Pony Trekking

[gta123]

Hi guys,
My grandparents used to have a hugely successful pony trekking business which lasted for many years and at its height generated a fair bit of money. Unfortunatly my dad passed away 10 years ago and for that reason my grandparents stopped working that part of the business as a way of slowing down. Now my grandad has passed away leaving just my nan who is 80 years old to run the farm. Anyway I'm coming to the age of 18 where some of the responsibilities of the farm will be put on me as I own my dad's 25% share in the business and was wondering where I stand if one day I wanted to restart the pony trekking business. Can I renew a licence or have I got to start all over again with everything?

 

[Chasingmytail]

I doubt whether you'll make much money these days.

 

[Thick Farmer]

Do you like horses and talking rubbish about horses every day? If not then don't bother.

 

[Dry Rot]

I have just had reason to look at the licence application and review for a local establishment. The inspections seem to be quite thorough but not too onerous. But I think pony trekking these days is not what it was and involves a lot of work and not much reward. In short, a lot of organisation and most of all HASSLE for not much return. Nobody seems to make much running a trekking centre these days and probably only worth considering unless there are no alternatives!

 

[wilber]

Don't be afraid to look in to it and do the sums. Look at your competition and see what they charge. We have local centres that run a successful trekking business. You would need to have knowledge of horses or employ someone that does. You could also incorporate a couple of glamping pods etc so you milk more from the venture.

 

[beef 1]

Don't be afraid to look in to it and do the sums. Look at your competition and see what they charge. We have local centres that run a successful trekking business. You would need to have knowledge of horses or employ someone that does. You could also incorporate a couple of glamping pods etc so you milk more from the venture.

Your biggest problem will be insurance ! Its a claim if you can these days, and this business is frought with difficulties for public liability

 

[Hilly]

I know a lady who dose pony trekking and has done for 30 years, makes far more then her father and brother milking cows, the key is LOCATION without the correct location your stuffed permanently.

 

[betternextyear]

I started a horse holiday business 10 years ago.It was bl**dy hard work.believe me farming is easier.Most of the people lie about their riding ability and are a danger to them selves and your valuable ponys.I did it for a year.It is not a horse business its a people business.But yes you can make money.good luck.

 

[GTB]

My son's gf works for a pony trekking business. It's bloody hard work both dealing with the numpties and also looking after the ponies. Many rides have to be accompanied on foot as the ponies need to be led for young and inexperienced riders. From what I can gather it sounds profitable but unless you like horses and dealing with the public I'd give it a miss. Also as said above LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.

 

[Welsh Farmer]

Good luck to you which ever way you choose to go. I know a very successful trekking yard and I know struggling ones and so I think proper research is the key start to your project..

A gap in the market you might like to consider is running specific DofE provision for the Expedition section. I looked the length and breadth of the UK for being able to do the Silver and Gold Award on horseback for my daughter and DofE put me in touch with several other like-minded individual candidates but we couldn't find an accredited place. There is a definite opening for running a couple of expeditions every year.

 

[GTB]

.Most of the people lie about their riding ability

....and their weight in many cases. Our son's GF is always saying about fat women who insist they're three stone less than they obviously are. The poor ponies are knackered for days afterwards.

 

[Janovich]

....and their weight in many cases. Our son's GF is always saying about fat women who insist they're three stone less than they obviously are. The poor ponies are knackered for days afterwards.

I'd have some scales in the office before they went anywhere near and they'd be politely asked to step on them to make sure!!,..nothing worse for the horse's back than an overload of weight,... poor sods.