How Much It Costs to Run a Profitable Horse Business – GallopGo Stables

A horse riding session may look like a simple leisure activity. You arrive at a stable, meet your instructor, climb onto a horse and enjoy a ride. But behind that experience is a business that requires millions of shillings in investment, specialised staff and constant spending on animal welfare.

At GallopGo Stables, located in Old Kitusuru Estate in Westlands, the business revolves around turning people's interest in horses into an experience they are willing to pay for.

"We teach people how to horse ride, do trails here at our stables and in Karura Forest," says Perpetual, the stable's manager, told Money254.co.ke.

Cost of Buying a Horse

One of the biggest investments when starting a horse riding business is acquiring the horses themselves.

GallopGo Stables currently has approximately 10 horses, with each costing Ksh1 million or more.

However, buying the animals is only the beginning. Horses require regular feeding, veterinary attention, grooming and round-the-clock care.

According to Perpetual, maintaining one horse can cost approximately Ksh100,000, covering expenses such as feeding, hay and veterinary services.

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"Horses have to have hay all the time," she explains, adding that the animals also need someone to look after them, including at night.

Other expenses include farrier services, which involve caring for and maintaining horses' hooves, as well as specialised feeds.

These costs make horse welfare one of the biggest financial responsibilities for anyone running a stable.

How GallopGo Stables Makes Money

To generate income, the business has diversified beyond ordinary riding lessons.

At the stables, riding sessions start at Ksh1,800 for the shortest ride, while longer experiences can cost between Ksh4,000 and Ksh7,000.

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Customers can choose between individual lessons and packages, depending on how frequently they want to ride.

The stable also organises horse riding trails in Karura Forest, although these are only available on weekends.

Other revenue streams include leasing horses. The facility also has a picnic area that can be rented for private events.

During school holidays, pony camps provide another source of income. Children attend sessions from 9 am to 1 pm, where they learn about horses, participate in activities such as beadwork and weaving, and get an opportunity to ride.

Weekends are particularly busy. On a good day, the stable serves approximately 20 to 30 customers.

Perpetual estimates that the business can generate between Ksh50,000 and Ksh100,000 on a good day, although customer numbers fluctuate depending on the day.

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Running a Horse Stables

Running a horse riding centre also requires investing in people who understand both horses and customers.

GallopGo Stables has approximately seven employees, with staff expected to have the qualifications needed to work as riding guides and instructors.

They must understand how to teach clients, recognise horses' moods and handle different riding activities, including dressage and show jumping. But technical knowledge alone is not enough.

The employees are responsible for ensuring the horses are properly cared for while also making sure customers have a good experience.

For anyone considering entering the equestrian business, Perpetual advises against rushing into it. She estimates that starting and running a stable properly requires a few million shillings, alongside reliable employees and people who genuinely understand animal care.

Sourcing suitable horses can be difficult, while finding qualified instructors is another important consideration.

Her advice is to plan every stage carefully before committing money.

Ultimately, running a horse business requires more than owning beautiful animals. It takes significant capital, specialised knowledge and a commitment to caring for the horses every single day.