How to Start a Horseback Riding School

Horseback riding is an exciting and popular sport. A horseback riding school provides horseback riding lessons to adults and children. If this is the kind of career you would like to pursue, you will need to acquire thorough knowledge of the sport and how to operate it.

1. Decide on a location for your horseback riding school. For maximum potential, choose a location near a populous town or city.


2. Provide adequate land to contain a horseback riding school. It is recommended to have 10 acres or more for this type of business operation, although some horseback riding schools have up to 100 acres.


3. Take care of licensing issues. Obtain the required licenses and have the necessary inspections done. The requirements to open this type of business vary depending on your state, so check with your local courthouse or county clerk's office for more information.


4. Find out building codes for your area. The building codes for your county or city will affect where you can construct certain structures.


5. Hire a contractor for the actual construction. You need a contractor to construct the necessary structures for your horseback riding school. You will need a stable or barn, several paddocks, a riding arena and a storage area.


6. Obtain the necessary equipment. The equipment you will need include stirrups and saddles for all ages of riders, school horses, halters and bridles for the horses and many other equipment.


7. Purchase liability insurance. You will need to provide general liability insurance that covers yourself and your property.


8. Find clients for your horseback riding school. You can attract clients to your school by advertising services such as summer camps and horseback riding lessons in high-traffic places. Great places to advertise include local tack shops, and also on the Internet. You can offer special or discount deals in order to attract clients.


9. Provide a liability waiver. It is important you have each client sign a liability waiver. This ensures that your horseback riding school is operating legally.