure. It’s a great way to make some extra money while also getting rid of a nuisance.
To collect horse manure, simply scoop it up with a shovel and place it in bags or buckets. You can then sell it by the bag or bucketful at local farms or garden stores. Be sure to price your manure competitively so that you can make some good profits.
With a little bit of effort, you can easily make some extra money by selling horse manure. It’s a great way to get rid of waste while also earning some extra cash. So why not give it a try?
8. Make Money Leasing Your Horse
If you’re looking for a way to make some extra money with your horse, leasing might be a good option for you. There are a few different ways to go about leasing your horse, and the amount of money you can make will depend on the type of lease and the horse’s abilities.
One option is to lease your horse out for riding lessons. This is a great way to make some extra money if you have a horse that is good with beginners and young riders. Older horses are often great for riding lessons as they are calm and good with children.
The going rate for lesson horses is usually around $30-50 per hour, so this can be a great way to earn some extra cash.
Another option is to lease your horse out for trail rides or other recreational riding activities. This is a great way to make money if you live in an area with lots of trails or other places where people like to ride horses.
You can make a lot of money if you are willing to let other riders use your horse point-to-points or large events. The most expensive aspect for horse riding is the horse and many people want to take part in the sport but they don’t own their own pony.
Leasing out your hose is a good idea if you want to make a lot of money and are willing to let strangers ride it.
9. Enter Your Horse In Competitions
Another way to make money with horses is to show them in competitions. This can be a great way to earn some extra cash, as well as get your horse some exposure and experience.
Of course, most successful horse riders do not do it for the money but you can definitely turn it into a side hustler once you get to the higher levels.
There are a few things to keep in mind when showing your horse in competitions, such as what type of competition you want to enter and what level your horse is at.
You will also need to make sure you have the proper equipment and clothing for both you and your horse. With a little planning and preparation, showing your horse in competitions can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your horse.
10. Become A Horse Product Tester
Becoming a tester for horse related products is a great way to make some extra money if you own your own horse. Plus, you get to help companies improve their products and make sure that they are safe for horses.
To become a tester, you will need to meet some basic requirements.
First, you must have experience with horses. This means that you should know how to handle them and care for them.
You should also have a good understanding of horse anatomy and physiology. Second, you must be able to follow instructions carefully and provide feedback that is honest and helpful.
To become a tester, the best way to get started is to network with equine businesses and event organizers.
11. Horse Manure Cleanup Service
Offering stable cleaning services is a great way to make money while working with horses. This type of service is in high demand from horse owners who don’t have the time or resources to clean up after their animals.
There are a few things you’ll need to get started, including a truck or trailer to haul the manure, and some basic equipment like shovels and pitchforks. You can either charge by the hour or by the job, and prices will vary depending on your location and the size of the property you’re cleaning.
To get started, promote your services by hanging flyers at local tack shops and barns, and be sure to list your business in online directories. You can also create a website or social media page to reach even more potential customers.
12. Start a horse blog
There are a number of ways to make money with horses, but one option is to start a horse blog. This can be a great way to share your love of horses with others and earn some extra income at the same time.
To get started, you’ll need to choose a focus for your blog.
This could be anything from training tips to equine health advice. Once you’ve decided on a niche, start creating content that will appeal to your target audience. If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of horse-related blogs out there that you can use for inspiration.
Read my tutorial on how to start a blog that makes money for more tips.
In addition to writing quality content, promoting your blog is essential if you want to attract readers. Use social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to spread the word about your blog and drive traffic back to your site.
13. Offer Sleigh rides
Want to make money in the winter? Why not offer festive sleigh or wagon rides?
This can be a great way to get people into the holiday spirit, and it can also be a great way for horse owners to make some extra money. You could charge $300 a hour for a horse-drawn carriage or wagon ride.
There are a few things to keep in mind when offering sleigh rides, though.
First, make sure that you have a good, sturdy sleigh that can accommodate both people and horses.
Second, you’ll need to have enough horses to pull the sleigh, so plan accordingly.
Finally, be prepared for cold weather and dress both yourself and your horses accordingly.
With a little planning and preparation, offering sleigh rides can be a great way to make money with your horses this winter.
14. Become A Horse Influencer
Anyone with a passion for horses can become an influencer in the horse world. You can use your social media platforms to share your love of horses and connect with like-minded people.
When you become an influencer, you can use your platform to promote products and services that you believe in. You can also work with brands to create content, such as sponsored posts and giveaways. Becoming a brand ambassador is the best way to make money as an influencer as you will get consistent pay for your hours of work.
If you have a large following, you can make a full-time income from your horse-related activities.
To be successful as a horse influencer, you need to have a great social media presence and regularly produce high-quality content.
You should also be involved in the horse community, attending events and connecting with other equestrians. If you can build a strong relationship with your followers, they will be more likely to support your efforts.
15. Rent Your Horse To Artists
One way to make some extra money with your horse is to rent him out for art classes or other events that require live animals. This can be a great way to earn some extra cash in addition to your regular job.
To get started, simply advertise your services online or in local publications.
Be sure to list any relevant qualifications, such as previous experience working with horses, and mention any special skills or training your horse has. Once you start getting inquiries, you can then screen potential renters to ensure they will provide a good home for your horse.
This is one job where a good reputation will really help with potential clients. Consider creating a small website for your horse and posting reviews from happy customers who you have worked for.
Renting out your horse can be a great way to earn some extra money, while also giving him the chance to socialize and explore new environments. With a little bit of effort, you can easily find renters who will appreciate your horse as much as you do.
16. Exercise Horses For Cash
A lot of people think that the only way to make money with horses is to breed them or race them. However, there are other ways to make money with horses, such as exercising them for other people. This can be a great way to make some extra cash, and it doesn’t require a lot of time or effort.
We all know about people who walk dogs for cash but if you love horse riding, this could be your dream job!
All you need to do is find someone who owns a horse but doesn’t have the time to exercise it themselves. Then, you can offer to exercise the horse for them in exchange for a fee. This is a great way to make money if you love spending time with horses but don’t want the responsibility of owning one yourself.
Bear in mind that your hourly rate will vary considerably depending on your experience. Walking a pony for exercise is very different than taking out young horses that are used for racing.
17. Become A Therapist Working With Horses
Not all horse jobs involve the care and maintenance of horses. If you are a therapist and would like to work with animals, equine therapy might be the best thing for you.
Many therapists are finding that working with horses can be a very rewarding experience. Not only do they get to help people who may be suffering from a variety of emotional and mental issues, but they also get to work with some of the most majestic creatures on earth.
There are a number of different ways that therapists can work with horses. Some may choose to offer private sessions, while others may work at horseback riding schools or therapeutic riding centers.
No matter where they choose to work, therapists who specialize in working with horses can help their clients to overcome a variety of challenges.
Some of the most common issues that therapists who work with horses help their clients to address include anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction. Horses are often able to provide a unique level of support and understanding that can be extremely helpful for those struggling with these kinds of issues.
Consider the following jobs for horse people:
- Speech therapists, occupational therapists and physical therapists partnering with horses to help people.
- Therapeutic riding instructors,
- Equine assisted learning facilitators
- Equine mental health professionals
18. Horse Show Official
Horse shows are a great way to make money with your horse. There are many different types of horse shows, from local shows to national level competitions. But what about making a little money working at a horse show?
There are all kinds of jobs available so if you like that sort of thing, you are bound to find something you like, for example:
- Judges
- Videographers
- Time keepers
- Photographers
- Event organizers
- Show Ring Maintenance
- Registration official
- Commentator
If you’re interested in becoming a horse show official, there are a few things you need to know.
First, you’ll need to be knowledgeable about the sport of horse showing. You should know the rules and regulations of the sport, and be able to keep up with the latest news and developments. You’ll also need to be able to communicate effectively with both horse owners and riders.
Second, you’ll need to be able to handle horses safely and confidently. You’ll be working closely with horses of all temperaments, so it’s important that you’re comfortable around them.
19. Horse Stunt Rider
Horse stunt riders are in high demand for movies and TV shows. A recent study found that the average salary for a horse stunt rider is $85,000 per year. That’s more than double the average salary for a regular horse trainer.
So how do you become a horse stunt rider? It’s not as easy as you might think. There are only a handful of schools that offer training in this specialized field.
And even then, it takes years of practice to perfect the skills needed to perform stunts safely and effectively on camera.
But if you have the passion and the dedication, it can be an incredibly rewarding career. Not only do you get to work with some of the most amazing animals on the planet, but you also get to be a part of creating some of the most memorable moments in film history.
20. Equine Massage Therapists, Equine Chiropractors and Acupuncturists
Equine massage therapists use their knowledge of horse anatomy and physiology to help relieve the animals’ muscle soreness and tension.
Horse chiropractors use spinal adjustments and other manual techniques to treat skeletal misalignments and nerve dysfunction that can cause pain or performance problems in horses. Acupuncturists insert needles into the horse’s skin at specific points to release blocked energy and promote healing.
All three of these alternative health care practitioners can find work in private practice, at equestrian facilities, or on the road with traveling horse shows. They may also give lectures or workshops to educate horse owners about how they can maintain their animals’ health and well-being.
21. Pony Rentals For Parties
Horses are a popular option for birthday parties, especially for young girls who love ponies.
If you have horseback riding experience and access to a few ponies, you can start a business renting them out for parties.
Prices will vary depending on your location and the number of ponies you have available, but you can typically charge around $200 per hour.
To get started, promote your business online and through word-of-mouth, and make sure to provide liability insurance in case of any accidents.
22. Horse Trainer
A career as a horse trainer can be very rewarding, both financially and emotionally. Horse trainers work with horses in a training facility to develop their abilities and help them reach their potential in a variety of disciplines, including horse racing, dressage, show jumping, and eventing.
There are many different ways to become a horse trainer. Some trainers start out working at a stable or ranch, while others may have experience as a professional rider or groom. There are also some college programs that offer equine studies degrees which can prepare you for a career in horse training.
The most important qualities for a successful horse trainer are patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to empathize with horses. Trainers must be able to understand what horses are trying to communicate and be patient enough to work through any challenges that come up during the training process.
23. Photo Sessions
If you own your own pony and you have some photography skills, you could have a part time job running photo sessions.
People love having photos with horses and lots of people even do horse themed pregnancy announcements!
This is a great side hustle that can work with most work schedules or even for a stay at home mom. All you need is a great place to take photos of your horse and an animal that is docile enough to work with children.
You can add props such as unicorn horns or flower crowns and you are sure to get bookings on a regular basis.
24. Weddings
Ranch and western themed weddings are really popular but not everyone has enough money to own their own farm. That’s where you and your pony come in.
For a small fee you can offer your farm to couples who want an outdoor wedding with horses in their photos.
If you have an indoor arena you can command even more money in case of rain.
Renting out your space is a great side job that is low cost to set up.
25. Riding Lessons And Livery
Start your horse business empire by offering riding lessons to children and beginners. You’ll need a few horses to make this work as you may have families who want to learn together. One way to accomplish this is to offer livery services at your barn.
Working livery stables are riding stables that offer horse owners a discount in exchange for allowing their horse to be used in riding lessons.
Using other people’s horses to build your riding school business is a great way to become a business owner fast.
