How to Start an Equine Therapy Business: Key Steps

Key Steps, Legal Checks, and Gear to Launch Safely Now

You’ve probably had a moment like this. You’re watching someone connect with a horse and you can see it. They relax. They focus. They show up in a way you don’t always see in a clinic or office.

It looks powerful. And it is. But the business side is not gentle. You’re responsible for people, animals, property, and safety all at once.

This business fits you if you can stay calm when plans change fast. Horses have off days. Weather shifts. Clients show up with new needs. And you still have to keep the session safe and professional.

Start with fit. Ask yourself if business ownership is right for you and if this kind of work matches your personality. If you want more help thinking it through, read Business Start-Up Considerations.

Now check your motivation. Be honest with this question: “Are you moving toward something or running away from something?”

Passion matters too. Not because it replaces planning. It matters because this is a responsibility-heavy business. You’ll need a reason to keep going when it gets stressful. If you want a reminder of why that matters, read why passion matters in business.

Also, plan to talk to owners who already do this work. Only talk to non-competing owners in a different area. You want honest answers, not guarded ones.

Here are a few questions to ask:

What surprised you most about getting set up before your first client session?
What did you spend money on too early, and what did you wait too long to buy?
If you restarted today, what would you do first to reduce risk?

Step 1: Understand What “Equine Therapy” Means Before You Name the Business

Before you buy anything or reserve a domain, get clear on your exact service type. “Equine therapy” is used as a broad phrase, but different models have different rules, staffing needs, and liability exposure.

One major category is hippotherapy. The American Hippotherapy Association describes hippotherapy as the way occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology professionals use equine movement as a therapy tool. That model is tied to licensed healthcare professionals and clinical goals.

Another category is equine-assisted psychotherapy. For example, the Eagala Model describes a ground-based, team-facilitated approach that involves no riding and uses a licensed mental health professional plus an equine specialist.

A third category is therapeutic or adaptive riding services. PATH International offers certification pathways for instructors in equine-assisted services, which is often how riding-based programs structure training standards and credibility.

This step protects you from a common mistake. People build a brand around “therapy” without matching the service to proper credentials. Choose the model first. Then build everything else around it.

Step 2: Decide Who You Serve and What Results You Can Support

Next, define your target clients in simple terms. Who is this for, and what kind of support are you prepared to offer safely?

Some businesses focus on physical rehabilitation support in partnership with licensed therapy providers. Others focus on mental health support using a team-based approach. Others focus on adaptive riding skills and confidence building.

Be specific about age ranges, mobility needs, and the kinds of challenges you can handle. Your answer affects facility layout, staffing, safety gear, and even parking and restroom access.

This is also where you define who is not a fit. That is not cold. It’s responsible. Your business should have clear limits before you ever schedule your first session.

Step 3: Choose a Business Model That Matches Reality

Equine therapy work is rarely a true solo business on day one. Even if you are the owner and lead provider, safe sessions often require support people.

If you deliver a clinical model, you may need licensed therapy providers and a horse professional working together. If you run a riding-based model, you may still need side support, volunteers, or trained assistants depending on the rider’s needs.

Your cleanest early business model is usually one of these: partner with an existing barn, lease a facility that is already set up for horses, or build your own facility if you have the capital and land.

Ownership structure should match your scale. Some owners start as sole proprietors during research and early setup. Many shift to a limited liability company as soon as they start taking on real exposure with clients, horses, and property. You can learn more about the process in How to Register a Business.

Step 4: Confirm Demand With Real Conversations and Referral Paths

Demand in this space is not only about how many people “like the idea.” It’s about whether referrals and local organizations will consistently send clients to you.

Start by listing potential referral sources based on your model. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech clinics matter for clinical services. Counselors, community mental health providers, and schools matter for mental health and youth programs.

Then ask a simple question: “If I opened within 30–60 days, would you refer clients?” You’re not asking for a promise. You’re checking if a real pathway exists.

You can also validate by scanning local competitors. Are they booked? Do they have waitlists? Do they focus on a narrow segment you can serve differently?

Step 5: Prove Profit Before You Build Anything

This business can look profitable from the outside because sessions can be priced well. But horses, facilities, staffing, and insurance can eat cash fast.

Your job is to build a simple forecast that answers one question: “How many sessions do I need per week to cover fixed costs?” If your answer is unrealistic, change the model before you sign a lease.

Profit proof is easier when you keep the first launch small. A smaller schedule, fewer horses, and a tighter service menu gives you control.

If you want help thinking through numbers in a clean way, review Estimating Startup Costs and connect it to your real facility and animal care needs.

Step 6: Build the Skill Plan Before You Build the Facility

Many first-time owners jump straight to land, barns, and arenas. That is backwards. Skills and credentials are what make this business legitimate and safe.

If you plan to offer clinical services, your team needs the right licensed professionals. Hippotherapy is described as being provided by occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology professionals using equine movement as a therapy tool.

If you plan to offer psychotherapy services, you need a structure that supports licensed mental health oversight and qualified equine handling. Some models, like the Eagala Model, describe a team approach with a licensed mental health professional and an equine specialist.

If you plan to offer adaptive riding, consider recognized training paths and standards. PATH International provides certification options for therapeutic riding instructors, which can help you align with industry expectations.

If you don’t have a skill, that’s not the end. Learn it or bring it in. What matters is that you don’t pretend you have it.

Step 7: Pick a Location That Can Handle Horses and People

Your location choice is not only about where horses can live. It’s also about where clients can arrive safely, park easily, and access the space without barriers.

Many owners start by partnering with an existing equine facility. This can reduce setup burden because barns, fencing, and arenas already exist. It also helps you test demand before taking on large fixed expenses.

If you plan to lease or buy property, confirm zoning first. Do not assume “rural” automatically means permitted. Some areas restrict public-facing programs, traffic, signage, or commercial use.

If you want a strong framework for choosing a site, review Business Location Considerations and apply it to animal care, client access, and safety.

Step 8: Plan Accessibility and Public-Facing Requirements Early

If your facility is open to the public, accessibility is a real planning item, not a side note. The Americans with Disabilities Act covers public accommodations and commercial facilities and connects to accessible design standards.

This matters because your clients may have mobility devices, balance limits, sensory needs, or caregiver support. Your parking, walkways, restrooms, and mounting areas should be designed with that reality in mind.

Do not guess on technical details. Use official guidance to understand the basics, and then confirm local building requirements before you renovate or build anything.

Step 9: Build the Essential Equipment List Before You Shop

Equine therapy equipment adds up fast because it includes animal care, safety items, facility needs, and client support gear.

Your goal is not to buy everything at once. Your goal is to build a complete checklist, then buy only what is required for a safe first launch.

Expect your costs to scale with your model. A ground-based program can launch with fewer riding-specific items. A mounted program will need more tack, helmets, and mounting access tools.

If you want to sanity-check your list against your real plan, compare it to the startup cost drivers you outlined earlier and keep your first launch tight.

Step 10: Decide How a Equine Therapy Business Generates Revenue

Revenue in this business usually comes from scheduled sessions. Those sessions may be private, small group, or part of structured programs.

Your model determines what you can ethically offer. Clinical services require the proper licensed provider involvement. Non-clinical services still require strong safety standards and clear client expectations.

Start by pricing your first service menu, not your future menu. Keep it simple. Then improve it once your first months of scheduling reveal how long sessions really take.

If you want a clean way to build a pricing structure, read Pricing Your Products and Services.

Step 11: Write a Business Plan That Matches Your Actual Risk

You do not need a huge plan to start. But you do need a plan that matches the exposure of this business.

Your plan should include your service type, who provides the service, the facility setup, your target clients, and the exact steps you’ll follow before launch.

It should also cover your break-even point, your equipment needs, and how you will screen clients for safety and fit.

If you need help putting your plan into a format that makes sense, use How to Write a Business Plan as your guide.

Step 12: Choose Funding and Set Up Banking the Right Way

Some owners fund a small launch with personal savings. Others need financing because facilities, fencing, and horse care require real capital.

Whatever you choose, separate business and personal transactions. Open a business bank account once you have the correct registrations in place.

If you plan to borrow, prepare basic documents before you apply. Lenders will want to see your business plan, your forecast, and your structure.

