Come aprire un maneggio

To open a riding stable , a business related to horses and equestrianism, it’s essential to be prepared and competent not only in this specific sector, but also from an entrepreneurial perspective. While experience (perhaps from extensive experience working in a riding stable) isn’t the only key factor for the success of such a business venture, having a large amount of money to invest isn’t enough either.

A business plan aimed at building a facility related to the world of horses must first begin with a clear definition of the type of services it intends to provide to users. There are “simple” (so to speak, of course) riding stables offering rides or riding lessons , all the way to more complex facilities offering services and facilities such as:

• Horse boarding facilities
• Training
• Farm
• Training grounds for show jumping or western riding
• Venue for professional courses

Not to mention specific activities such as hippotherapy or horseback riding for children. Another great potential for riding stables is the possibility of providing integrated horseback riding services , a harmonious approach combining equestrian rehabilitation, education, relationship therapy, and hippotherapy for people with psychiatric or motor problems.

When choosing the facilities and services offered by a riding stable , one often faces a challenging question: whether it’s better to focus on a single type of activity (thus becoming a specialized center capable of offering niche, yet high-quality services) or, conversely, expand into various sectors to appeal to a wider audience. To make the right choice, one must consider the specific needs of the area and, above all, one’s financial resources.

Location is also very important: for example, if you plan to focus on horseback riding, it’s essential that the riding stables are near natural areas of significant value and therefore enjoyable to visit. Horseback riding is the best way to attract people who have never experienced horseback riding before, as it’s a fun and engaging activity that doesn’t require any specific training.

Understanding, interpreting and meeting local needs

Until a few years ago, horse riding was seen as an activity reserved for a select elite of wealthy individuals, but today the situation has radically changed. This sport is enjoyed by people from all social classes , across the board and equally, although—since it’s a fairly expensive hobby—not everyone can afford it.

Although the global crisis and economic stagnation are currently challenging many businesses, the continuing appeal of horseback riding shouldn’t be underestimated. This activity, like many other leisure activities, can be seen as a rewarding experience that can provide peace of mind and personal fulfillment even in challenging times.

According to statistics, approximately one million people in Italy are passionate about horses and frequent riding stables on a regular basis, making this a significant pool of potential users.

For a business venture to be successful, a thorough analysis of the area in which it is intended is necessary. Understanding people’s needs, identifying the valuable assets of the geographic area to be leveraged, and integrating into the local socioeconomic fabric must be the priorities of the entrepreneurial project.

Very often, people’s needs are unexpressed, and the ability to interpret them even before they are perceived is certainly a crucial step towards opening the “right” management company, in the right place. Local surveys or market analyses, for example, can also help in this understanding.

Here’s a practical example of the types of activities you can pursue. If there’s already a Western riding center in your chosen area, to differentiate your offerings, it’s a good idea to focus on other activities , such as trail riding, hippotherapy, or show jumping. However, if you intend to pursue a specific business venture without sacrificing your vocation or expertise, it’s advisable to relocate to avoid competing with other similar establishments.

Identity kit of a successful riding school

Like any other entrepreneurial venture, a riding stable must be a profitable and sustainable business , capable of recouping the initial investment within an acceptable timeframe. Innovation is a key factor for success : in some areas—especially tourist areas—there can be numerous riding stables, and it’s therefore important to differentiate your offering from your direct competitors by offering something “different” and alternative.

The economic management of the riding school must be entrusted to competent professionals, capable of planning appropriate strategic choices and properly managing all available resources, whether financial or human. The worst thing you can do is think that a simple passion for horses, goodwill, or equestrian expertise alone can make a project succeed.

Management aspects

From a tax perspective, the greatest advantage is to develop a business plan in the form of an amateur association registered with CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee). Affiliation with a national sports federation or sports promotion body offers tax advantages and deductions for riding stables.

Affiliation with FITETREC-ANTE ( Italian Federation of Equestrian Tourism , National Association of Equestrian Tourism ) is also important. This affiliation also allows us to offer professional training courses for horseback riding guides.

Staff who work directly with the animals must be trained and competent , as must instructors, who must be recognized by a professional license. In Italy, for example, to take clients on walks outside the riding stables, the instructor must hold an A2 license, issued by the FISE ( Italian Equestrian Sports Federation ). At the administrative level, it’s also a good idea to rely on the services of consultants with experience in managing commercial businesses.

Suppliers must be reliable , as good-quality hay, straw, and feed are essential for horse health. If you’re inexperienced in this area, it’s definitely advisable to seek expert advice to help you choose the best supplies. Professionals such as veterinarians and farriers are also worth choosing carefully.

Riding school facilities

A good riding stable must first and foremost have sufficient space : generally, about one hectare of land is considered the minimum necessary to launch such a business venture. Ideally, for example, an existing building, such as a farmhouse, would be available for use as a stable, stables, and warehouse. Alternatively, it is possible to purchase prefabricated buildings specifically designed for horse stalls.

It’s a good idea to have an adequate number of stables, so that the riding center can also serve as a boarding facility for clients’ horses. Rent from the boarding facility often provides excellent income to offset the riding center’s other economic activities.

The riding school facilities must also include one or more training fields, changing rooms for employees, a tack room for storing saddles, harnesses and accessories and an office , as well as restrooms for customers and adequate outdoor parking .

Which horses should you choose for your riding school ? Considering that many clients may be novices or beginners, horses should be chosen for their docility, and one of the calmest and most reliable breeds is the Argentinean. Generally, mares or geldings are preferred due to their calmer nature, and are over 8-10 years old. For children, ponies are definitely the best choice.

For example, a riding stable could be attached to a farm stay : in recent years, these accommodations have been gaining popularity with an ever-increasing number of people. The presence of a riding stable can therefore represent an excellent opportunity to attract new customers and thus increase the turnover of both businesses.

Learn more about opening a riding school

• Corriere della Sera – I work with horses and put everyone in the saddle
• Job Bulletin – Opening a Riding School
• Equitable – The basics of starting an equestrian center: the business idea
• Work and Training – How to Start a Riding School