Horses can live well into their 20s, and often into their 30s. Not all horse owners are prepared to provide the care that elderly equine partners require; this is where the horse retirement home comes in. These facilities are designed to provide a safe and comfortable place for the retired horse to live out the rest of his days in peace and the company of others.
Instructions
1. Research the facts about Horse Retirement homes. Make calls to people who are already in the business, as well as your local Better Business Bureau (for information on starting a nonprofit business). It is absolutely vital to understand what you are getting into; consider volunteering with a successful horse retirement facility to get hands-on experience.
2. Call your state's Department of Agriculture to determine if there are guidelines you need to adhere to.
3. Find a veterinarian willing to be affiliated with your facility. With elderly horses or horses forced into retirement, you need a trained and licensed veterinarian who is actively involved and committed to your cause.
4. Locate a suitable piece of land for the retirement home. Land is the most important part of keeping livestock, and its location will help determine the costs of running a horse retirement operation.
5. Determine all the costs involved in operating a horse retirement home. Even with the best weather and a natural water supply (pond, creek, etc.) you will have to calculate the costs of supplemental feed as well as clean, managed water sources.
6. Fill out a 501c3 form, which provides tax-exempt status for your horse retirement home. Some websites offer the services of pro bono lawyers willing to help fill out the forms with little or no charge to you.
7. Build a reputation by letting veterinarians know about your facilities and the services you can provide. A website can also be a vital tool in spreading word-of-mouth and getting clients.
8. Write a contract protecting your rights and outlining the expectations you must meet in the interest of the horses' proper retirement care. A lawyer would be an advisable ally in drafting proper legal documents in order to protect you under your state's laws.
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