For a deeper look at borrowing options and preparation, review How to Get a Business Loan.

Step 13: Legal Setup and Tax Registration Come Next

Once your model and location are clear, move into legal setup. This is where you make the business real.

Start with your business structure and state registration. The rules vary, so your Secretary of State is the best place to confirm what applies in your state.

Then handle your federal tax identification. The Internal Revenue Service provides a way to apply for an Employer Identification Number online, and it is free.

After that, confirm state tax requirements. Depending on your activities, you may need sales and use tax registration, employer accounts, or other state-level setup.

Step 14: Local Licensing, Zoning, and Building Rules Must Be Verified

Local compliance is where most new owners get stuck. Not because it’s impossible, but because it varies by city and county.

Your job is to verify requirements early so you don’t build out a space you can’t legally use the way you planned.

Start with general business licensing if your area requires it. Then confirm zoning approval for your use. If you are renovating or changing how a building is used, you may need inspections and a Certificate of Occupancy before opening.

The Small Business Administration recommends checking state, county, and city requirements and starting with your Secretary of State when researching permits and licenses.

Step 15: Insurance and Risk Controls Are Not Optional

This business carries real risk. You are working with animals and clients who may already have physical or emotional vulnerabilities.

Plan insurance early, not after you “get busy.” Your coverage needs depend on your model, your facility, your staffing, and your state rules.

Many states have equine activity liability statutes that can limit liability in certain situations tied to inherent risks. These statutes vary by state and include exceptions. You need to verify what applies where you operate.

For a practical overview of what insurance topics to raise with a qualified provider, read Business Insurance.

Step 16: Secure Your Name, Domain, and Basic Brand Assets

Once your legal direction is clear, lock down your identity. The right name helps people understand what you do and who you serve.

Start with a name search at the state level and confirm the web domain is available. Then reserve matching social handles that you plan to use publicly.

You do not need a huge design budget to start. You do need clean basics: a readable logo, consistent colors, and a professional look that builds trust.

If you want help working through name selection, use Selecting a Business Name.

Step 17: Build Your Pre-Launch “Proof” Before You Open

Proof is what helps people feel safe booking with you. This matters even more in a business tied to health, disability, or mental wellness.

Your proof includes clear service descriptions, credentials, safety rules, and new-client paperwork that explains what happens during a session.

You also need practical proof assets. That includes a way to schedule, a way to accept payment, and a way to deliver confirmations in writing.

If you want help building your online foundation, use an overview of developing a business website.

Step 18: Plan Your Pre-Launch Marketing and Opening

You do not need to advertise everywhere. You need to show up in the places where your referrals and ideal clients already look.

Start with referral partnerships and local organizations that already serve your target audience. Then build a basic online presence so people can verify you quickly.

If you run a public facility, your physical signage and first impression matter. Keep it professional and compliant with local rules.

For planning help, review Ideas for Your Grand Opening and keep it simple and safe.

Equipment and Setup Checklist for Launch

This list is meant to help you build a complete buying plan. You may not need everything at once, but you should know what a full setup requires.

Costs vary by scale and facility type. Your best approach is to list what you need, then collect quotes from suppliers and service providers before spending.

Horse Care and Stable Essentials

These items support daily horse health and safe handling. Even if you partner with a facility, confirm who provides what.

Therapy-suitable horses selected for temperament and soundness
Stalls or shelter suitable for your horse count
Stall mats (if using stalls)
Feed and secure feed storage containers
Water troughs or automatic waterers
Hoses and basic wash tools
Wheelbarrows
Manure forks and shovels
Brooms and stable cleaning tools
Bedding storage (if using bedding)
Grooming kits (brushes, hoof picks, curry combs)
Basic equine first-aid supplies
Fly control tools (masks, sprays, traps)

Facility Safety and Control

These items help protect clients and animals. Safety begins with secure fencing and clear boundaries.

Perimeter fencing and secure gates
Arena fencing (if separate)
Round pen (optional, based on your model)
Arena footing maintenance tools (drag or harrow)
Rules and safety signage
Designated client waiting area (simple and safe)

Mounted Program Tack and Riding Gear

If you offer mounted sessions, your tack must fit your horses and match your safety standards.

