This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Equine Business and Law » Business Discussions »
  Discussion on Help finding the 'right' horse
Author Message

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 8, 2000 - 6:08 pm:

Hi,

I am wanting to start a new Horse business in my area and am wondering what types of liablity issues I should be concerned about, the types of things I need to mention in a contract, etc.

What I am desiring to do is help people find the 'right' horse for them. People that don't have time, or are not knowledgable about the different breeds of horses, what they should look for in a horse, what their needs are depending on what they plan on using the horse for, etc. I'm not certain that this will be a successful or booming business, but I feel it would be something I would really enjoy because I love horses, have had 20 yrs experience with them (raising, training, showing, plus 2 1/2 yrs of Veterinary Technology education), and equally enjoy helping others make their 'dreams' come true.

I do not plan on charging a fee at first, as I just want to get a client base established and get an idea on the demand for this type of service.

Please keep in mind, I only plan on having this be a 'hobby' type business. I have a terrific full-time job that I would like to work part-time at, if this works out.

Any suggestions, advise, and opinions will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Julie

Posted on Thursday, Mar 9, 2000 - 1:17 pm:

Julie,
give me an email. I might be able to put you in touch with some other people here in MN to give you some ideas.

Posted on Thursday, Mar 9, 2000 - 2:06 pm:

Julie, a lot of questions here.
1) You should have a contract; there are a few specific examples posted to the www.equinedispute.org website.
2) your contract should have a med/arb clause in it like Equine Dispuite Resolution Service uses, www.equinedispute.org.
3) I highly recommend 1 and 2 above because you want to avoid guaranteeing the horse will be perfect.
4) You should be concerned about the perils of agency and double agency. Are you working for the trainers, the horse sellers, the boarding facilities, etc.? Or are you soley and exclusively working for the buyer. Be careful about commissions on both sides of thr transaction.
5) Are you also boarding? This is not clear from your question.

In any event, there will be conflicts between your buyers and sellers, trainers, boarders, etc. Perhaps a good equine mediation training course would prove helpful.

This sounds like the services a good instructor provides. Why not be an instructor?

Please let me know any more specific questions.

Posted on Thursday, Mar 9, 2000 - 3:20 pm:

Gerald,

Thank you so much for your advice. It is VERY helpful and I will be sure to check out the website you referenced.
To answer a couple of your questions;

4) I am planning to work solely and exclusively for the buyer (like a 'Buyer's Agent'). Initially, I am not going to ask for a fee until I establish a reputation and have some references. Eventually, however, I would like to charge a commission of about 3% of the cost of the horse along with gas, if I am required to travel a great distance to look at the horse. Do you think that sounds fair?

5) I will not plan on boarding or hauling the horse for the buyer. However, I might help them make arrangement to find a trailer or boarding facility if needed. (Key word in that sentence is "might".)

How would I become an Instructor?? Do you mean horse Trainer? Will you please send me more info. on that if you are not talking about a Trainer? I would love to read more about it.

Thank you so much! By the way, Congratulations & Welcome aboard!!
Julie

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 14, 2000 - 3:00 pm:

Gerald,

Do you have some additional information or a link to a website where I can find out more about becoming an Instructor?

I would like to get started with this as soon as possible, so any information you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Julie
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC