Build a new horse barn

I was going through my morning internet routine (first comics, then forums, and finally networking and business related sites), when I came across something that broke my heart. A person on one of the forums (ABlackHorse.com) mentioned a website I had never heard of before: DonateMyHorse.com, the ‘number 1 place to donate or adopt a horse online’. I think it’s great that such a place exists, but sad as well. How many of these horses will truly find a good home, and how many will bounce around from ‘home’ to ‘home’ until they end up in a feed lot? How many of these people really care about their horses, and how many just want to dump their problem onto someone else? It’s heartbreaking to see all the horses that need a home, many are under 10! I really wish I could help, but I just don’t have the money. Someday I will, though. I don’t know how, but somehow this will all work out.

I was quoted $150,000 two years ago for a ‘bare bones’ barn. A large shed really, but big enough to finish the way I want: 30 to 40 stalls (some can be expanded for foaling), arena, wash stalls, tack and feed rooms, office, lounge, and viewing area.

I’d like it for a boarding/training barn, specializing in rescues, lay-ups, and ‘turnarounds’: purchase an untrained, under trained, or poorly trained horse or pony (with decent conformation of course), train it well and get it some show experience (mostly hunter/jumpers and dressage, maybe some western), and resell it (with a contract, of course). While there is an overabundance of horses out there, there is a shortage of good, really well trained horses for trail and show, and very few sport ponies.

I’d also like to be able to offer lessons in riding and husbandry, maybe sponsor the local 4-H clubs and FFA, teach them young how to properly care for a horse.