Saddles sized to each horse used in sessions
Saddle pads
Girths
Bridles
Halters and lead ropes
Mounting blocks
Adaptive tack as needed (based on your program and participants)
Extra straps and safety supports appropriate to your model

Client Access and Support Items

Equine therapy businesses often serve clients with mobility needs. Plan your access tools before you open, not after someone struggles to participate.

Mounting ramp or mounting platform (based on your client needs)
Clear, stable approach path to the arena and mounting area
Accessible restroom plan (facility-dependent)
Transfer support tools as appropriate for your trained team and model

People Safety Gear and Emergency Readiness

These items help reduce avoidable injury risk. Your insurer may have requirements. Your program standards may also set expectations.

Properly fitted riding helmets for mounted programs
Gloves for staff as needed
Closed-toe footwear policy support (spare options if needed)
Human first-aid kit for the facility
Fire extinguishers appropriate to your facility layout
Emergency contact board for staff

Office, Records, and Scheduling

This business needs clean documentation. Even non-clinical programs benefit from clear records and written session notes.

Scheduling system (software or paper-based)
Secure storage for client paperwork (locked cabinet if paper)
Printer and scanner (if needed)
Basic website or booking page
Payment processing setup

Transport Items (Only if You Move Horses)

If you transport horses, plan your vehicle and documentation needs early. Interstate requirements vary by state.

Horse trailer
Tow vehicle
Horse identification documents
Veterinary relationship for travel documentation when required

Pros and Cons of Starting an Equine Therapy Business

Every business has trade-offs. This one has more moving parts than most because you are responsible for both clients and animals.

Seeing the pros and cons clearly helps you plan without fantasy.

Pro: Multiple valid service models exist, from ground-based sessions to mounted programs, depending on credentials and staffing.
Pro: Strong referral potential when your service type matches local needs and you build trust with providers.
Pro: Clear differentiation is possible when your program is well-defined and professionally presented.
Con: Higher fixed costs because horses require daily care and facilities require upkeep.
Con: Safety and liability exposure are significant and must be addressed before launch.
Con: Staffing can be complex, especially for clinical or team-based service models.

Skills You Need to Launch This Business

You do not need to be perfect at everything. But you do need the right skills present in your business before the first client session.

Some skills can be learned. Others should be brought in through qualified professionals.

Safe horse handling and calm decision-making under pressure
Ability to evaluate horse temperament and suitability for client work
Basic facility safety awareness (hazards, gates, footing, weather risks)
Client communication skills and clear boundaries
Documentation discipline for client paperwork and incident records
Credential alignment based on your service type
Basic budgeting and planning skills tied to fixed cost control

Day-to-Day Activities You Must Be Ready For

You’re building the business now, but you should understand what daily life will look like once you open. That helps you design systems before you get busy.

Keep this list in mind while building your schedule and staffing plan.

Facility walk-through for safety and hazard checks
Horse feeding, watering, and basic health observation
Grooming and tack inspection (if mounted programs)
Client arrival check-in and safety briefing
Session support and safety oversight
Post-session cleanup and equipment reset
Session documentation and follow-up communication

A Day in the Life of an Owner

Most owners start early. Horses do not wait for business hours.

You may begin with a quick facility check, then prep horses and gear before clients arrive.

During sessions, you are watching details. Client focus. Horse behavior. Staff positioning. Small changes matter.

After sessions, you reset the space, handle paperwork, and confirm the next day’s schedule. The work is rewarding, but it is not light.

Red Flags to Watch for Before You Launch

Most failures in this space are not caused by a lack of heart. They happen when the business is built on unclear service definitions or weak safety controls.

Use this list as a self-audit before opening day.

Using “therapy” language without matching the service to proper credentials for your model
No written emergency plan for injuries or horse incidents
Relying on one person to do everything during sessions without support
Horses selected based on convenience instead of temperament and soundness
No clear client eligibility rules and safety screening process
Facility layout that creates barriers for clients with mobility needs
Local zoning and business licensing not verified before setup spending

Pre-Launch Paperwork You Should Have Ready

Paperwork is not busywork here. It is how you protect clients, staff, and your business.

Keep it simple and professional.

Client participation agreements and safety rules
Emergency contact forms
Medical clearance requirements if your model requires them
Session policies (late arrival, cancellation, weather)
Staff role definitions and safety responsibilities
Incident reporting forms

Varies by Jurisdiction

Equine therapy businesses are heavily affected by local rules because they involve land use, animals, and public-facing services.

Use this checklist as a quick local verification guide. Confirm each item before your final setup.

Business registration requirements through your Secretary of State
State tax registration through your Department of Revenue or tax agency
Local business license rules through your city or county
Zoning approval for equine use and client visits through your planning office
Building permits and a Certificate of Occupancy if you build, remodel, or change use
Sign permit rules if you plan outdoor signage

Here are a few smart questions to ask locally:

Is this property zoned for equine use and client-facing services?
Do I need inspections or a Certificate of Occupancy before opening to the public?
Are there limits on parking, signage, or the number of animals on site?

Pre-Opening Checklist

This is your final launch filter. If you can check these off, you’re not guessing anymore. You’re opening with control.

Keep it tight and focus on safe readiness, not perfection.

Business entity registered and business name confirmed
Employer Identification Number obtained if needed
Local business license verified and completed if required
Zoning approval confirmed for your planned use
Insurance coverage active and matched to your program model
Facility safety check completed (fencing, footing, gates, signage)
Equipment checklist complete for your first launch schedule
Client paperwork finalized and stored securely
Payment method ready and tested
Website live with clear service descriptions and contact options
Soft opening plan set with a limited number of sessions

Keep Your Perspective Strong

This business can change lives. But your first job is to build it the right way. Safe, legal, and clear.

If you want a grounded view of what business ownership looks like behind the scenes, read Business Inside Look.

Start small if you need to. Partner if it reduces risk. And build the program you can stand behind.

101 Tips to Plan, Start, and Run Your Equine Therapy Business

These tips pull from different parts of business so you can pick what fits your situation.

Some ideas will click right away, and others will make sense later as you gain experience.

Save this page and come back when you hit a new step or a new challenge.

Pick one tip, use it this week, and return for the next one when you’re ready.

What to Do Before Starting

1. Pick your exact service type first, because “equine therapy” can mean very different things depending on who delivers it and how it’s structured.

2. Decide if your program is mounted, ground-based, or a mix, since that choice drives safety gear, staff support, and facility layout.

3. Write a one-sentence promise for your business that stays inside your skills and credentials, not what you wish you could offer.

4. Define the client types you will and will not accept before you advertise, so you do not get pressured into unsafe situations.

5. Start small on purpose, because horses and facilities create fixed costs that do not wait for a “busy season.”

6. Build your first offer around one clear session format, not five different options that confuse referrals and clients.

7. Talk to local referral sources early, because many equine therapy businesses grow through trust and word-of-mouth, not ads.

8. Ask referral partners what they struggle to find locally, then shape your service menu around that real gap.

9. Visit other programs as a customer would, and note what feels safe, calm, and well-organized.

10. List every competitor within driving distance, and write one honest reason someone would choose you instead.

11. Decide if you are building a for-profit business or a nonprofit from the start, because the paperwork and funding options differ.

12. Make a simple break-even plan before you buy anything, so you know how many sessions you need each week to cover your basics.

13. Choose a launch path: partner with an existing barn, lease a suitable facility, or build on owned land.

14. If you partner with a barn, get terms in writing, including arena access, storage, hours, and who handles daily horse care.

15. Build a “no surprises” list of responsibilities, because clients, horses, weather, and safety rules all land on the owner eventually.

16. Decide how you will schedule sessions, because a messy schedule creates stress and raises safety risk.

17. Make a plan for professional help early, such as an attorney for agreements or an accountant for setup, so you do not stall out alone.

18. Do a home-life reality check, because morning and evening horse care can affect family time even before you open.

19. Ask yourself this question in plain words: “Are you moving toward something or running away from something?”

20. Speak with owners in a non-competing area and ask what they would do differently during the first 90 days.

What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Risks, and Expectations)

21. Learn the difference between clinical therapy services and non-clinical equine services, because language and staffing standards matter.

22. If you plan to support clinical care, confirm how licensed professionals fit into your delivery model before you start sessions.

23. If you plan to support mental health work, confirm who leads sessions and what training your team needs to stay within ethical scope.

24. Treat safety as part of your product, because clients and caregivers will judge you on control and calm more than marketing.

25. Plan for weather disruptions from day one, because outdoor programs must handle heat, storms, ice, and poor footing.

26. Assume some clients will arrive anxious, overwhelmed, or physically limited, and design your arrival process to reduce stress.

27. Expect your facility to be evaluated by the public eye, so keep parking, signage, and client areas clean and clear.

28. Understand that horses are not equipment, because temperament, soundness, and training directly affect client safety.

29. Create a horse selection standard in writing, so you do not use “whatever is available” when a session is scheduled.

30. Build a contingency plan for horse downtime, because injuries and behavior changes will happen even with good care.

31. Study equine activity liability laws in your state, because many states have special rules for equine businesses and required warning language.

32. Decide early if you will ever transport horses, because travel paperwork and health requirements can change your workload fast.

Legal and Compliance Setup

33. Choose a business structure that matches your risk level, because equine activities bring real liability exposure.

34. If you start as a sole proprietor, set a clear trigger to move into a limited liability company, such as “before the first paid session.”

35. Register your business with your state using your Secretary of State website, and print your approval records for your files.

36. Apply for an Employer Identification Number through the Internal Revenue Service if you need one for banking, hiring, or tax setup.

37. Open a dedicated business bank account as soon as you can, because mixing personal and business funds creates confusion later.

38. Confirm sales and use tax rules with your state tax agency, because some products you sell may be taxable even if services are not.

39. If you plan to hire staff or pay contractors, set up payroll and reporting correctly before the first workday.

40. Check whether your city or county requires a general business license, because local rules vary widely.

41. Verify zoning before you sign a lease, because “horse property” does not always mean “public-facing program allowed.”

42. If you build, renovate, or change how a facility is used, ask the building department if a Certificate of Occupancy is required.

43. If your facility is open to the public, review basic Americans with Disabilities Act requirements so access planning is handled early.

44. Confirm sign rules before installing anything outside, because many counties regulate size, lighting, placement, and permits.

45. Use plain-language client agreements that match your services, because unclear paperwork creates conflict and distrust.

46. Build an incident documentation process before your first session, because waiting until an emergency is a losing plan.

47. If you transport horses across state lines, confirm whether a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection is required for the destination state.

48. Keep a folder of verified compliance items, because you will need them for landlords, insurers, partners, and audits.

49. If your program works with minors, set a written parent or guardian approval process and confirm your state rules.

50. Create a local verification checklist you follow every time you expand, because requirements can change by city, county, and state.

Location and Facility Setup

51. Pick a location that supports both horses and people, because the client experience starts in the parking lot, not in the arena.

52. Avoid locations with hard-to-navigate driveways or unsafe traffic patterns, because anxious arrivals increase risk.

53. Plan a quiet waiting area, because many clients do better when they can settle before interacting with horses.

54. Design a clear client flow from arrival to session to exit, so you never have confused people wandering near horses.

55. Build safe walking paths with stable footing, because uneven ground is a common source of avoidable falls.

56. If you offer mounted sessions, plan mounting access that is stable, roomy, and easy for helpers to work around.

57. Separate client areas from barn work zones, because busy equipment and horse movement do not mix well with visitors.

58. Use simple, visible signage for rules and restricted areas, because people follow what they can clearly see.

59. Plan storage before you buy equipment, because loose tack and clutter become safety hazards fast.

60. Confirm your water source and capacity, because horse care and basic cleaning can demand more than you expect.

61. Make a manure management plan before opening, because neglecting it creates health, odor, and neighbor issues.

62. Plan lighting for early and late sessions, because poor visibility raises risk for clients and staff.

63. Build an emergency access plan for vehicles, because ambulances and service trucks need room to reach your facility.

64. Do a full safety walk-through with a checklist before opening, because “we’ll fix it later” turns into injuries.

Horses and Essential Equipment

65. Choose horses for temperament first, because calm behavior is more valuable than fancy training in client work.

66. Require a veterinary evaluation before adding a new horse to the program, because soundness affects safety and session quality.

67. Build a gradual onboarding process for horses, because new environments can change behavior even in “quiet” animals.

68. Keep separate grooming tools for each horse when possible, because shared tools can spread skin issues.

69. Use secure feed storage, because accidental access to grain can create medical emergencies.

70. Keep clear stall or shelter standards, because safe housing reduces stress and injuries.

71. If you offer mounted work, maintain tack fit standards for each horse, because poor fit creates pain and behavior problems.

72. Stock properly fitted riding helmets for mounted sessions, because head protection should not depend on what a client owns.

73. Use consistent safety checks on tack and gear, because worn straps and damaged equipment fail at the worst time.

74. If you use adaptive tack, keep it labeled and organized, because mixing sizes and parts wastes time and raises risk.

75. Keep a human first aid kit in an easy-to-reach spot, because emergencies happen when you least expect them.

76. Keep fire extinguishers where staff can access them quickly, because barns and hay introduce real fire risk.

77. Use fencing that is safe for horses and clients, because broken rails and loose wire are injuries waiting to happen.

78. Maintain arena footing, because poor footing increases slips and joint strain for both horses and people.

79. Keep spare lead ropes and halters available, because broken hardware can stop a session instantly.

80. Build a secure place for client records, because private information must be handled responsibly even in small businesses.

Pricing, Profit Planning, and Revenue Setup

81. Price your services based on time and support needs, not just what other businesses charge.

82. Start with a simple pricing menu, because too many options confuse new clients and referral partners.

83. Separate evaluation sessions from ongoing sessions if your model needs it, because first visits often require extra time and paperwork.

84. Calculate how many sessions you can safely run per day, because pushing schedule volume often reduces safety and quality.

85. Build your break-even point using fixed costs like facility payments, feed, and insurance, because those bills do not pause.

86. Decide how you will accept payment before you launch, because you want smooth, professional transactions from day one.

87. Set a clear cancellation policy in writing, because weather, illness, and no-shows will happen.

88. Plan your first three months of cash needs, because early revenue is rarely steady even when demand looks strong.

89. Avoid discounting to “fill the calendar,” because it can attract the wrong clients and harm your long-term pricing power.

90. Keep a pricing review date on your calendar, because once your true time per session is clear, pricing may need adjustment.

Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)

91. Start with local referral relationships, because many clients trust recommendations more than search results.

92. Create a one-page program summary you can hand to clinics and counselors, because busy professionals want quick clarity.

93. Build a simple website that explains who you serve, what sessions look like, and how to contact you.

94. Use photos that show safety and professionalism, because caregivers want proof of a controlled environment.

95. Keep your social media focused on education and clarity, not hype, because trust is your biggest advantage.

96. Partner with local nonprofits and support groups when it fits, because those communities can connect you to the right clients.

97. Offer an open-house style orientation event before launch, because it helps families understand expectations and reduces fear.

98. Collect reviews the right way by asking for honest feedback, because real words from real clients build confidence.

What Not to Do

99. Do not label services as clinical therapy unless licensed professionals are truly delivering them, because that can create legal and ethical problems.

100. Do not buy multiple horses before your schedule is proven, because animal care costs are real even when bookings are slow.

101. Do not open without written safety rules and an emergency plan, because “we’ll figure it out” is not a plan in this business.

If you treat this business like a safety-first service and not a hobby, you’ll stand out fast.

Start small, build trust, and tighten your setup before you expand.

The best programs grow because they stay clear, consistent, and responsible from day one.

FAQs

Question: What’s the difference between hippotherapy and therapeutic riding for business setup?

Answer: Hippotherapy is a clinical treatment tool used by licensed therapy professionals. Therapeutic or adaptive riding is typically instruction-based and may follow industry certification standards.

Question: Do I need to be a licensed therapist to start an equine therapy business?

Answer: Not always, but it depends on the services you offer and how you describe them. If you offer clinical therapy, licensed professionals must deliver that care.

Question: Can I offer equine-assisted psychotherapy without a mental health license?

Answer: If your program includes psychotherapy, a licensed mental health professional should lead the clinical work. Some models use a team approach that includes an equine specialist plus the licensed provider.

Question: What business structure makes the most sense for an equine therapy business?

Answer: Many owners choose a limited liability structure because the business involves animals, clients, and physical risk. A local attorney or accountant can help you pick the best fit for your state and goals.

Question: What permits and approvals do I need to open a facility?

Answer: Requirements vary by city and county, so start with zoning and business licensing. If you renovate or change the use of a building, you may also need inspections and approvals.

Question: How do I check if my property is zoned for equine therapy services?

Answer: Contact your city or county planning and zoning office with the property address and your planned use. Ask if client visits, signage, parking, and animal use are allowed under your zoning category.

Question: Do I need to follow accessibility rules if clients visit my site?

Answer: If your facility is open to the public, accessibility rules may apply to your buildings and client areas. Confirm requirements before you build or remodel so you do not have to redo work later.

Question: What registrations do I need before I open my business bank account?

Answer: Many banks want your state business registration documents and an Employer Identification Number. The Internal Revenue Service issues the Employer Identification Number through its official application process.

Question: What insurance do equine therapy business owners usually need before opening?

Answer: Coverage often includes general liability and equine-related liability due to the risks involved. Talk to an insurance professional who understands equine activities and your exact service model.

Question: What equipment is essential before I run my first session?

Answer: You need safe fencing, a controlled session area, horse handling gear, and basic emergency supplies. If you offer mounted work, you also need properly fitted riding helmets and tack that fits the horse.

Question: How many horses do I need to start?

Answer: Many programs start with one or a small number of reliable horses that match the planned services. It is safer to expand after you prove demand and your staffing support.

Question: How do I find horses that are suitable for therapy work?

Answer: Look for calm temperament, consistent behavior, and sound movement that fits your program. Use a veterinary evaluation and a trial period before placing a horse into sessions.

Question: How should I set up pricing for sessions as a new owner?

Answer: Build your price from your time, staff support needs, facility costs, and horse care costs. Start with a simple menu and adjust after you learn your real session flow.

Question: What paperwork should I have ready before the first client session?

Answer: You should have participation agreements, safety rules, and emergency contact forms. Keep an incident reporting process ready so staff know what to do if something goes wrong.

Question: If I transport horses, what do I need to know about crossing state lines?

Answer: Many states require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection for horses entering from another state. Always check the destination state rules before travel.

Question: How do I staff sessions safely when I’m just starting out?

Answer: Staff needs depend on your client needs and whether sessions are mounted or ground-based. Many programs use defined roles like handler support and side support to reduce risk.

Question: What should my daily workflow look like once I’m running sessions?

Answer: Build a routine that starts with a facility safety check and ends with equipment inspection and documentation. Consistency helps reduce errors and keeps sessions calm.

Question: How do I get steady referrals without spending big money on advertising?

Answer: Build relationships with local therapy clinics, counselors, schools, and community programs. Make it easy for them to understand your services and how to refer a client.

Question: What numbers should I track to know if the business is healthy?

Answer: Track sessions per week, capacity use, cancellations, and fixed monthly costs. Also track horse downtime and safety incidents so you can spot risk early.

Question: What are common mistakes new equine therapy business owners make?

Answer: A common mistake is offering services outside the team’s credentials or training. Another is expanding horses or space before demand and cash reserves are stable.

Question: How do I protect cash flow when demand is seasonal or uneven?

Answer: Build a reserve fund and set a clear cancellation policy you enforce consistently. Plan scheduling around weather patterns and school calendars when they affect your area.

Sources:

American Hippotherapy Association: What Hippotherapy Means
Eagala: Eagala Model Overview
PATH International: Certification Information, Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Internal Revenue Service: Get Employer ID Number
U.S. Small Business Administration: Register Your Business, Apply Licenses Permits
ADA.gov: 2010 ADA Standards
U.S. Access Board: Ramps and Curb Ramps
USDA APHIS: Interstate Horse Movement
National Agricultural Law Center: Equine Activity Statutes